As the South African work visa category has four sub-divisions, not all the types of work visas allow permanent residence applications to be submitted.
Under the General work visa – a foreigner will qualify for permanent residence on a General work visa, if the foreigner has been residing in South Africa on a General work visa for 5 years or longer. Under work visa’s – a foreigner will qualify for permanent residencey if the foreigner has been residing in South Africa on valid work permits for 5 years or longer. The 5 year duration can be made up of a mixture of category of work visas (Intra Company Transfer work visa, Quota work visa and General work visa).
Exceptional/Extraordinary skills Visa – a foreigner may apply directly for permanent residence under this category, if he/she qualifies for this Visa.