South Africa's Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV) Requirements and Process
What changed
The South African Department of Home Affairs has released full details about the Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV). This includes rules for new applications, renewals, and extensions. This visa category came from changes to the law. It replaced the old Exceptional Skills Visa and Quota Work Visa. Its main goal is to bring in professional people with critical skills. This helps South Africa meet its national development goals. You must have your qualifications checked by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). You also need confirmation from a professional body, if this applies to your job.
The detail
Policy history
South Africa's Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV) Requirements and ProcessRelated changes
United StatesWork PermitsProposalAmended 9 Nov 2026 U.S. Proposes $70,000 Initial Fee for Optional Practical Training
What changed
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a proposed rulemaking to introduce substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 nonimmigrant students. This measure, announced on 8 October 2026, aims to enhance the integrity of the immigration system by deterring fraud and protecting the interests of U.S. workers. Under the proposal, an initial OPT application would incur a fee of $70,000, while any subsequent OPT would cost $30,000. Stakeholders have until 9 November 2026 to submit comments on these proposed changes.
Published 8 Oct 2026Federal Register — Immigration rules & notices
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The Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has withdrawn a directive about taking asylum seeker applications. This directive was initially issued on 28 September 2026. The withdrawal, announced on 9 October 2026, was made because of unexpected problems that came up after the directive was put in place, such as Refugee Reception Offices (RROs) being overwhelmed and risks to public safety. The original directive was an attempt to put into practice a Constitutional Court judgment from 7 July 2026 concerning the Scalabrini of Cape Town case. Its withdrawal means the DHA will now create a new operational approach to follow the court's order.
Published 9 Oct 2026Effective 9 Oct 2026Department of Home Affairs — Statements and speeches
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What changed
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Published 5 Oct 2026Effective 5 Oct 2026New to Denmark — News
United KingdomWork PermitsEffectiveEffective 1 Oct 2026 UK Updates Right-to-Work Checks for Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Authorities
What changed
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the Home Office have updated the guide for licensing authorities on 'right to work checks' for taxi and private hire licence applicants. These changes, which started on 1 October 2026, are designed to make it harder for people to work illegally in this sector. They do this by giving clearer instructions to licensing authorities on how to check immigration status. A new, easy-to-use version of the guide was also published on 2 October 2026.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026UK Visas and Immigration — News & communications
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