Occupational Therapist Critical Skills Visa
Healthcare - OFO 226301 - Verified 2026-05-18
Helps patients regain function and independence after illness, injury or developmental delay.
OFO Code
226301
Minimum NQF
Level 8
Salary range
R28 000 - R75 000
per month
Requirements for the Critical Skills Visa
- Qualification: NQF Level 8 or higher in the relevant field, SAQA-evaluated for foreign degrees.
- Professional registration: HPCSA - mandatory
- Valid passport with at least 30 days validity beyond intended departure + 2 blank pages.
- Police clearance certificate from each country lived in 12+ months since age 18.
- Medical and radiology reports (DHA-1772 + DHA-1773 forms).
- Proof of work experience in the field - letters of employment, references.
- Application form DHA-1738 plus DHA visa fee R1,520 and VFS Global service fee R1,550 (2026). Fees are reviewed annually - verify the current amount on the DHA site before paying.
Application steps
- Get your qualifications SAQA-evaluated (12-16 weeks, R1,915 standard fee). Apply at saqa.org.za.
- Register with the relevant professional body (HPCSA). Some bodies require SAQA evaluation as a prerequisite.
- Gather supporting documents: police clearance from each country lived in, medical + radiology reports, work-experience letters, passport photos, marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Complete DHA-1738 application form. Pay the visa fee.
- Submit at a SA mission in your country of citizenship or legal residence. Applications cannot be made inside South Africa on a visitor's visa.
- Wait for processing: typically 8-12 weeks. Track via VFS Global (the SA visa-processing partner in most countries).
- Once approved: visa is issued for up to 5 years, with permission to work for any employer in your critical skill field.
After arrival in South Africa
- Within 12 months of arrival, register with the appropriate professional body in SA (if not already done).
- Within 12 months, submit proof of professional registration + employment to DHA - failure can invalidate the visa.
- You may bring a spouse and dependent children on accompanying visas.
- After 5 years on a Critical Skills Visa, you may apply for permanent residence.
- Tax: register with SARS for income tax once you receive your first SA salary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Occupational Therapist on the SA Critical Skills List?
Yes. Occupational Therapist (OFO code 226301) is gazetted on the SA Critical Skills List per Government Gazette 49402 (October 2023), still current as of 2026.
What qualification do I need for a Critical Skills Visa as a Occupational Therapist?
Minimum NQF Level 8 (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) from a SAQA-recognised qualification, plus relevant work experience.
Do I need professional body registration?
Yes. Registration with HPCSA - mandatory is mandatory for practicing as a Occupational Therapist in SA.
What salary can I expect as a Occupational Therapist in South Africa?
Approximately R28 000-R75 000 per month, depending on experience, sector and employer.
How do I apply for the Critical Skills Visa?
Apply at a SA embassy or consulate in your country of origin (cannot apply in SA on a tourist visa). Required: passport, qualifications (SAQA-evaluated), professional registration, police clearance, medical certificate, radiology report, application form DHA-1738.
Other Healthcare occupations on the Critical Skills List
General guidance compiled from Government Gazette 49402 (October 2023, current as of 2026-05-14) and Department of Home Affairs published requirements. Not legal or immigration advice. For your specific application, consult a registered SA immigration practitioner. Salary ranges are market estimates and vary widely by employer + location.