This category was introduced by the new Act in 2014.

It requires that the foreign applicant complies with the requirements under the critical skills list, namely:

1. Falling within the critical skills list, SAQA compliance in terms of foreign qualifications, the endorsement with SAQA accredited professional bodies, objective evidence of recruitment interventions and a permanent contract of employment.
2. The Department will impose a condition that upon the issuance of PR in this category, that such holder remain employed in the same field of critical skills for five years from issuance.