working holiday visa cover letter

How to write a cover letter for a Canadian working holiday job

Cover letters, CV’S, job applications… the joys of working holidays!

We know how hard it is to write a convincing cover letter to get you the job you dream of!

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about writing the perfect cover letter for a working holiday job application in Canada.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an additional document that you will send accompanying your resume when applying for a job . It provides the hiring manager with more information about your experience and skills.

Do I always have to write a cover letter for my job applications?

Well… this depends!

A strong cover letter is essential for all Canadian working holiday job applications.

However, if an employer specifies that you should not send a cover letter then you will not need to.

If your employer does not request a cover letter in the job description, we recommend that you still send one!

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What are the benefits of sending a cover letter?

Cover letters will allow the employer to gain a greater understanding of why you are suited to the position you’re applying for.

Those who write a cover letter will stand out over those who haven’t as it shows you have put time and effort into your application.

An employer’s attention will be drawn to your application if you have prepared a well-written and informative cover letter.

What is the format of a Canadian-style cover letter?

Wondering how to format a cover letter? To make it simple, we have divided it into four sections to explain what are the main parts of a cover letter and their purposes:

The Greeting

• The Introduction
• The Body of the letter
• The Conclusion

If possible, you should personalize the greeting of the cover letter by using the hiring manager’s name for example, “Dear” followed by their name.

If you are aware of the manager’s gender, you should refer to this and greet them using “Mr./Mrs./Miss.” followed by their surname.

If you are not aware of the hiring manager’s name you should research it online to find it using, for example, websites, LinkedIn etc. If you can’t find it online, you can contact the company’s HR/Hiring department.

Please note, you should only do this if the hiring manager referred to themselves using this title in the job advertisement- do not assume their gender based on their name!

If the hiring manager’s name and gender are unknown you can greet them with the title of their position, for example, “Dear Hiring Manager”.

The introduction

In this section of the letter, you should introduce yourself briefly and then state the job you are applying for.

Ensure you personalize each cover letter for each job you apply for as the employer will recognize a generic cover letter and this may harm your chances of being called for an interview.

Give an explanation for why you want the job you are applying for . If you are not applying for a specific position you should state that you wish to work for the organization and give an explanation why.

In this section, you should explain why you are qualified for this position. You should illustrate how your previous roles/experience make you suited to this position.

The conclusion

This is the final section of the cover letter. Here you should thank the hiring manager for their time.

If you are sending the cover letter via email you should state here that you have attached your resume. If you have a digital portfolio you should add a link to it here or if it is a hard copy you can inform them that you will email a link to your portfolio.

If you plan on following up with the employer, you should state this here.

You should then sign off the letter with a professional salutation, for example, “Sincerely or Kind regards”, followed by your full name.

Sample Canadian-style Cover Letter Format

Below is a sample of a cover letter for a working holiday job in Canada:

What mistakes to avoid when writing the cover letter?

Everybody makes mistakes and that’s totally normal. Here are some tips on what you should pay more attention to in order to avoid sending a cover letter with mistakes.

• Sending a generic cover letter
• Sending a cover letter that is over a page in length
• Grammar/Spelling mistakes- it is so important to proofread the letter thoroughly
• Writing in an overly formal or casual tone- write in a friendly, professional manner

Our top tips for a Canadian style cover letter

• Research the company you are applying to work with and try to demonstrate your knowledge in the cover letter
• If your skills match those on the job description, ensure you mention this and if possible state how
• Proof read your cover letter thoroughly before sending it – an employer will notice any grammar/spelling mistakes and this may decrease your chances of being called for an interview
• Use a standard font size and avoid using any special effects like bold, italic etc.

Frequently asked questions

What information should not be included in the cover letter?

There are a number of things you should not include in your cover letter, such as:

• An explanation of irrelevant work experience or a lack of experience
• An explanation of why you are looking for a new job
• Information that isn’t true and honest
• Negative remarks about previous or current employers
• Information that is not related to the job itself
• Irrelevant personal information

Should I include my salary information in my cover letter?

You do not have to include your salary expectations or information in your cover letter.

Some employers may not expect to see your salary information in a cover letter whereas others might.

If you’re in doubt about including this information, you should leave it out unless it states to include it in the job description.

Should I follow up after sending my cover letter?

Yes, you can follow up with the hiring manager but we recommend you wait for roughly 7-10 business days .

This is because many employers will receive hundreds of resumes/cover letters and it may take time for them to get back to you.

If you choose to follow up, you should do so by email.

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Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter – Sample Letter for Schengen Tourist Visa

The cover letter you must submit for your Schengen Visa application is an important document that states the reason you are traveling to a certain Schengen country. In your Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter, you must address the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country you plan to visit, as your main goal is to persuade the Consular staff that you are a suitable candidate for receiving the Schengen visa.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa?

Your Schengen tourist visa application cover letter should include the information listed below:

• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• Your nationality.
• Your passport details (passport number, issue date, and expiry date).
• Your current address.
• Your email address.
• Your phone number.
• The date when you are writing the letter.
• The name of the embassy or consulate where you are applying for the Schengen visa.
• The embassy or consulate’s address.
• The intention of traveling with a Schengen Tourist Visa (e.g., tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, attending an event, etc.).
• The entry and exit dates of your trip.
• A detailed itinerary of your trip, including the Schengen countries you plan to visit during your trip, information about your planned accommodations, flights, and any tours or activities you have booked.
• Your financial capacity to cover your trip expenses.

Tourist Visa Application Cover Letter Sample

Working Holiday Visa Japan – A Step-By-Step Guide To Get Your WHV (infographic)

Working Holiday Visa Japan – Have you ever wanted to travel to Japan and immerse yourself in Japanese culture longer than your average holiday? Well you’re in luck! Japan has a special visa program designed for young people allowing them to spend time in Japan while allowing them to work on the side to cover travel funds.

With this visa you can get the most out of your travel experience and see Japan from a whole different perspective. You can take your time to deeper understand Japanese culture, travel to different places in Japan and experience a slice of Japanese life that you won’t get when you’re on holiday.

Table of Contents

What is a Working Holiday Visa Japan?

Credits: Max Braun

A working holiday visa is a special kind of visa allowing you to stay in Japan for usually up to a year. With this visa you are allowed to travel freely within Japan and engage in employment as a means to cover travel expenses. Japan started their working holiday program in 1980, with Australia being the first partner country.

Under its program based on bilateral arrangement, participating countries can promote greater mutual understanding and friendship between partner countries, fostering a global perspective and a deeper understanding of other cultures. Young people are offered the chance to expand their horizon and knowledge by visiting foreign countries for a longer period in order to learn and understand a foreign culture and their way of life. The main goal is to spend time in Japan either traveling or learning about its culture and life in Japan while having the option to engage in work activities.

Who is eligible?

There are a couple of requirements to take into consideration before you can benefit from this special program. As of 21st January 2022, 20 different countries are participating in Japan’s working holiday program.

Depending of the country, residents must be between the ages of 18 – 30 years old at the time of application. Residents must hold a valid passport (At the time of application as the visa will be attached to the passport. Please check with your local embassy for the needed validity of your passport.) and have enough funds for a return ticket if you haven’t already purchased one.

You also have to possess enough financial funds to cover the initial period of your stay and be in good health. Needless to say you cannot have any criminal record. Lastly, only applicants who have never participated in the working holiday program in Japan are eligible.

What documents do I need?

Now that you’ve checked if you’re eligible, let’s go over the needed documents before you apply. Since the Japanese Immigration Bureau follows strict rules about who is granted a visa and who is not, make sure you prepare the following to the best of your ability. Any missing document or incomplete form will only delay your application or in some cases even get rejected.

• a completed visa application form
• A valid passport (At the time of application as the visa will be attached to the passport. Please check with your local embassy for the needed validity of your passport.)
• 2 passport size photo’s of approx. 35 x 45 mm and not older than 6 months
• A personal resume or history (A4)
• Itinerary in detail, meaning the proposed itinerary for the whole duration of your stay, including the addresses of the places you will stay at if possible. If you don’t know where you will stay, it’s advisable to list the websites you will use to find accommodation.
• A cover letter stating your reason for applying, write it in a convincing way why you chose Japan
• A letter from your doctor/physician stating that you are in good health or medical certificate
• A return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket.
• Bank statement showing that you have enough funds to cover your initial stay. This ranges from about 200,000 yen to 500,000 yen (or roughly 1800 USD to 4500 USD) depending on the country you are from. Please check your local embassy website for actual numbers.

