For years, the General Work Visa was the most difficult permit to obtain. It required a certificate from the Department of Labour, a process that could take 12 months, usually resulting in a rejection.

That era is over.

In October 2024, the Department of Home Affairs officially gazetted a new Points-Based System for General Work Visas. This is the most significant immigration reform in a decade, removing the Department of Labour entirely from the process.

The New Rule: Hit 100 Points

You no longer need to prove that "no South African could do the job." Instead, you must score a minimum of 100 points based on your personal attributes. If you hit 100, you qualify. It is objective, transparent, and much faster.

How the Points Are Calculated

The scorecard rewards high qualifications and high earners. Here is the official breakdown:

  • Qualifications:

    • 50 Points: Master's Degree (NQF 9) or PhD (NQF 10).

    • 30 Points: Bachelor's Degree or Honours (NQF 7/8).

  • Salary (Gross Annual):

    • 50 Points: R976,194 or more per year.

    • 20 Points: Between R650,796 and R976,194 per year.

  • Work Experience:

    • 30 Points: 10+ years of relevant experience.

    • 20 Points: 5-10 years of relevant experience.

  • Employer Status:

    • 30 Points: If your offer is from a "Trusted Employer" (a specific Home Affairs designation).

  • Language:

    • 10 Points: Proficiency in one official South African language (including English).

Critical Skills vs. General Work Points

It is important to note:

  • Critical Skills Visa: If your job is on the Critical Skills List, you automatically get 100 points and do not need to worry about the other categories (though you still need SAQA and professional body registration).

  • General Work Visa: If your job is not on the list, you must build your 100 points from the categories above (e.g., Degree + Salary + Experience).

The "SAQA Waiver" Benefit

Another massive win is the SAQA concession. If you have applied for your SAQA verification but haven't received the certificate yet, you can now be issued a 12-month visa to start working immediately, provided you submit the final certificate before the year is up.

How NAC Travel Assists

This new system is fantastic, but the calculation must be precise.

  • Instant Points Assessment: At savisas.nac-travel.org, we review your CV and offer letter to calculate your exact score before you apply.

  • SAQA Expediting: We manage the SAQA application proof required to unlock the 12-month visa option.

  • Trusted Employer Check: We verify if your prospective employer is on the "Trusted" list to claim those crucial extra 30 points.

Stop waiting for a Labour certificate that isn't coming. Check your score and start your new job.