About applying for exchange permit
   
If you are a foreigner participating in a cultural, economic or social exchange programme organised or administered by an organ of state or a learning institution in South Africa, you may apply for an exchange permit.

 The programme must be a collaboration between a South African institution and an institution from your country of origin.
The exchange permit allows you to stay in the country for the duration of the programme, it is usually issued for 12 months and may not be renewed or extended.

You cannot apply for the temporary residence permit after the expiry of the permit. You can only re-apply after you have stayed outside South Africa for at least 12 months.

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office or South African representative if you are applying from abroad.
• Complete form BI-1738.
• Your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit. 
• Submit the following:
• proof of financial means in the form of:
• bank statement
• cash available, or travellers’ cheque
• undertaking by the host in South Africa
• medical cover registered in terms of South African medical scheme or any medical cover recognised by the Medical Schemes Council
• cash deposit of equivalent value of your return ticket to your country of origin or residence. (In the case of African students an undertaking from the relevant government will take full responsibility of the student and to pay all costs, should it become necessary to deport the student)
• a valid temporary residence permit , if applicable
• a medical and radiological report 
• report from a South African organ of state or learning institution
• a vaccination certificate, if required
• a letter from an organ of the foreign state, confirming your particulars, including confirmation registration with a tertiary educational institution abroad, as well as the date on which the programme will commence if you are participating in social, cultural or economic exchange programme, but if you are participating in a training exchange programme, you must submit a statement from the prospective employer certifying: 
• the position exists
• your remuneration and that it complies with the labour requirements
• proof that they will provide for your welfare and need while employed by them
• they will inform Home Affairs if you don’t comply with the terms and conditions of your permit or if you leave the country
• you will leave when your permit expires.
  

Timeframe

It might take six months to finalise your application.

How much does it cost

R 425

Forms to complete

Application for temporary residence permit, BI-1738

Who to contact