FAQ - South Africa

• What Does Recent Graduate mean?
• What is the likelihood of getting a job related to my field?
• When does the visa start?

What Does Recent Graduate mean? In order to qualify for the South Africa work exchange visa you should be either a full time student at time of application, or have graduated in the year that you intend to apply for the visa.
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What is the likelihood of getting a job related to my field? The majority of SWAP participants find work in the hospitality field or take on casual work. However we are finding that more and more participants are seeking work on a more professional basis.

The rules of the visa do not restrict participants from working in most industries, however I always advise participants to do a bit of research before they depart.

1) Make a list of organizations where you think you would like to work (include the contact names or email addresses of their human resource department). Don't know of any South African organizations? Check out your schools' international centre or contact some Canadian organizations that you would like to work for, and ask if they have an international branch or affiliate.

2) Draft an email that is friendly and professional. In your email you should mention:

-that you are Canadian
-that you will be visiting South Africa to do a working holiday and that you will have a visa to do so
-how long you will be in South Africa
-a brief list of your qualifications

3) Send this same email to all of the organizations on your list

Your desired results are to find out:
1) if organizations in South Africa will hire a Canadian to work in your field
2) a contact name to refer to when you arrive in South Africa or...
3) an interview!

I caution you to accept a definite job before you depart. You do not want to commit to anything sight unseen. Remember that while the employer is interviewing you, you are also interviewing them! You want to make sure that the employer, job, and location are to your liking.
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When does the visa start? The visa is valid for the date of their arrival, as indicated on their application.
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