How does a South African get a work visa for the UK?
Rachel Hickman
Published Mar 15, 2026
How does a South African get a work visa for the UK?
How do I get a work visa for the UK?
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Gather your documents.
- Register on the Visa4UK website and complete the application form.
- Pay the visa fee and health care surcharge.
- Print out your application form.
How much bank balance is required for UK business visa?
You must have at least £4,000 in your savings. Anything less than that can raise questions and lead to visa refusal. Again, UK Visas and Immigration does not specify what is acceptable in terms of funds.
How much does a UK visa cost in South Africa?
Standard Visitor visa – for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
| Visa types | Visa application fee (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 2090 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 7942 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 14409 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 18083 |
Can South African work in UK?
South African citizens can apply through the Skilled Worker visa to enter and work in the UK after securing employment with a Home Office approved employer. The Home Office will evaluate the qualified professionals based on the new points-based system introduced in December 2020.
Can I immigrate to the UK from South Africa?
South Africans keen to immigrate to the UK will have to acquire at least 70 points in order to be eligible for a sponsored Skilled Worker visa. The new system allows both EU and non-EU nationals to apply for the relevant visas required to live and work in the UK.
Can I get a UK work visa without sponsorship?
If you are a non-EU/EFTA national wanting to work in the UK, you will need a work permit UK relating to the type of work that you are doing. Most of the UK work visas require sponsorships from the UK-based employer so you will need to have secured a suitable job and sponsorship before applying for the UK work visa.
How strict is UK visa?
UK visa application is the most strict and highly scrutinized visa process. The UK Visas and Immigration receives thousands of visa applications every year that do not meet visa requirements. According to national statistics published by the Home Office, the UK visitor visa refusal rate for 2019 was 13%.
How can a South African move to England?
To help you navigate your overseas move more easily, check out the steps below.
- Ensure your South African passport is valid. And if you don’t have one, apply!
- Budget for your costs.
- Find out which visas you qualify for.
- UK Ancestry Visa.
- Skilled Worker visa.
- Joining your partner in the UK.
How do I permanently move to the UK?
To move to the UK, you can apply for a long-term work visa by following these steps:
- Find employment.
- Find the correct visa type.
- Apply for the visa.
- Move to the UK.
- Get an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
How can I get a job in England from South Africa?
The only ways in which a South African passport holder can live and work freely and legally in the UK is if they qualify under the Tier 2 work permit category, have rights to apply for a UK ancestral visa through a British born grandparent, have rights to apply for settlement through a British spouse, fiancé or partner …
What are the Visa requirements for South Africa?
No – A visa is not required for travel to South Africa. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Traveler must be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months beyond stay with two adjacent blank visa pages and a round-trip or onward ticket.
Is there a visa for South Africa?
The visa policy of South Africa is how the South African government determines who may and may not enter their country. Visitors to South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries, in which case they get what is called a “Port of Entry Visa”.
Does an US citizen need visa to visit South Africa?
Visas: U.S. citizen visitors to South Africa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, short business meetings, or in transit do not require visas in advance. Visitor visas will be issued at the port of entry in South Africa.