How do I apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan ?

When you have gathered all necessary documents, it’s time to apply. Go to your nearest embassy or consulate of Japan in your country, make sure you do that in person and do not send somebody on your behalf as the application will be rejected, and submit all the documents. You cannot send the application by post or email as they will only accept applications made in person. Usually, you don’t need an appointment, just go during opening hours.

Depending on your country and based on the documents you submitted, you may or may not get interviewed for more information when needed. After your documents are being checked and stamped, you will need to hand in your passport and receive a receipt which you need to keep to collect your passport. After about one week you need to go back to the embassy/consulate together with your receipt and pay a visa fee (the amount differs between countries) to collect your passport. Inside you will find your brand new visa. Conditions and requirements differ between countries, please check your local embassy or consulate for more information.

Note : You cannot apply for a working holiday visa for Japan outside your country of citizenship. Let’s say you are from the UK and you live in China. To apply for a WHV to Japan, you would need to physically go back to the UK to submit your application.  

How long is my Working Holiday Visa valid?

Once you receive your visa, you will have one year to activate it by entering Japan. From the moment you pass through customs in Japan, your visa will be valid for one year from that day onwards. Citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand have to extend their visas after 6 months. To extend your working holiday visa you need to visit an immigration office with your passport and Residence Card and pay an extension fee of 4000 yen.

What to do when you arrive?

So you have you shiny new visa in your hand and you’ve finally made it to Japan! Hold on, don’t go running off to that fancy Maid Cafe yet! Even though the hardest part is over, there are still a couple of necessary steps you have to take in order to make smooth transition into your new life in Japan.

Working Holiday Visa Japan – Step 1: When you arrive at the immigration after you land, you will be given a credit card-sized Residence Card (在留カード). This will also serve as your ID card and it’s important to have it with you at all times.

Working Holiday Visa Japan – Step 2: You are expected to register your residency within 2 weeks of arriving in Japan. If you are staying at a friend or hotel, you can temporary use that as an address until you find your own accommodation which then you have to notify them by a change of address. Go to your local municipal office and fill out the residency registration form.

Working Holiday Visa Japan – Step 3: Any non-Japanese resident staying for longer than 3 months can join the National Health Insurance (国民健康保険). It has many benefits and joining it is highly recommended. Under the National Health Insurance, patients only need to pay 30% of the total cost of care at clinics and hospitals. It is accepted by more than 90% of the hospitals, clinics and even dental clinics in Japan. To join, fill out the form for the National Health Insurance (found at the city hall) and submit it together with your Residence Card and passport at your local municipal office. Premiums are charged monthly and you will be billed later. The amount of the premium depends on the area, your income and financial situation. You will receive a health insurance card which you need to bring with you when you see a doctor or go to the hospital.

Working Holiday Visa Japan – Step 4: You will also receive a My Number card after you register your address at the municipal office. The aim of the My Number system is to streamline and unify administrative procedures among government agencies for things such as taxation and social security. On your card you will be given a 12-digit identification number. A paper My Number card will be mailed to you by post so it’s important that you can receive mail at the address you registered.

Working Holiday Visa Japan – Step 5: Set up a mobile phone account. It might be a bit of a hassle to set up a Japanese mobile phone account as with most providers they will ask you for a Japanese bank account. But to set up a Japanese bank account you are required to have a Japanese phone number. This creates a chicken-or-the-egg situation that you can’t do either. Fortunately there are options to set up a Japanese mobile account by having you pay with a foreign credit card using smaller providers aimed at foreigners like B-Mobile , OCN Mobile One  or UQ Mobile .  

To set up a mobile account, head to the phone store and bring with you:

• ID, this could be your passport or Residence Card (make sure you’ve registered it at your local ward office).
• A credit card, either Mastercard of Visa.
• A Hanko stamp (personal name seal). If you don’t have a Hanko stamp, then your signature should suffice.

If you go to the bigger electronic department stores like Yodobashi Camera (insert link), they usually have English speaking staff available to assist you with your application. An employee will consult with you and after you decide on a plan will walk you through the options and assist you with the set up. Apart from your monthly payment you will also need to pay a one-time startup fee.

Working Holiday Visa Japan – Step 6: With your Japanese phone number, it’s time to set up a Japanese bank account. Unfortunately with most big Japanese banks like Mizuho or Sumitomo, you have been living in Japan for at least 6 months in order to set up an account. The easiest way for foreigners to set up a Japanese bank account is to go for example Japan Post Bank (English speaking staff available at some of the bigger branches) or  Shinsei Bank (English speaking staff available at some branches). Along with the filled out form to set up an account, your passport, Residence Card, Japanese phone number are needed. If you have a Hanko stamp it’s recommended to bring it with you, although you can also sign with your signature. You can have a Hanko stamp made at a Hanko store. As a foreigner you can have a Hanko made with three Japanese katakana characters which you can use for official documents. It’s not necessarily required but having it makes filling out documents or applying for things much more easier.

You can share this infographic with your friends, on your blog and social media, just don’t forget to credit Your Japan .

Find an Accommodation in Japan

Now that you have everything set up, you can start looking for accommodation if you haven’t already. To cut costs, a share house might be a good option. Most share houses will have individual rooms together with communal areas like the kitchen and the bathroom. If you want to opt for something even more economic, dormitory style accommodation is also widely available. In order to rent you own apartment in Japan, you are required to have a Japanese person to act as guarantor.

If you don’t, then there are agencies for foreigners acting as intermediate companies, a service fee is required for this. Depending on the realtor, move in fees like Key Money (as a gratitude gift to the landlord which you won’t get back) and a deposit along the first payment of rent are very common. Renting your own apartment is quite an investment, make sure you are aware of all the fees you need to pay when moving in.

For share houses, check out Borders House or Sakura House .

For dormitories, also check out Sakura House dormitories .

For foreigner friendly apartments, check out GaijinPot , Suumo or Ash. the Realtor.

Find a Job in Japan

Holding a working holiday visa will allow you to do a variety of different jobs. If you’re from an English speaking country, teaching English is an easy way to have a comfortable income. If you have more confidence in your Japanese ability, you could try finding work at a convenient store or hotel. Sites like GaijinPot  or Craigslist have lots of job listings for foreigners and places like convenient stores, cafe’s and restaurants often hire new staff.

There are no restrictions on how many hours per week you are allowed to work. Though, be aware that participants holding a working holiday visa are strictly prohibited to work at nightclubs, massage parlors, gambling establishments, the adult industry and other premises affecting public morals in Japan.

How about English teaching? Read our article about How to find English teaching jobs in Japan .

Pros & Cons of a Working Holiday Visa Japan

Working Holiday Visa Japan – The Pros

• Aside from needing to be a citizen of a participating country, a working holiday visa is a fairly easy way to stay in Japan for a longer period.
• There are plenty of jobs to do even if you don’t speak Japanese.

Working Holiday Visa Japan – The Cons

• A Working Holiday Visa is not a Working Visa nor is the purpose of a working holiday of finding longterm employment. The primary goal is ‘holiday’ and the WHV is not designed for people who’s main intend it to work.
• You cannot accept a permanent job.
• You can apply only one time in your life

Tips to help you on your way

Tip 1: Since you will have a whole year to activate your visa, it helps to apply well in advance so you have more than enough time to prepare things like your itinerary, finding an apartment or even a job.

Tip 2: Although you don’t need to know any Japanese when coming to Japan, knowing the basics will go a long way as Japanese will appreciate you taking the effort to learn their language.  

Tip 3: Even though you can work during your stay, it’s still advisable to save up money before coming to Japan in case you find yourself without work in Japan.

Tip 4: Gaijin Trap (not the gutter ones), a different culture brings along a lot of change, either good or bad. Try to find a balance where you won’t find yourself criticizing everything little thing that is different from your own country as well as suddenly immerse yourself too much to the point that you reject all things that are non-Japanese. Because you have more time, take it easy and gradually ease into your new Japanese life.

