The much anticipated South African Critical Skills Visa list was published on 3 June 2014.

An application for a Critical Skills Work Visa has to be accompanied by proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category in the form of:

(a) A confirmation, in writing, from the professional body, council or board recognised by the South African Qualifications Association (SAQA), in terms of Section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, or any relevant government department confirming the skills or qualifications of the applicant and appropriate post qualification experience.
(b) If required by law, 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.
(c) Proof of evaluation of the foreign qualification by SAQA and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic.

IBASA is recognized by SAQA and can provide you with the confirmations you require to comply with sections A and B of your application. You will need to submit your COMPLETE IBASA application and your proof of payment. The fees are as follows:

Critical Skills Letter

• Fee R 5 000.00
• There is a wonderful opportunity to take up complimentary free membership for one year with IBASA as an option when applying for the critical skills letter with the IBASA. (By choosing the Critical Skills Letter & 1 yr Membership)
• If you choose to take up the free membership an annual renewal subscription fee will be payable as an IBASA Member after twelve months.
• All fees are non-refundable. Fees will not be returned if your application for a Critical Skills Letter is rejected by the Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa.

Please find the critical skills list that IBASA assesses:

• Business, Economic and Management Studies – Risk Assessors, Corporate General Manager or Financial Investment Adviser (If FSB) registered.
• Business Processing Outsourcing – Business Analyst, Quality Analyst or Quality Assurance Specialist.

Please note

To work in the field of financial advising in South Africa, individuals need to have formal training. To do so, individuals must have a licence. Under the country’s Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, a national law, it is a requirement for anyone who is working in this field providing financial services to other people that they have a state-approved licence. To do so, individuals must obtain appropriate education in the form of a university degree. They must then apply for an FSP Licence. This licensing requirement is detailed in Section 8 of the FAIS Act

Annual membership :

• BA:       R 1100.00
• PBA: R 1 400.00
• CBA: R 1 700.00

Normal membership Fees

• Application fee: R 600.00
• Re-grading fee: R 600.00

THE PAYMENT FOR CRITICAL SKILLS MUST BE A SEPARATE PAYMENT REFERENCE SURNAME-CSV
In order to facilitate this process please send separately from your original application an email to Teddy Mapuvire admin@ibasa.org.za with the following attachments:

1. SAQA certificates on all foreign qualifications – certified and scanned
2. Two letters of recommendations from current or previous employers on letter heads
3. Current copy of ID/Passport – Certified and scanned
4. Copy of VISA/Permit page if already in South Africa
5. Copies of certificates and transcripts – Certified and scanned (If qualifications are from a foreign nation, please supply SAQA weighted certificates)
6. Current CV
7. Completed membership application form
8. Proof of payment

The IBASA will forward your completed file to the relevant experts to provide an assessment. This process can take up to 1 month to complete. If you are eligible you will be issued with a Membership Certificate and Critical Skills Letter confirming your application and your skills.

For your SAQA evaluation please go to www.saqa.org.za