Work Permit (H1 - Skilled Worker)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1095 days
- Processing time
- 7 business days
- Fee
- $100-500 USD
- Validity
- 3 years (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have a job offer from a Rwandan employer or have skills listed on Rwanda's occupations in demand list. H1 permits are for skilled workers, H2 for employer-sponsored workers.
Required status: Job offer from Rwandan employer
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Criminal record
Must provide a police clearance certificate from country of origin and any country where you have lived for 6 or more months.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs with white background
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Police clearance
Countries required: Country of origin and any country lived in for 6+ months; Validity months: 6
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Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: General health examination, HIV test; Validity months: 3
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Online application
Apply for a work permit through the Irembo government portal. Enter Rwanda on a visitor visa or visa on arrival first if needed.
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Document gathering
Gather required documents: valid passport, passport photos, employment contract, CV, academic certificates, police clearance certificate, medical certificate, and application letter from employer.
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Fee payment
Pay the work permit fee through the Irembo portal. Fees range from $100 to $500 depending on permit class and duration.
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Processing wait
Wait for the work permit to be processed. Processing typically takes 7 business days.
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Visa collection
Once approved, collect the work permit from the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.