As the South African Work permit category has four sub-divisions, not all the types of work permits allow permanent residence applications to be submitted.

Under the General Work permit - a foreigner will qualify for permanent residence on a General Work permit, if the foreigner has been residing in South Africa on a General Work permit for 5 years or longer.

Exceptional/Extraordinary skills permit - a foreigner may apply directly for permanent residence under this category, if he/she qualifies for this permit.

For more information on work permits, please see here

For more information on South African permanent residence, please see here

Information supplied by www.intergate-immigration.com