Tip 5: In Rome, do as the Romans do. The Japanese are very serious about etiquette, different situations require certain etiquette or manners. For example on the escalator, the left side is for standing still and the right side is for walking. Or did you know that when entering an onsen, you have to shower and clean your body before setting foot in the onsen? A good tip is to observe how the Japanese do it and copy that. If you want to know how to behave in an onsen, check out our onsen etiquette article .

Conclusion – Working Holiday Visa Japan

Before participating in the work-holiday program, you may want to visit Japan once as a tourist. Check out the tourist visa application requirements for Japan beforehand.

A working holiday visa is a perfect way for you to come to Japan and experience Japanese culture , its people, the language and all that this beautiful island nation has to offer. Not only are you able to travel places but also get a taste of real life by allowing you to work and join Japanese society. You can take the time to plan your travels without feeling the need to rush and do everything at your own pace.

Traveling can be expensive in a country like Japan, but having that option to work is surely an assuring thought. Travel to different places in Japan, work on a field pulling daikon from the ground, making friends with locals and creating memories over the span of one year is an experience you can only get with a Working Holiday Visa. Check all the amazing places you can visit during your stay in Japan !

To discover more about Japan and get to know more Japan enthusiasts, join our  Facebook Group .

Also, don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest !

Have a great time in Japan!

YourJapan Blog

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Free Sample Cover Letter Templates

You’ve read our 9 tips for writing an awesome stand-out cover letter , it’s now time to get started on your own. We’ve created some free sample cover letters for you to use. Let’s take a look at three different cover letters for three of the most common backpacker jobs:

• Sales & marketing

Much of this information will obviously need to be personalised, but feel welcome to make the rest of the letter a little more you too!

1. Au-pair cover letter

Sophie, 19, has spent her first two months in Australia travelling, and is now hoping to secure an au pair position in Melbourne.

Dear Adam and Jess, My name is Sophie, and I’m writing to you about the au pair role that you’re currently looking to fill. I am a 19-year-old from Sweden, and have recently arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa which I hope to extend into a second year. I had hoped to stay in Melbourne for three months, which luckily covers the school holiday period that you need help with! I see that you live in Fitzroy – I have only been in Melbourne for a few days, but it is already one of my favourite parts, and I hope to explore it some more. I love caring for children. I have two young cousins at home – about the same age as your children – that I take care of for around five hours every week (feel welcome to contact my Aunt Kirsten +46 ### ### ### or kirsten@#####.com). I enjoy weaving learning into play, and feel that I could even teach your children a little bit about my own culture! I am available from now until the end of February, and have a laptop with some fun education apps that your kids might enjoy. I also quite like to cook, so perhaps I could share some Swedish cuisine with you! Finally, I see that your post doesn’t mention sleeping arrangements. I was hoping you might be able to clarify what they would be. Could you share a few photos? Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you. Sophie Ramström

2. Farm work cover letter

Kelly, 23, is coming to the end of her first year visa, and is looking to complete a few remaining weeks of farm work in order to secure a second year visa.

Dear Jim, My name is Kelly, and I am writing to you regarding the farmhand position advertised on Backpacker Job Board. I am a 23-year-old from Liverpool, and have been in Australia for around nine months. I hope to stay another year, and need to complete five more weeks of specified work to do so. I am also seeking an authentic country experience while I’m in Australia, which your open position looks like it will offer! Your part of the state looks beautiful, and I’d be excited to explore it. While I haven’t worked with livestock before, I do have some farm work experience. In the past six months I have completed four weeks of blueberry picking in Coffs Harbour with ABC Berries (Cheryl Jones, Owner 04## ### ###) and three weeks of banana picking in far north Queensland with XYZ Bananas (Bruce Taylor, Manager – 04## ### ###), where I was the second-best picker in my team of 10. I am fit, have a strong work ethic and take pride in any job that I am asked to do. I am available from next Wednesday (the 13th) for up to two months, at which point I’ll need to move on to other commitments. I have a driver’s licence and a vehicle, and can also bring my own bedding if necessary. If you need anything else, feel free to call or text me on 04## ### ### or reply to this email. Kind regards, Kelly Smith

3. Sales & marketing cover letter

Antonio, 27, is on his second year visa, and is looking to settle down and work in Sydney over the Australian winter.

Dear Paul, My name is Antonio, and I am writing to put my name forward for the telesales job you recently posted to Backpacker Job Board. I am an Italian on a second year working holiday visa. Having spent the last 14 months working and travelling around the country, I am excited to settle down for an extended period in Sydney. Your job jumped out at me as the perfect opportunity. I worked a similar job in Italy, at an inbound call centre for an internet provider, and really enjoyed the interaction with customers and the challenge of making sales. Over the course of a year and a half I was consistently in the top 25% of salespeople, and won the salesperson of the month award twice. I’m sure my old manager Carla (+39 ### ### ### or carla@#####.com) would be happy to tell you more (don’t worry – she speaks English!) I am available from the start of next month, and can work for as long as my visa allows (currently 10 more months.) I have become quite fluent in Australian English, and would be excited to work for an Australian company with such a wonderful product. I have used your service myself and was very impressed! One question: I note that your post didn’t mention where the call centre was located, although I see that you have an office in Parramatta. I was wondering if you could confirm whether that is where the position would be based? I look forward to your reply. In the meantime, have a fantastic day. Antonio

Related posts:

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
• How to Travel Australia and Live Rent-Free
• 10 FREE things to do in Australia

Author: Matthew Heyes

Matthew Heyes is the founder of Backpacker Job Board. Currently based in Melbourne, Matthew originates from UK and came to Australia as a backpacker on a working holiday visa. It was during his time backpacking on the east coast of Australia that he built Backpacker Job Board. Find Matthew Heyes on Linkedin

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Landing A Job On Your Working Holiday In Australia | Part 1 : How To Find Work

Written by on February 8, 2022 . Posted in Australia .

So you’ve got your visa , packed your bags and said your ‘see ya laters’ ready for your working holiday Aussie adventure. But how exactly do you land a job when you arrive in Australia? From applying online to hitting the streets with your CV, read on for our tried and tested methods and top tips for finding and getting a job on your working holiday visa in Australia.

6 Ways To Search For Job Opportunities On Your WHV in Australia:

1. hand out your cv in person, best for: hospitality (bar, restaurants, cafes); retail jobs.

Particularly good if you’re looking for work in a city, we’re big fans of the old fashioned face-to-face work scout. That’s right… print out a few CVs, don your best smart-casual outfit and hit the streets. It may seem like a more time-consuming way to find work, especially when we’re so used to finding everything we need online. But this is a great opportunity to explore a new city, meet locals and get chatting to potential employers – you never know what opportunities might pop up along the way!

Our top tips:

• Keep your eyes open Recruitment can be expensive for employers, so keep your eyes peeled for vacancies advertised in shop, restaurant and bar windows.
• Speak to the right person Wandering around the big smoke and spot somewhere you like the look of? Ask to speak to the manager or person in charge of hiring to enquire about any jobs that might be available. This is a great opportunity to show your interest in the company, and suss out whether there are any positions up for grabs. If there are no positions now, this puts yourself at the forefront of their minds when a position does become available.
• Applying Have a few CVs at the ready but better yet, ask for the hiring manager’s contact details to email over your application. Follow up with an email later that day to reintroduce yourself and your interest in the role, along with a personalised resume (CV) and a cover letter.
• Be prepared Keen to work in the hospitality industry? Be prepared. Most employers will ask whether you have completed your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) course. This is a mandatory course you must obtain before working with alcohol in Australia. Why not complete your course beforehand so you’re all set and ready for work?
• Expect a trial shift You may be invited for a trial shift so your employer can see you in action before committing to offering you the job. This is a normal part of the process when applying for jobs in restaurants, bars and cafes, and should always be paid.
• Shine! Remember to relax, be yourself and let your personality shine through!

2. Apply Online

Best for: most jobs, particularly sales and office jobs; retail; larger hospitality brands..

