General work permits are valid for the duration of the contract of employment. A general work permit shall lapse if within 6 months of issuance and if every year thereafter the holder fails to submit satisfactory proof to the Director-General that he/she is still employed along with proof of the terms and conditions of the job, and the job description

A corporate permit allows a corporate entity (e.g. a mine group, farmer, etc.) to employ a pre-determined number of skilled/semi-skilled/unskilled workers. There is no fixed validity period for such permits as the validity period is determined and stipulated by the corporate entity upon application. A corporate visa is issued for a period not exceeding three years. Applications must be made at a Visa & Permit Facilitation Centre close to applicant’s residence.

Applications can be made at any Visa Facilitation Centre in South Africa. Please note that an applicant must ensure he/she falls under the Critical Skills category before applying for a visa or permit.

Study permits are valid for the duration of the course for which they are issued, alternatively 36 months for school and 24 months for other institutions.

Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country must apply for a business permit. As an applicant, you will be required to invest a prescribed financial capital contribution.

Applications for permanent residency in South Africa are considered in terms of Section 26 (Direct Residency Permits) and Section 27 (Residency-on-Other-Grounds Permits) of the Immigration Act 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002), and read with Regulation 33 of the Immigration Regulations. In terms of granting Permanent Residency Permits, emphasis is placed on immigrants who are in a position to make a meaningful contribution to broadening the economic base of South Africa.

In order to make an application for a permanent residency permit, applicants must first submit representation to the Minister of Home Affairs motivating why he or she should be declared not to be a prohibited person or an undesirable person.