Critical skills letters
How it works
The Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV) facilitates access to skilled labour for the South African economy. The Critical Skills work visa is issued in accordance with the critical skills list. The list was developed in conjunction with the occupations in high demand and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The main objective of the critical skills work visa is to assist the government to realise the achievement of the National Infrastructure Project, the Strategic Infrastructure Projects and Key National Strategic Projects in support of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Section 19(4) of the Immigration Act, 2002, read with Regulation 18(1) and 18(5), set the requirements for a Critical Skills Visa. This includes proof of application for a certificate of registration with the professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(i) of the national qualifications framework act, and a confirmation, in writing, from the professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1) of the national qualifications framework act, or any relevant government department confirming the skills or qualifications of the applicant and appropriate post qualification experience.
The Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) is registered and is recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act of 2008 (NQF) in South Africa.
The issuing of a Critical Skills Confirmation (CSC) by the ICFP is dependent on an applicant demonstrating achievement of the knowledge, skills and experience requirements to be awarded the commercial forensic practitioners (FP)SA designation (minimum requirement).
In addition, the ICFP will assess an applicant’s employment history to determine if the experience obtained is relevant to the most recent critical skills list as issued by the Department of Home Affairs, and at a level expected from South African employers.
Upon successful completion of the assessment, the ICFP will issue a CSC in the form of a letter. However, this letter does not serve as a guarantee that the Department of Home Affairs will approve the visa application. Home Affairs will apply its internal processes and requirements to arrive at its own decision. The purpose of the letter is to confirm you have been awarded the professional designation, and are in good standing as well as your relevant employment history.
Before being issued with a professional designation, an applicant will have to demonstrate that he/she has met the qualifying criteria for the designation. The ICFP performs a verification function on the information and assessments provided by the applicant.
What are the benefits of a critical skills work visa?
- A Department of Labour Certificate has not required if your occupation is on the South African Critical Skills List.
- An employment offer is not required when you apply but you will only be issued a visa valid for one year to enable you to secure employment within your Critical Skills category.
- The South African Critical Skills Visa is valid for up to five years.
Critical Skills Confirmations (CSC)
In terms of sections 19(1) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), (IA) read with immigration regulations 18(5), foreigners who fall within a specific professional category or occupational class as determined by the Minister of Home Affairs, may apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa (CSW-Visa).
Minimum requirements
It, therefore, follows that the ICFP can only issue a Critical Skills Confirmations (CRC) where an applicant qualifies in terms of the minimum qualifications and work experience requirements set out by the ICFP and minimum qualifications in terms of OFO code 2019-241108.
The applicant will have to demonstrate achievement of the knowledge, skills and experience requirements to be awarded an ICFP professional designation, plus evidence of employment history to determine if the experience obtained is relevant to the most recent critical skills list as issued by the Department of Home Affairs, and at a level expected from South African employers.
Critical Skills schedule as published in the Government Gazette, 2 February 2022
| OFO Code | Occupation name | Description OFO | Minimum qualifications required | Statutory Professional Body |
| 2019-241108 | Forensic Accountant | Examines financial records to detect and deter fraud and white-collar crime | Bachelors’ Honours degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelor’s degree NQF level 8 | Professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA as contemplated by regulation 9(5)(a) |
Application process
Who can apply for a critical skills letter:
- Foreign nationals that want to obtain a Critical Skills Visa from the South African government and who have been awarded the professional designation (FP)SA; and
- who are in good standing with the Institute or have been in good standing since the professional designation was awarded.
How do I apply:
Applicants can apply by letter, heading “Application for Critical Skills Confirmations (CRC)”. The Evaluation Committee will assess the application and issue you with either a rejection or CRC letter. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.
Fees payable
The ICFP will issue a non-refundable admin fee of R500,00 +VAT for each application, whether the application is successful or not. This admin fee is payable before an application is reviewed. Please familiarise yourself with the minimum requirements before you apply for a CRC.
If your application is successful, additional CRC fees of R6,000 +VAT are payable before the CRC letter will be issued. This fee is paid in addition to the membership and admin fees.
The following supporting documentation must accompany an application:
- Qualifications: SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (SCoE) or a certified copy thereof;
- Certified copy of passport/identity documents;
- Certified copy of Visa;
- Updated resume with contactable references, email addresses and contact numbers. Indicate the relationship of reference.
If employed:
Signed testimonial from your employer that:
- is written on the official letterhead of the employing business. The letterhead should indicate the full street address of the business and any telephone, email and website addresses including the name and position of the person authorised to sign the employment reference/testimonial, and
Please note: References from colleagues of the applicant will not be considered;
- includes the work contact number and email address of the person writing the reference. Personal phone numbers or addresses will not be accepted;
The testimonial must include,
- start and end date/s of your employment history (multiple roles within the same organisation must be listed separately) position/s held;
- whether your role/s were permanent or temporary; full-time or part-time;
- your required working hours per week; the duties or responsibilities are undertaken in each position;
- remuneration;
Volunteer work and experience carried out as part of qualification are not considered for skill employment.
Third-party documentation:
- taxation certificates;
- employment contracts;
- payslips;
- a letter from a work colleague confirming your relationship and work duties.
If self-employed:
Self-employed applicants must provide a testimonial that is written on the official letterhead of your business. The letterhead should indicate the full address and any telephone, email and website addresses.
The testimonial must include:
- start and end dates;
- your working hours per week;
- the duties or responsibilities are undertaken in each position;
- the salary you earned.
You will also need to include certified copies of the following documents:
- registration of your business name;
- practising certificate or business licence;
- tax returns of first, a middle and final year (if relevant) of business operation;
- references from two or more clients on letterhead, stating work done by your business and the period your business was employed by the referee
If unemployed:
Please indicate on your application that you are unemployed. The ICFP reserves the right to request any documentation deemed necessary for your application.