Applying for jobs online via job finding websites means access to hundreds of positions across a wide range of industries with new jobs going up daily. Some of our favourites include:

• Seek – Australia’s Number 1 employment marketing place, and career advice platform (free account)
• Indeed – Job search, resume and application tools (free account)
• Jora – Job search and job alerts (free account)

Whilst these are awesome tools for careers advice, application tips and seeing what’s out there, these websites generally don’t cater as much for backpackers and working holiday visa makers. Why? Your working holiday visa allows you to work for each Australian employer for up to 6 months. This makes it perfect for casual and temp roles as opposed to permanent positions. You may still find your dream job this way, but just keep your visa working conditions in mind when applying.

One of our favourite online jobs portals for backpackers, Travellers At Work (TAW), lists jobs specifically for backpackers in a range of industries from sales and hospitality to trades, farm work and fruit picking. TAW offers a free basic membership to search for jobs, as well as a more in-depth membership option (12 months access). This paid membership includes job alerts, CV review, backpacker resources, discounts on training courses and even a one-to-one session with a recruitment expert on the ground.

3. Search on Social Media / Facebook Groups

Best for: travel industry roles; hospitality (cafes, bars and restaurants); au pair work; fruit picking.

Whether you’re keeping an eye out on Facebook’s Job Search tool , joining industry groups or scouting LinkedIn for positions, social media can be an amazing tool for finding work with up to date listings.

Our top tips: 

• Facebook Groups Join Facebook groups that are relevant and specific to the type of positions you’re looking for. Cocktail-making guru looking for work in Melbourne? Check out The Melbourne Bartender Exchange . Looking for an au pair job in Sydney? Check out Sydney Au Pairs . Keen to head to the outback for farm jobs or fruit picking work? There are heaps of groups for that too…Head to the ‘groups’ section of Facebook to do a little research.
• Clean up your profile We suggest doing a bit of a Facebook and Instagram audit before you start applying. Got some pics of you living your best life at Side Bar’s ‘Wild Wednesday’ on your feed? Depending on the job you’re applying for, you may want to change your privacy settings so only your nearest and dearest can see your wild and wonderful online personality 😉
• Keep it real Don’t go mad on ‘selling yourself’ on social media. You want to come across as personable, proactive and knowledgeable, not spammy. So keep your group posts relevant, friendly and professional.

4. Get Talking – Word of Mouth

Best for: all jobs particularly great for farm work recommendations and working at your hostel.

Some of the best job opportunities will come from the people you meet on your working holiday, especially if you’re mingling with other travellers on the daily and staying in a hostel. Someone in your dorm just finished their farmwork? They might have a good farmwork contact for you. Get talking, put the feelers out there and see what happens…you never know what opportunities might arise.

For all round community feels, why not see if the hostel you’re staying at has any work opportunities? The perfect backpacking hub, your hostel may have various flexible, casual, part-time or full-time roles up for grabs. 

At Wake Up! Hostels , we’re always on the lookout for energetic personalities to join our team. Positions can range from reception, in the housekeeping and maintenance team or tour guide positions to run our social activities including city and beach walks and market tours. The best part? You’ll be working with a team of other travel lovers and adventure-seekers. Chat with our reception team or plan ahead by emailing [email protected] with a CV and a little bit about you.

5. Freelance Work

Best for: graphic design; it; website development; digital marketing; writing and more..

Dreaming of road trippin’ your way around Australia? If the last few years have taught us anything it’s that given the right skills (and a good WiFi connection), a lot of jobs can be done from anywhere. If you’re a freelancer in your home country, why not use your skills to work and travel around Australia? Some of our favourite freelance sites include:

• Upwork – One of the most popular freelance sites for all types of freelance roles; everything from development and IT to copywriting, marketing and graphic design.
• Fiverr – Great for beginners and newbies to the freelance world
• Freelancer.com – Search for freelance work by skill or by language
• 99designs – Great for graphic designers

Reminder: If you will be paid for your services, you will need to register for an ABN (Australian Business Number) to legally operate. As you will be self-employed, you can lodge your own tax return at the end of the financial year.

6. Temp Agencies

Best for: short-term temp roles in offices; administration; sales and call centres.

Want to make some quick dollary-doos? Sign up to a temping agency. Here you might secure a temporary position, anywhere from 1 day for last-minute cover, to 3-6 month maternity cover roles. Generally best for finding work in the city, temp agencies are hired to fill roles quickly. So if you’re flexible and available you could land yourself a sweet short-term gig between travelling or whilst you search for a longer-term role. As these roles are generally more corporate and you are filling a temporary position you can expect to be paid more than the minimum wage – ka-ching!

A quick google search for ‘temp agencies or temp roles’ in the city you’re in will bring up a whole host of temp recruiters. Give them a call, send over your CV and they will match you to any positions they may have. 

Top tip: If you live close by, some temp agencies even organise a ‘morning tea’. This is where you can head into the agency – essentially ready for a day’s work – and if any positions pop up at the last minute, you’ll be first in line for a day’s work.

Wake Up! Crew’s Top Tips

Stress not, friend! Whilst it can be stressful searching for work on your working holiday visa, remind yourself that it’s all part of the experience. You can 100% have fun with it and enjoy the process! Australia is set up for backpackers and working holidaymakers, with heaps of job opportunities (particularly in the current climate). So stay positive, be proactive and keep those applications flowing.

Keen to learn something new? Your working holiday is all about exploring, stepping out of your comfort zone and most importantly, having fun! Keep an open mind, be ready to move around, try new things (within reason of course!) and apply for roles you might not usually consider. Remember the world is your oyster, so grab each and every opportunity on your working holiday in Australia!

So there you have it, our top tips for finding and getting a job on your working holiday Down Under. Planning a working holiday but unsure where to start?

Take a look at our backpacker resource blog with EVERYTHING you need to know about travelling and backpacking in Sydney and Australia.

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Working-Holiday Visa Cover Letter Tips

I'm about to write a cover letter for my working-holiday visa application.

I've written cover letters for jobs before and tailored them for the application. However, the embassy website doesn't provide much information. Are there any specific criteria I should be addressing or points I should be focusing on?

I also need to include my resume. I usually only include the most relevant experience. Should I include everything or just the most recent? If I include everything, my resume will be more than 3 pages.

If a fellow redditor could please help me, it would be much appreciated! Thanks

Edit: Would I have any issues if i purchased one way ticket?

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• More info Australia is a popular destination for both Working Holiday Visas and tourists, however, it is also worth considering Australia as a destination for studying. Better yet, foreign students are in great demand, with many nationalities. Many choose to study in Australia to improve their English skills, travel around Australia and to gain an international degree. Many choose to study in Australia.
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Australia on a Working Holiday Visa: Setting yourself up for work

Embarking on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in Australia is an exciting opportunity to explore a beautiful country while earning money to support your travels. To make the most of your WHV experience, it’s essential to set yourself up for work effectively. So what will you need before starting work in Australia ? To begin with: a strong resume/CV, an Australian bank account, a Tax File Number (TFN) and an Australian phone number. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to getting started with work in Australia, ensuring you have a smooth transition and a successful adventure.

Table of Contents

Understand Your Working Holiday Visa

Before diving into the job market, familiarize yourself with the conditions of your WHV:

• Age Requirement: Typically, you must be between 18 and 35 (or 30 for some countries) to apply.
• Duration: The visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending for another 2 years if you meet specific criteria.
• Work Conditions: You can work for the same employer for up to six months, encouraging you to explore different jobs and regions.

⚠️ From 1 January 2024 you can work for the same employer in Australia for more than 6 months without asking permission if you work in any of the following:

• different locations for the same employer, as long as work in any one location does not exceed 6 months
• plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia
• natural disaster recovery work anywhere in Australia
• critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, tourism and hospitality, anywhere in Australia
• certain industries, including, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in northern Australia only.

Prepare your resume and cover letter

Depending on the types of jobs you want to do Down Under, your CV will vary. But whether you’re looking for a temporary or long-term job, having a well-written CV  that meets Australian criteria is essential.

It’s important to note that resumes in Australia may be different to what you’re used to back home. In Europe, CVs are usually kept to one or two pages, but in Australia they tend to be at least two pages – sometimes up to four or five pages for a specialised job. If you are a recent graduate or you are applying for a short-term holiday job, it’s OK to have a shorter CV, but make sure you are including all your relevant experience and certificates you need such as your RSA or White Card .

