About applying for a quota work permit

Apply for a quota work permit to work in South Africa, if you are a foreigner with scares skills.
 
A quota permit is in accordance with the South African Government Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA), the minister of Home Affairs in conjunction with the counterparts in Trade and Industry and Labour, on an annual basis publish specific professional categories for which a demand exists in the local labour market.

Applicants for work permits in such professional categories are issued with quota work permits for an unlimited period of time.

You must fall within a specific professional category or within occupational class determined by the Minister by notice in the government gazette.

The quota permit is issued for a period of five years at a time.

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office or South African representative if you are applying from abroad.
• Complete form DHA-1738 if abroad or DHA 1740 if applying in South Africa.
• Your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit. 
• Submit the following:
• cash deposit of equivalent value of your return ticket to your country of origin or residence
• a vaccination certificate, if required
• a medical report and radiological report
• proof of financial means in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available, or travellers’ cheques to cover living expenses until you receive a salary
• a valid temporary residence permit, if applicable
• a police clearance from all countries you lived in since the age of 18 for 12 months or longer
• have your qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
• obtain registration with the relevant professional body, board or council if your field is one where such permission is required
• confirmation of the required experience for the occupation
• within 90 days of admission, you must submit to the Director- General confirmation of secured employment within the category or class contemplated in the act
• have to report every 12 months that you are still with the employer.
  

Note: If your qualifications are not in English, you must have them translated by a sworn translator into English.

The immigration act requires you to enter South Africa on a temporary residence permit commensurate with the intended activity to be taken in the country.

Timeframe

It might take a month to finalise your application.

How much does it cost

R1 520

Forms to complete

Application for temporary residence permit, BI-1738

Who to contact