Work Visa Points Calculator
Calculate your South African work visa points score. Covers the General Work Visa points system, Critical Skills Visa requirements, and application checklist.
Quick Calculator Get a fast estimate
Points Score
68 / 100 required
Status
32 points short
Age
20 pts
Qualification
18 pts
Experience
15 pts
Salary
15 pts
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SA Work Visa Points System
South Africa's General Work Visa uses a points system — you need 100 points. Points are earned across six categories: age (max 20), qualifications (max 30), experience (max 20), salary (max 25), SA citizen/PR spouse (10), and critical skills list (10). A total of 115 points is possible.
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Extended Calculator More options, charts, and scenario comparison
Age
| Age Range | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 5 |
| 25–32 | 20 |
| 33–44 | 15 |
| 45–55 | 8 |
| 56–65 | 3 |
Qualification
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| No tertiary | 0 |
| Diploma/Certificate | 10 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 18 |
| Honours/PG Diploma | 21 |
| Master's Degree | 25 |
| Doctorate/PhD | 30 |
Experience
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| <2 years | 0 |
| 2–4 years | 5 |
| 5–9 years | 15 |
| 10+ years | 20 |
Salary
| Salary Range | Points |
|---|---|
| <R15,000/month | 0 |
| R15,000–R29,999 | 10 |
| R30,000–R59,999 | 15 |
| R60,000–R99,999 | 20 |
| R100,000+ | 25 |
Bonus points: SA citizen/PR spouse +10 | Critical Skills List +10 | SA-recognised language proficiency +0–5
Points Breakdown
| Category | Maximum Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25–32 is highest) | 20 | 5–20 pts by age range |
| Qualification | 30 | PhD = 30; Degree = 18 |
| Work Experience | 20 | 10+ years = 20 pts |
| Salary Offer | 25 | R100,000+/month = 25 pts |
| SA Spouse/Partner | 10 | Bonus points |
| Critical Skills | 10 | DHET list only |
Need full precision?
Professional Calculator Complete parameters, sensitivity analysis, and detailed breakdown
Detailed Points Assessment
years
years
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Total Points Score
68 / 100 required — Not yet eligible
Age
20 pts
Qualification
18 pts
Experience
15 pts
Salary
15 pts
Bonuses
0 pts
To reach 100 points (need +32):
- SA citizen/PR spouse/partner (+10 pts)
- Confirm critical skills sector (+10 pts)
- Gain 5 more years experience (+5 pts)
- Negotiate higher salary offer (+5–10 pts)
Work Visa Application Checklist
Disclaimer: The points system shown is based on the SA Department of Home Affairs points-based General Work Visa framework. Immigration law changes frequently. Consult a registered South African immigration practitioner for advice specific to your situation. Contact the DHA at vfs.global/southafrica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) evaluation is required to have your foreign qualification recognised for visa purposes. Allow 3–6 months for processing. Apply at saqa.org.za. The evaluation costs R1,230 and must be submitted with your visa application.
No. You may not work in SA while your work visa application is pending, unless you hold a current valid work visa. Violation of visa conditions can result in being declared an undesirable person. Some employers use Section 11(b) visitor visas for legitimate business activities, but not for regular employment.