In Australia it is illegal to ask potential employees for information such as their age, marital status or religion, so do not include these details in your CV. As soon as you have an Australian address and phone number, you should update your CV to make it clear you’re already in the country and ready for work. You should also include at least 2-3 references and their phone numbers. In Australia, employers do tend to actually call your references so it’s essential that you choose people who speak good English and will speak positively about you. You want it to be easy as possible for your potential future boss to contact your references, which can be tricky if they are overseas. The more local references you can include, the better, even if it’s from volunteer work.

For a complete guide to writing your resume in Australia and an easy-to-follow downloadable template, see our article: Writing a resume in Australia – Guide & Templates .

If you apply for a qualified position, you will need to also provide a cover letter. Tailor your cover letter to each job application, explaining why you’re suitable for the role and how your experience aligns with the job requirements.

Set up your bank account

In order to work legally in Australia, you will need to set up a bank account . With some banks, can set up your account online from your home country. You will need to bring your passport as ID, and an address where your bank can post your new debit card. If you don’t have a permanent address yet, you may be able to give the bank the address of your hostel (but make sure you ask the staff first).

Australia has four main banks: Commonwealth , Westpac , NAB and ANZ . There are also other international banks such as HSBC, ING and CITI Bank. We recommend you to pick one of the main banks so you can easily find an ATM no matter where you are (in Australia, there is service fee for using ATMs not affiliated with your bank, which can really add up).

Open a Superannuation account

Superannuation (super) is a retirement savings system in Australia. Ensure your employer sets up super contributions for you. You can claim your superannuation when you leave Australia.

Employers in Australia will be obliged to pay a portion of your salary (11%) into a fund for you. This payment is paid on top of your salary and is put into a separate account. To be able to get this money, you will need to set up your “super” account. You can set up your super account at your bank when opening your bank account. This way it will be easier to check the money you have on it. You can’t claim your superannuation until you leave Australia, and unfortunately it’s taxed at the extremely high rate of 65%.

Read also : How to Claim your Superannuation

Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) and / or Australian Business Number (ABN)

A TFN is essential for working in Australia. Apply for your TFN online through the Australian Taxation Office website (ATO) as soon as you arrive. It usually takes about 10-28 days to receive it by mail.

If you will not be staying in one place for 28 days, or your TFN hasn’t arrived within the stated period, you can call the ATO on on  13 28 61,  8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday and they can give you your number you over the phone after verifying your identity with some security questions.

The ABN is for people carrying out or starting a business in Australia. You will need an ABN if you are working as a sole trader or freelancer. People with certain jobs (freelance photographers, writers, labourers etc) are more likely to have to register for an ABN. To apply for an ABN you must already have a TFN .

Check the government website to see whether you are entitled to an ABN. It should be noted that some employers might try to get you to apply for an ABN because it is cheaper for them . If you work with an ABN you are responsible for doing your own taxes , so make sure you really need it before deciding to get it. 

NOTE : Try to work under your TFN as your taxes will be deducted directly from your salary, so you won’t have to put money aside to pay taxes at the end of the financial year. Do not work with an ABN unless you are really running your own business as a sole trader. If your employer asks you to apply for an ABN and you will be actually working for him/her as an employee, do not go for it. It might just be a way for them to get out of the costs that go with employing somebody.

Get an Australian phone number

When living in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa you will need an Australian phone number . You are more likely to get calls from potential employers if you have an Australian number, and using your old number will leave you with huge roaming charges, so it’s important to get this sorted as quickly as possible.

The three biggest network providers in Australia are Telstra , Vodafone and Optus . They all provide 4G services. When choosing your provider, consider the coverage provided and the costs .

When choosing your network provider, bear in mind where you will be going in Australia. Some providers have better coverage then others in remote areas. Telstra is considered to have the best coverage nationwide, as well as in the outback . However, there are many places were you will not have any signal, regardless of your provider. If you’re sticking to urban areas, your provider isn’t that important.

Aldi also provides pre-paid deals at a lower price that use the Telstra network as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNOs). MVNOs are smaller providers that offer access to the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone network. They often have good deals .

Where to buy a SIM Card

You can buy a SIM card practically anywhere , from supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles, 7Eleven, etc) or phone stores. Major providers such as Telstra and Vodafone have stores in all major cities.

Read more : Phone plans in Australia

Get your certificates

Some jobs such as hospitality and construction may require specific certificates or training . These certificates prove your knowledge /abilities in certain areas and having them show that you are ready to start working straight away.

RSA certificate

The RSA ( Responsible Service of Alcohol ) is essential for working in hospitality . It shows that you are aware of the  regulations regarding alcohol consumption  in Australia. You are trained to learn to be  responsible when serving alcohol  to patrons in order to prevent harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption, as well as avoiding expensive fines for breaking the law (serving alcohol to minors etc).

Get your RSA in Australia (with special discounts!)

Pay less for your RSA course (Responsible Service of Alcohol). With this certificate, you are allowed to work in all places where alcohol is served or sold.

The White Card is  compulsory  to work in the  construction industry or in mines . The aim of the training is to learn about safety at work. The course trains workers to identify hazards and to prevent and manage accidents at work.

Get discounts for your White Card course

Take advantage of special offers to obtain the white card and work in the construction industry.

Read also : Training and Certificates in Australia

Start your job search

Online job portals.

Websites like Seek, Indeed, and Jora are popular for finding job listings. For hospitality and casual work, check out Gumtree and Backpacker Job Board. Also check LinkedIn for companies that interest you.

Recruitment agencies

Register with agencies like Hays, Adecco, and Randstad, which can help match you with suitable job opportunities. These agencies are usually specialised in a sector / industry.

Join local Facebook groups or WhatsApp groups and attend events or meetups for WHV travelers. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable advice from fellow backpackers.

Walk-in applications

For jobs in hospitality, retail, and farming, consider walking into establishments with your resume and asking if they have any openings.

Types of jobs commonly available to WHV holders

• Hospitality and Tourism: Jobs in cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels are plentiful, especially in tourist areas and major cities.
• Retail: Retail positions in stores and shopping centers can be a good option, particularly during busy seasons.
• Farm Work: Regional farm work is also a good option for WHV holders, especially those seeking a visa extension. Tasks can include fruit picking, packing, and general farm maintenance.
• Construction & Mining: If you have relevant skills or are willing to obtain a White Card (construction induction training), construction jobs can be lucrative.
• Office and Temp Work: Temporary administrative or office jobs can provide steady income, often found through recruitment agencies.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Obtaining a White Card for Construction Work in Australia

Get your RSA Certificate in NSW in 2024

Get your RSG in Australia – Info and discount (2024)

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SAMPLE COVER LETTERS for VISA APPLICATION: Korea, Schengen, Australia

Employment certificate, financial documents, and income tax return (ITR) are the staples of most visa applications. But there is one document that is usually overlooked — the cover letter.

A cover letter isn’t always a requirement when applying for a visa. However, it’s something that we often recommend to add to your pile of documents, especially if there is no interview and you have some explaining to do.

You see, sometimes, things don’t always fit the mold perfectly. There are cases wherein you can’t provide the exact document needed, but you have a very good alternative. Or maybe you just can’t provide something at all, but you have a perfectly valid reason. Or perhaps you’re traveling with a group or for a special purpose. These instances could probably benefit from a well-crafted explanation to give the visa officer a clearer picture of your situation.

When I apply for a visa, I usually submit a cover letter regardless of whether or not it’s one of the requirements. I always want to give a summary of my application and clarify some aspects that may be prone to misinterpretation.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

What should be in a cover letter?

For me, a good cover letter must be able to provide the following:

• A short introduction about yourself.
• Your travel dates and the purpose of your trip
• If traveling with a group: your companions and your relationship with them
• If sponsored: your sponsor’s name, your relationship with them, and the reason why they are willing to sponsor you
• If you’re missing some requirements: the reason why you won’t be able to provide them and the alternatives you are submitting instead
• If applying for a double entry or multiple entry visa: the reason why you need to be allowed more than one entry
• A quick rundown of the destinations you will be visiting
• A quick summary of your travel history (if any), highlighting that you have NEVER violated visa rules in the past
• A promise to return to your home country in time

Looks like a lot, huh? But here’s the thing: According to a couple of friends who used to work as visa officers at strict embassies, they usually had very little time to assess each application. Hence, if you’re going to make a cover letter, go straight to the point . One page should be enough. The key is being concise — finding the balance between giving enough information and keeping it short and sweet.

