Last Updated: 16 September 2026
A work visa lets you take a job abroad. Most need an employer who is licensed or approved to sponsor foreign workers, and a job that meets skill and salary thresholds.
A business visa is not a work visa. Meetings and conferences are allowed on visitor routes; being employed is not.
Immigration advice is regulated in several destination countries. The UK regulates immigration advisers, Canada requires licensed immigration consultants or lawyers for paid representation, and Australia requires registered migration agents. Ask any provider whether they are authorised for the destination country before paying for advice.
Tell us the country, your job offer and whether family is joining you.
Get Work Visa QuotesWork Visa Routes by Country
| Country | Main work route | Employer requirement |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker | Licensed sponsor and Certificate of Sponsorship |
| Canada | Employer-specific work permit | Usually an LMIA or an exemption |
| Australia | Skills in Demand (subclass 482) | Approved sponsor and nomination |
| New Zealand | Accredited Employer Work Visa | Accredited employer and job check |
| Ireland | Critical Skills or General Employment Permit | Irish employer job offer |
| United States | H-1B, L-1 and other employer routes | Employer petition, some routes capped |
| UAE and Gulf | Employment visa and residence permit | Employer applies, degree attestation often needed |
Work Visa Costs
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| UK Skilled Worker (up to 3 years / longer) | £819 (approx. R17,850) / £1,618 (approx. R35,270) | Official government fee |
| UK Health and Care Worker (up to 3 years) | £324 (approx. R7,060), no health surcharge | Official government fee |
| UK Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 (approx. R22,560) per year | Official government fee |
| Canada work permit + biometrics | CAD 155 (approx. R1,830) + CAD 85 (approx. R1,000) | Official government fees |
| Australia Skills in Demand (482) | AUD 4,015 (approx. R42,960) | Official government fee |
| Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit | €1,000 (approx. R18,900) | Official government fee |
| Degree attestation for Gulf jobs | R2,500 - R6,000 per document | Optional assistance fee |
| Work visa file preparation | R4,000 - R15,000 | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get quotes for your work visa, dependants and supporting documents together.
Compare Work Visa QuotesDocuments for Work Visas
- Job offer and sponsorship reference from the employer.
- Degree certificates, sometimes verified or attested.
- Police clearance, often with an apostille.
- English test results where required.
- Professional registration, such as HPCSA good standing for health workers.
- Proof of funds for some routes.
- Unabridged marriage and birth certificates for dependants.
Common Problems
- Employer is not licensed to sponsor.
- Salary below the route threshold.
- Starting work on a visitor visa.
- Paying a "recruiter" who promises a visa - legitimate sponsors do not sell visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a work visa without a job offer?
Most work visas need a job offer. Points-based permanent residence routes are the main exception.
How much does a UK Skilled Worker visa cost?
From £819 (approx. R17,850) for up to three years from outside the UK, plus the health surcharge of £1,035 (approx. R22,560) per year.
Can my family come with me?
Many work routes allow a partner and children as dependants, each with their own fees.
Is paying for a job offer normal?
No. Be very cautious of anyone selling job offers or sponsorship.
Requests sent through Visa Application go to independent providers who handle work visa applications regularly.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
Tell us where you are travelling and when, and compare visa assistance quotes from independent providers.
Get 5 QuotesGet Work Visa South Africa Quotes
Tell us your destination, travel purpose, travel date and number of applicants, and providers will quote you directly.
Free to use, no obligation. Your request goes to LEADERR APPROVED visa assistance providers, who quote you directly.
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
