What is the Skilled Worker visa for South Africans moving to United Kingdom?

Needs a job offer from an employer with a Home Office sponsor licence, at or above the salary threshold for your occupation. It can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

What is the Health and Care Worker visa for South Africans moving to United Kingdom?

A version of the Skilled Worker route for doctors, nurses and other eligible health and social-care professionals, with lower fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge.

What is the UK Ancestry visa for South Africans moving to United Kingdom?

For Commonwealth citizens (South Africa included) with a grandparent born in the UK. It lasts five years, allows you to work in any job, and can lead to settlement.

🇬🇧 Moving to United Kingdom from South Africa

The UK has one of the largest South African communities in the world, especially in London and the South East. English, a familiar legal and school system, and direct flights home make it a natural first move for many South Africans.

Visa routes for South Africans

Skilled Worker visa: Needs a job offer from an employer with a Home Office sponsor licence, at or above the salary threshold for your occupation. It can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Health and Care Worker visa: A version of the Skilled Worker route for doctors, nurses and other eligible health and social-care professionals, with lower fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge.
UK Ancestry visa: For Commonwealth citizens (South Africa included) with a grandparent born in the UK. It lasts five years, allows you to work in any job, and can lead to settlement.
Family and partner visas: If your spouse or partner is British or settled in the UK.
Global Talent and other routes: For recognised leaders or emerging leaders in research, tech and the arts, plus routes for graduates of UK universities.

Getting your qualifications recognised

Nurses & midwives: Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC): computer-based test, then the OSCE practical exam in the UK.
Doctors: Register and get a licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC), usually via the PLAB exams or a recognised postgraduate qualification.
Allied health: Physiotherapists, radiographers, OTs and others register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Teachers: Apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). South African-trained teachers can apply directly through the international route.
Accountants: CA(SA)s can get membership of ICAEW through SAICA's reciprocity agreement.
Engineers: ECSA-registered engineers can apply to the Engineering Council (through a UK institution) for CEng or IEng.

Where South Africans live in United Kingdom

Wimbledon, Southfields, Putney and Wandsworth in south-west London are famous for their South African shops and pubs. Surrey, Reading, Guildford, Kent, Edinburgh and Manchester also have large SA communities. Browse South African shops, restaurants and pubs in United Kingdom and upcoming Saffa events.

Settling in: practical tips

Budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge (on most visas) and a deposit plus first month's rent, which is often 5–6 weeks' rent in London.
Get a National Insurance number as soon as you arrive. You need one to work and pay tax correctly.
Your SA driving licence can be used for 12 months, after which you need a UK licence (theory and practical tests).
Open a UK bank account through an app-based bank on day one. The high-street banks often ask for proof of address you won't have yet.

Official sources

Before you go, work through our emigration checklist and read up on SARS and tax residency.

This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Visa rules, thresholds and fees change often, so always check the official sources above or speak to a registered migration adviser.

Visa-sponsored jobs in United Kingdom

✈︎ Visa / relocationTrades & Construction

Plasterer / Dry Liner

Job Summary A Plasterer or Dry Liner is responsible for preparing, finishing and installing internal wall and ceiling systems in residential and commercial buildings. The role may involve traditional plastering, plasterboard installation, partitioning and ceiling systems. Key Responsibilities Plastering Prepare walls and ceilings for plastering. Apply plaster, render and other finishing materials.…

6d agoApply via RecruitZA ↗

✈︎ Visa / relocationTrades & Construction

Bricklayer

ob Summary A Bricklayer constructs and repairs walls, foundations, partitions and other structures using bricks, blocks and mortar, ensuring that work meets the required specifications and building standards. Key Responsibilities Lay bricks, concrete blocks and other masonry materials. Mix and apply mortar to the required consistency. Build walls, partitions, chimneys and other masonry structures.…

6d agoApply via RecruitZA ↗

✈︎ Visa / relocationTrades & Construction

HVAC Technician / HVAC Fitter

Job Summary An HVAC Technician or Fitter installs, maintains, repairs and services heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Key Responsibilities Install heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Fit and assemble ductwork, pipework and mechanical components. Install air-conditioning units, fans, ventilation systems and…

6d agoApply via RecruitZA ↗

✈︎ Visa / relocationTrades & Construction

Carpenter

Job Summary A Carpenter is responsible for constructing, installing, repairing and maintaining timber structures, fixtures and fittings in residential and commercial buildings. Key Responsibilities Read and interpret construction drawings and measurements. Cut, shape and install timber and other building materials. Construct and install doors, window frames, floors, roofs and partitions. Carry out…

6d agoApply via RecruitZA ↗

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