Here are some samples. I intentionally used complicated situations to give you an idea how I usually explain them. If they don’t apply to you, feel free to modify these to match your case. Please use this only as a model for your own cover letter. Please do not copy-paste the whole thing without adjustments.

Sample Cover Letter for Australian Visa (Online Application)

✅ DOWNLOAD THIS!

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Visa

✅ DOWNLOAD THIS HERE!

Sample Cover Letter for Korean Visa

2020 • 1 • 7

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where to attach cover letter for Australia Visa application?

In my case, I uploaded it under Evidence of Planned Tourism Activities > Others.

Hello, I will be applying for a Japan visa and will submit a cover letter din. I have a few questions:

• If I am traveling with friends pero we will be submitting individual applications, do I need to include that in the cover letter na I am with them on this trip?
• Do you need to submit all your savings account o kahit isa nalang?
• Plan ko rin sana (dahil nabasa ko sa ibang posts nyo hehe) na payroll and savings account ipasa, pero kung nililipat ko rin naman yung laman ng payroll sa savings, need ko pa ba isubmit yung payroll account?
• Sa ibang Japan visa application na napanuod ko, nagsusubmit sila ng bank certificate at bank statement. Do I need to do that?
• If yes, need ko ba explain sa cover letter ko na tinatransfer ko sa digital bank muna yung pera saka ko tinatransfer sa savings account? (kasi baka makita, if may bank statement, na nanggaling sa ganitong account yung pumasok na pera)

sorry habang nagtatype ako nadadagdagan questions ko haha. sana masagot parin. Thank you sa travel guides. Super helpful. :)

This is for Japan ha.

1. You may indicate your companions. Ako I prefer na imention sila to show na travel with friends talaga.

2. OK lang kahit isa lang kung sa tingin mo strong enough ung account na yun. Pwede ring madami if feeling mo di enough ung isa lang.

3. Naeempty ba ung payroll account when u transfer?

4. Bank cert lang naman ang need ng Japan so kahit walang statement, ok lang.

5. If hindi ka magsusubmit ng statement, di na need iexplain kasi hindi lalabas. :)

I plan to visit Canada and have started my visa application. I selected visit friend for purpose instead of tourism as I would like to be fully honest with my application. My very purpose is to be with my boyfriend and meet his family and friends. Touring comes as a bonus. Would it be fine to add captions or narrations on the pdf document together with our pictures as proof? I also have our hotel and tour bookings and his boarding passes on the two times that he has visited me here in PH. This is the Proof of Relationship section on the application visa.

Hello. Any recommendations for Schengen visa assistance agencies?

Try Gazelle Travel and Tours around Ortigas or Constellation Travel in Makati.

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Hi Sarah and Eric, great post, thanks for all the info! I’ve decided to apply for a WHV in the near future. I have a question – when you get approved, the visa is valid for one year. Then once you actually arrive in Japan – you are permitted to stay in Japan for a year from that date, is that correct? I’m thinking of applying for the visa this month but probably won’t fly out there until next Spring.

Hey Charlie, how exciting! Unfortunately, the visa starts immediately once it gets approved regardless of when you arrive in Japan. Unfortunately, there’s no real way around this as it can take up to a month to get your visa approved (though ours took under a week). Hopefully, this helps and if you need any further information just send us a message anytime!

Hi Sarah/Eric,

I’m considering applying for the Working Holiday Visa (UK applicant). I’d be intending to go in 2021 – 2022. Applications, according to the website open from April – March, so does that mean I’d apply for in April 2021 presumably?

That’s awesome, we hope you enjoy your time out there as we did! You can apply any time of the year as long as applications are not full. We were advised at the time of our application that it is very rare that Working Holiday Visa’s for UK applications ever reaches its limit so you don’t have to be too strict with applying right at the start of the application date.

We would recommend applying for the visa when you’re ready to go as your one year starts from the day your visa gets approved. For example, if you’re thinking of starting your year in Japan in June 2021 you’ll be wasting several months by applying in April 2021. Hope this makes sense. If not, we’d be happy to provide more info 🙂

Hey Sarah and Eric,

Thank you for this article 🙂 Super helpful. Just a quick question — if I’m in Japan only for 4-5 weeks but meantime working voluntarily in return of food and accommodation (like the examples on workaway), do I still need to get this visa?

Thank you! C

Hi Carol, thanks we’re glad it was useful for you 🙂

For any type of work (including voluntary work like the ones you find on Workaway which provide accommodation and food in exchange) will require a visa even if money is not involved – a working holiday visa would work fine. If the voluntary work is for a registered charity you can apply for the Volunteer Visa though you’ll need to check whether this is available for your country (we can only confirm it is for British citizens). Here’s a link for you to find out more https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/index_000073.html

Hi guys! Hope youre well, thank you so much for this very helpful article. hoping you still check this, I have a question.

I’m also from the UK near london, and i think i’m going to go for this working visa, its april now so i think i need to jump on this. But then i’m also worried about how soon i would get the visa, it could be immidieatly or not at all because of the corona virus. Do you think it would be hard at the moment or competitive to get a working visa?

Thank you for any insights / advice

Hi Vincent, we’re glad you found it helpful.

You should give the Japanese embassy in London a call first to check whether they’re currently still offering Working Holiday Visas as Japan still has a ban on tourists entering the country. As the main activity of a Working Holiday Visa is travel we would assume that they would be suspending visas until further notice.

If they are still offering them (and everything is ok with your application), you should expect your application to be approved within a couple of weeks of application as there will hardly be any competition. We applied during more normal times and were told that almost every year they don’t reach the limit on how many Working Holiday Vias they are allowed to give out.

Hopefully, this helps, but the main takeaway is to give the embassy a call as they’d be able to immediately inform you.

Let us know if there are any other questions we can help answer 🙂

Thank you so much for getting back to me, that is incredibly helpful and puts some worries to rest on the competition side of things. I’m basically going to wait for the visa process to start again and apply and hopefully get all my things together and sorted by then!

Hi! Thank you for this helpful article.

I already have secured a part-time job in japan and they are providing my accommodation. I assume on my application form I can fill it in with their details and this won’t be an issue? Shall I take my contract with me when I go to the embassy for my appointment?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks, Hannah

Hi Sarah and Eric, thank you for writing up your experience! I am from the UK and in a similar position where I plan to travel around Japan throughout my working holiday with the odd bit of volunteering here and there, rather than work from a homebase.

My friend has kindly offered to let me use their address when registering at the local ward office. I was wondering, when registering your address with your local ward office, did you have to sign up and pay for things such as the national health insurance and pension scheme despite not doing paid work? Was anything actually sent to your homebase in the end?

All the best, Jenni

Hi Jenni, how exciting! Hope you enjoy your time in Japan and make the most of your time there, we still look back very fondly on our year living there.

We didn’t have to pay for national health insurance nor pension scheme. As you mentioned, we were not payed and was not seen as employment but rather volunteering. And no nothing was actually sent to the address we registered with in the end – please note though this was several years ago and things may have changed since. If you have any other questions please let us know 🙂

Sarah and Eric

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how to become parisian

Anecdotes, observations, reviews, and how-to's from a foreigner living in Paris

2019 Guide to French Working Holiday Visa

Note: I am Canadian and this guide is written from the perspective and experience of a Canadian acquiring a French working holiday visa under the France-Canada Youth Mobility Agreement. There will be some differences if you are getting this visa, and are of a different nationality and under a different agreement.

2019 Update: In Canada, French visas are now processed by VFS. As such, some information about where to apply below may be outdated. To learn more about applying through VFS in Canada, click here . All other information remains relevant, especially in regards to working rights in France and renewal.

If you’re under the age of 35 and dying to move to France, you should look into getting a visa under the working holiday visa (WHV) / programme vacances-travail (PVT) scheme, which was created as part of the France-Canada Youth Mobility Agreement . The same visa also exists under similar agreements around the globe.

