All work permit and workseeker's permit applicants must be in possession of valid employment offer from an organisation in South Africa. All applications must be accompanied by the prescribed supporting documents and processing fees, which are non-refundable. Foreigners are permitted to reside temporarily in SA only for a maximum period of 3 years.

As South Africa's population reaches 40 million, one third of this population remains unemployed. Hence, it is the Government's intent to serve the interests of its citizens first. To do so the Government intends to apply a strict admission and migration policy so as to admit only those foreigners whose intention is to seriously and meaningfully contribute to the SA economy. SA has a vast reserve of unskilled and semi-skilled worker are entitled to employment opputunities and to an economically viable lifestyle. Hence the Government is committed to job creation through inter alia, foreign investors who are interested in investing their assets, skills, knowledge and experience transfer and development of its people.

Documentation to be submitted

•	Application forms BI-159: A and C, BI-806 (IM - 13).
•	Decree of divorce/court order, where applicable, as well as proof of maintenance paid to family members (also in the case of separations).
•	Marraige certificate, where applicable.
•	Full birth certificate(s) of children, where applicable.
•	Already received an offer of employment.
•	An employment contract specifying the occupation and capacity in which employed, maximum duration of employment and remuneration.
•	Qualifications (evaluated by the Human Sciences Research Council, in the case of doubtful qualifications), especially in respect of technicians and engineers.
•	Testimonials / service certificates from previous employees indicating, inter alia, the applicant's competencies and / or skills.
•	Curriculum Vitae.
•	Proof of advertisements, steps taken to fill the post, how many South African citizens / permanent residents applied and why they were found unsuitable.
•	Police clearance certificates (unless otherwise indicated below). All applicants 18 years and older, in respect of all countries where person(s) resided one (1) year or longer.
•	Medical certificate (BI-811).
•	English translation of certificates and other documents, if submitted in a foreign language.
•	Proof of registration with a South African professional body, if applicable.
•	Refundable Cash deposit / bank guarantee.
•	For Fee structure please click.

Advertisement in the following newspapers:
(Post to advertised for at least 30 days)

1	The Sowetan
2	City Press
3	Rapport
4	Sunday Times
5	Sunday Independent
6	Sunday Tribine
7	Sunday World
8	Mail & Guardian

Processing period would be 4-5 months.
NB - Internet is not acceptable as a means of advertisement.

WORK SEEKER'S PERMIT
This permit is limited only to those persons who are in possession of a confirmed job offer, a contract and intends to proceed to SA for the purposes of finalising the contract. This permit may be converted to work permit at a local Home Affairs Office in SA on submission of a workpermit application and a prescribed fee.

Documentation to be submitted
All the requirements as under the work permit.