Organisation : Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
Service Name : Exchange Visa
Country : South Africa
Website : https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas#exchange-visa
What is Exchange Visa?
Exchange Visas may be issued to foreigners who are not older than 25 years of age and wish to participate in cultural, economic or social exchange programmes administered by an organ of the State or a public higher educational institution in conjunction with an organ of a foreign state. Applications must be made at any regional office of the Department of Home Affairs or the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad.
Related / Similar Facility : DHA Medical Treatment Visa
How To Apply For Exchange Visa?
The validity period of an exchange permit depends on the length of the programme for which it is issued and usually does not exceed 12 months. Exchange permits cannot be renewed or extended. Should you successfully apply for an exchange permit, you will not qualify for a temporary residence permit until you have lived outside the Republic of South Africa for at least 12 months
. If you require an exchange visa in order to take part in a programme administered or organised by a learning institution in South Africa in conjunction with a learning institution/organ of a foreign state, Section 22(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), the following documents are required:
** Application form fully completed in detail and signed.
** An original passport and a copy authenticated by the issuing authority of the country of origin with a valid visa as proof of current status in the Republic.
** The passport is valid and expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
** The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days before the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
** A medical report, signed by a Medical Practitioner, reflecting the Practice No. of the Practitioner and their address and contact details, which report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
** Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority of a country where the applicant resided for longer than 12 months in the last 5 years before submitting the current application, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such an area)
** Marriage certificate or in the case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition thereof issued by the authorities of the foreign country of the applicant (where applicable).
** The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable, as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
** Proof of a union recognised in terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998), where applicable.
** Divorce decree, where applicable.
** Proof of court order awarding custody, where applicable.
** Death certificate, in respect of the late spouse, where applicable.
** Written consent from both parents and/or sole custody parent, where applicable, with proof of sole custody.
** Proof of legal adoption where applicable.
** Legal separation order, where applicable.
** Proof of payment of the applicable fee
In addition to the above requirements, in the case of a learning institution in the Republic, in conjunction with a foreign education and training institution or a foreign state institution organising or administering the programme, submit the following:
** proof of a valid return air flight ticket or written undertaking by the organ of state or learning institution accepting responsibility for the return or deportation costs of the applicant, as the case may be
** proof of medical cover for the duration of the exchange period with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
** the Department of Basic Education or Higher Education and Training or a learning institution in the Republic confirming that it is responsible for organising or administering the existence of the programme, outlining the activities, terms and conditions and duration thereof and accepting full responsibility for the student while he or she is in the Republic; and
** the foreign state institution or education and training institution confirming the particulars of the applicant, the applicant’s enrolment with the foreign education and training institution, and the date on which the programme shall commence.
In addition to the above requirements, in the case of a foreigner who is under 25 years of age and has received an offer to conduct work for no longer than one year:
** proof of a valid return air flight ticket or a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the return or deportation costs of the applicant, as the case may be
** proof of medical cover for the duration of the exchange period with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
A written undertaking by the employer to:
** pay such foreigner remuneration which complies with applicable legal requirements;
** provide for the welfare and the needs of such a foreigner while in the Republic under the aforesaid visa; and
** report to the Director-General the failure of the foreigner to comply with the terms of his or her visa or to depart when so required;