While I must stress that it is a  temporary visa  – as in, it cannot be turned into any other permit and returning to your home country upon its expiry is mandatory – it’s a good option if you  haven’t found a job in France yet  (thus cannot apply for the young professional scheme or try to get a work permit),  wish to travel around France, and get a taste of what French life is actually like.

How to Get a French Working Holiday Visa

If you’ve decided that the French working holiday visa is the right visa for you, congratulations! It’s one of the easiest visas to get – and this is coming from someone who’s applied for half a dozen in her lifetime.

All the information you’re after is on the official government web page , but I’m going to break it down in the categories below.

Conditions of Eligibility

In order to be eligible to get a French working holiday visa, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of the application date,
• Hold a Canadian passport that is valid for at least six months past the end date of the visit,
• Have never benefited from this visa or the other two types of visa under the mobility agreement,
• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to finance the beginning of their stay as well as to leave the country,
• Agree to pay any fees and taxes as provided for in legislation,
• Submit all documents asked for in the application kit.

Application Kit

Anyone who wishes to get a working holiday visa for France must complete the application kit, also known as the 3D Visa Application Package.

One Visa Application Form

The visa application form is self-explanatory in terms of filling it in. It asks for personal details as well as the purpose of applying for the visa. There is also a large section regarding France specifically, asking you about means of support, if you have any family in France, if you’ve ever stayed in France long term, and so on. If a section does not apply to you, leave it blank.

The one question I get asked a lot regarding this section is the first address. This can be anything from a hostel, to a friend’s place. If it is a hostel or hotel, print out a receipt showing that it has been booked for the first few days of your stay. If it is a friend’s place, have them write a letter confirming that you’re able to stay with them, as well as scan a copy of their national identity card (if they’re French) or visa/permit (if they’re foreigners living in France).

Two Recent Identity Photos

These photos can be originals only and be 35mm x 45 mm. Digital photos and scans are not accepted. I would strongly recommend going to a professional service to get this done. I personally went to London Drugs, where they knew the exact measurements needed for a French visa photo, and stamped it to certify the date.

The Completed Checklist

Fill out all the information at the top and tick the boxes to indicate both the originals and copies. Documents must be submitted in the order that they’re in on the checklist.

Canadian Passport (Plus Photocopies)

You will have to submit your actual passport along with the application, in addition to photocopies taken of the first six pages. It must be signed, as well as be valid for at least six months following the end of your stay in France.

Proof of Financial Resources

You will need to have proof that you can fund your initial stay in France, as well as be able to buy a return ticket home. While the magic number used to be 3000 CAD, as of 2017 they are asking for proof of an additional 1000 CAD for airfare, for a total of 4000 CAD.

It is best to go to your bank and ask for an official statement of your savings. You can ask your parents to get official statements of their bank accounts and to sign a letter saying they would support you in the case you ran out of money, but this should be treated as secondary proof. If you have no money under your own name, it drastically reduces your chances of being approved.

You will need to have photocopies of all proof of financial resources.

Cover Letter

You will need to include a professional letter stating your purpose for applying for a working holiday visa, and intent for your stay. It should be approximately one page in length. Reasons could include wanting to learn French, learning more about French culture, taking cooking classes, and so on. Be honest.

An Envelope to Return Your Passport

You will need to include a prepaid XPress Post envelope that is already addressed to you. This is meant to contain your passport, so that the consulate can mail it to you in the case that you are unable to pick it up in person.

Proof of Medical Insurance

You need to have valid medical insurance that will cover the entirety of your stay. It must include health care and repatriation – the latter being something you will likely need to tack onto a plan as an add-on. It is also recommended to sign up for liability insurance.

There is no shortage of medical insurance you can purchase. I have met people on WHV who had everything from basic travel insurance to comprehensive international medical insurance. It is recommended to research what is the best option for you personally.

When and Where to Apply

When to apply for a french working holiday visa.

You should apply for a working holiday visa no more than three months before your planned departure. I would personally recommend two months before, as one month before is leaving it a little short if 1) they take longer than usual to reach a decision, and 2) you are getting your application mailed back and not picking it up.

In my personal experience, I picked the visa up a few hours after submitting my application. However, mine was a special case as I did not apply from within Canada. For my friends who applied within Canada, they tended to wait around a week before receiving their passport and new visa.

Where to Apply for a French Working Holiday Visa

There is no fee for submitting the application form. You simply have to make an appointment online and go in to submit the application and take biometric data. You cannot mail in an application – you must go in person.

Residents of Ontario and Manitoba will apply at the Consulate General of France in Toronto; residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan will apply at the Consulate General of France in Vancouver; and residents of Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Nunavut will apply at the Consulate General of France in Montreal.

Applying From Outside Canada

As I mentioned above, I applied from outside of Canada. You can only apply outside of Canada if you are an official resident of a different country. In my case, at the time I was living and working in Budapest with a Hungarian work-residence permit. As such, I had to go to the French consulate that handled visa applications from Hungarians in Vienna. Similarly, I had a friend apply for – and receive – her French working holiday visa at the French consulate in Seoul while working as an English teacher in South Korea.

If you are living outside Canada and have a valid residence permit somewhere else, you will likely be able to do the same. However, before booking an appointment email both your local French consulate in Canada, as well as the French consulate in your country of residence, before making an appointment.Ask them to confirm whether or not they are able and willing to process a French working holiday visa.

An additional word of warning: You cannot apply for the visa from within France. I have met a few foreigners who traveled to France with the intention of staying on a WHV, but hadn’t applied for it before their departure. They were promptly sent back home when the amount of time they were able to stay as tourists had lapsed. Don’t let this happen to you!

Once You Arrive in France

Once you arrive in France, you do not have to go register yourself anywhere. You’re simply thrown head first into the fun world of trying to open a bank account , find an apartment, and find employment. These are all incredibly frustrating things that really are deserving of their own posts.

For the sake of brevity, I will simply touch on what kind of work a WHV holder is allowed to take, as well as the legal obligations that come with it.

Getting a Job

Working holiday visa holders are granted temporary authorization for a one-year residency permit, and are exempt from requirements regarding work permits from the DIRECCTE. However, this does not exempt their employers from registering them with the necessary authorities upon being hired. As such, be sure to double check with your employer(s) that they registered your employment properly before you begin work.

I have met people here on WHV who have done everything from bar tending, to working at a big finance company, to working at a TV station, to being a salesperson at a boutique in Paris. A WHV has no limits on what kind of work you can do, so it’s really up to you and what you want to do – and who is willing to hire you!

CDI vs. CDD vs. Freelance

There exist two types of contracts in France: contrat de travail à durée indéterminée (CDI) and contrat de travail à durée déterminée (CDD). In a nutshell, the former means that you have a job forever – there is no end date. The latter, meanwhile, has a clear end date. 

Whether or not WHV holders are allowed to take a CDI is a hotly debated topic, given that it’s a temporary visa with a clear end date. I have met WHV holders who worked on both. However, most employers don’t consider it right to give a temporary visa holder a CDI, and will only give CDD’s instead. That said, giving someone with a working holiday visa a CDI is not actually illegal – it just goes against what the visa is meant for.

The working holiday visa is meant for CDD work, as the point of the visa is primarily meant to be travel, working only when you need to give your funds a boost. As such, some people have not been granted their renewal because they had a CDI or a single job during their first year, or worked the entire time instead of in blocks between travels.

However, after plenty of research, I’ve discovered that whether or not you’re allowed to work a CDI job depends entirely on your local prefecture – and the one you go to renew at in particular. For example, I personally only went to prefectures in central Paris, and was told multiple times by different people that I was not permitted to take a job with a CDI contract.

If you have been given a CDI job offer, I strongly recommend that you go to the prefecture local to your residence in France, and speak to them prior to taking the job. Even if you plan to only stay with the job six months maximum – as the visa guidelines strongly recommend – you should get verbal or written approval, as if that particular prefecture is against a working holiday visa holder having a CDI, it could cost you your second year renewal.

On a similar note, the agreement between Canada and France mentions that you can only take work that is “ salarié ” – meaning, work where you are on a payroll. As such, freelance work is not allowed, and France’s auto-entrepreneur scheme is not suitable for this visa . You should also not perform any sort of self-starter business activities, such as setting up an e-shop or selling handmade goods.

