General Work Visa in South Africa in 2026
South Africa's General Work Visa now operates within the gazetted points-based system.
100-point threshold
The current points notice requires an applicant to reach 100 points and also satisfy all other prescribed immigration requirements. If the 100-point threshold is reached through a combination of qualifying criteria other than a listed critical-skill occupation, the applicant may qualify for a General Work Visa.
The gazetted schedule awards points for a critical-skills occupation, qualification level, the mandatory offer of employment and its remuneration band, work experience, and an offer from a Trusted Employer. Applicants should use the current gazette rather than older draft scoring summaries.
Income threshold
Government guidance accompanying the 2024 reform states that General Work Visa applications submitted outside the Trusted Employer Scheme use a gross annual remuneration threshold of R650,796.
Not the same as Critical Skills
General Work and Critical Skills visas share the points system but remain different legal routes. A high score does not remove the need to meet the underlying visa requirements.
Official source: General Work Visa.
Related: South Africa immigration hub, methodology, and the legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- South African government — General Work Visagovernment · accessed 2026-09-23