Social Security and Health Care

When you are hired for the first time in France, your prospective employer must submit a Déclaration Préalable à l’Embauche (DPAE) that will declare your employment to all necessary authorities. This must be submitted seven days before you begin work.

When this form is being filled out, your employer must make note that you don’t have a social security number yet . What’s more, following the DPAE, they must submit a declaration along with the necessary accompanying documents to La Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie (CPAM) to request a social security number/health care card for you. This is part of their legal obligation when hiring a foreigner.

While your dossier is being treated by CPAM, if everything is going well, they will mail you a temporary social security number to your home address (not to your workplace). This temporary number will suffice until (or if) your receive your real numbers.

When can you expect your real social security number and coveted carte vitale (French health care card) , if ever? This is a hotly debated topic for working holiday visa holders.

Based on what I’ve read online and heard from others who’d held the visa, they never received their carte vitale, social security number, or even temporary social security number – despite being legally employed! This spreads the false assumption that working holiday visa holders are not eligible for French health care or social security benefits.

On the contrary, I’ve been told by workers at the prefecture that as long as our employers are taking social contributions in our name out of each paycheck, working holiday visa holders are eligible to receive a social security number and carte vitale .

So why do people have such a hard time receiving either of these on this visa? I blame their employers’ failure to declare them to CPAM, their failure to declare themselves to CPAM (which you can do once you’ve received three paycheques), something being missing in their dossier (the social security office is notorious for being difficult regarding birth certificates, which they want translated, authenticated, legalized, and to be no more than three months old), leaving the country before their papers were processed and number created, or simply giving up (which is easy when it comes to French administration!).

In all likelihood, if you’re proactive and submit your documents to CPAM (or your employer submits it on your behalf) in a timely manner, you will receive a temporary social security number within a two-year stay in France . However, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive real, working numbers or cards while on that particular visa.

This may seem pretty unfair, but if you’re planning on staying in France long-term (as in, pursuing more serious French permits back in Canada after you finish your initial stay in the country on a WHV), it may not be over yet. If you have a temporary social security number and go to the doctor, you will receive a receipt with that number. If and when that social security number turns into a real one, you will most likely be able to take these receipts to the French health insurance offices for a refund.

Renewing a French Working Holiday Visa

While working holiday visas were originally restricted to a four-12 month period, as of 2015 holders are able to request an additional year. This extension request can only be made within France , at the prefecture local to your current French residence .

In order to begin the renewal process, applications must present themselves at the local prefecture two months before the expiry of their visa . At the prefecture, they will be told what documents they need to bring to be eligible for a renewal. What documents you need depend entirely on the prefecture you go to – I’ve heard stories that vary wildly! Some people only needed to bring their passport, while others were asked for bank statements, proof of a second year’s worth of insurance, proof of residence, a letter of motivation, etc. … As such, I cannot say with any certainty what documents you’ll be asked to bring in.

Due to the fact that the second year renewal is a new development, some prefecture may not be aware of its existence, or even be knowledgeable of what a working holiday visa is! If this is the case for you, bring in a copy of the official agreement that clearly states WHV holders can apply for an extension up to 12 months.

Also clarify that you are asking not for a new visa, but an “ autorisation provisoire de séjour” that mentions being “ autorisée de travailler “. This is a paper that you’ll receive that will state you’re allowed to stay for an additional six months. If you wish to get an extension for an additional six months on top of that for a total of 12 months, you will need to return to the prefecture close to the expiry date of the six-month authorization. There will be another checklist of documents to bring for the second meeting.

I have heard rumours that if the prefecture denies your request, that you can apply for the second year back in Canada, but I am not certain of this. However, it is not out of the question – email your local consulate back in Canada to explore this possibility if your local prefecture refuses to give you permission to stay an additional 12 months.

I have also read that you can stay an additional 12 months for a total of 36 months if you apply for an internship or study period. However, I have yet to meet anyone who’s gone this route, and so am not entirely sure of the process.

What to do When Your WHV Expires

Once you have exhausted your working holiday visa extension, you must return to Canada. This is non-negotiable. If you wish to continue living and working in France beyond the expiry date of your WHV, you must apply back in Canada for the appropriate permit.

This is true even if you got a CDI and your company wants to keep you (they will need to try to acquire a work permit for you, and to collect it you will need to return to Canada), if you PACS’ed with a French partner after living together for a year, and even if you got married.

Seems like a bit of a bummer, but if you really want to stay, just make sure to start the process for your next titre de séjour as soon as possible (as in, six months to a year before your visa expires – French administration moves slowly!).

If you keep on top of things, you’ll only need to go back to Canada for a few weeks, rather than months or years. After that, you can come back to France, new permit in hand.

A little known fact: You could also apply for another temporary visa under the France-Canada Youth Mobility Agreement if it falls under the study or work experience categories . However, keep in mind that these will only be good for 12-36 months, and will still require you to return to Canada upon their expiry. As such, if you want to make France your home, I would recommend trying to get a more permanent permit instead.

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25 comments.

Thanks for the this post!! Clarified many questions I had about CDI/CDD work and the extension. Seems to be really difficult to find any consistent information on the government site!

Hello Alice, You’re welcome! I agree that the government site is not helpful at all (neither was the French consulate in Canada and the Canadian embassy in Paris – they said to just ask the prefecture in France for all renewal and work related questions as that’s outside of the domain of what they do). For everyone I know who did the WHV in France, it seemed to just be trial and error or learning from others who’d been there longer. Fingers crossed more official information is eventually put up – would make the experience of being on this visa a lot simpler!

Hi Katrina, I’m being told by the Social Security office in Paris that due to my work holiday visa I’m ineligible for health insurance despite making monthly contributions (I have a CDI contract). Can you please provide more information that states that I’m nonetheless eligible for you? Do you know anyone who obtained it?

Hello Emily,

Unfortunately, I do not have a link or know of any information that states that WHV holders are eligible for social security. When I inquired about it at the Cité prefecture in Paris when I was on WHV, they told me as I contributed at least 3 months worth I was eligible. I then applied through my employer and received my permanent social security number and carte vitale application shortly after. In the application scans of my visa were included so if it was a problem, it would have been rejected. I know another WHV holder who got it by applying herslef – she just got the checklist from her local CPAM office in Paris, submitted everything required (including payslips showing at least 3 months of contributions), and received it a few months later. I’ve also spoken to several other WHV holders who had gotten their French social security number (all based in Paris). Personally if I were you I would just apply through your employer, or go to a different CPAM office, as the one who told you you’re ineligible is incorrect. It’s definitely possible, and even a legal right after having contributed at least 3 months.

Unrelated, but could be an issue: WHV are not allowed to have CDI contracts, only CDD. Maybe they are rejecting you based on having this type of contract? I don’t know but it could be a possibility. You should also be wary of this when renewing (if you’re eligible for renewal) as I know of several people who were rejected for holding a CDI contract.

Hope this helps!

Hi Katrina, I’m being told by the Social Security office that I’m ineligible for health care coverage due to the work holiday visa. Do you happen to have more information that states that I’m nonetheless eligible for it since I make monthly contributions (I have a CDI)? Do you know anyone who got it and/or were you able to obtain it yourself?

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Hey, great article. Do you know if it is possible to renew/change your visa earlier than 2 months before expiry? I am a Candian with the working holiday visa living in Nice. I got a job in Monaco and cannot start working without a carte de sejour and another visa that is not titled Vacance/Travail. I understand that i can change categories of my visa, but i would like to know if i can do it earlier. Thanks Josh

Hi Joshua, with working holiday you’re not allowed to renew before 2 months prior to expiry. Also, you cannot change from working holiday to a carte de séjour in France unless it’s a rare case (I have heard of people who are married or PACS’ed to a French national being able to change in France, but it was difficult and exceptional). If you want a carte de séjour for workers (salarié) the company will need to sponsor you and you’ll need to go back to Canada to apply for the new visa. I had to do this myself – I wrote a three-part series on my blog outlining how I did so.

Hey, Thanks for the short reply. I am a bit confused as i thought it was an option to change categories. In this case, do you know if it is possible for me to go home and apply for a new visa while i still have this working holiday visa active? Thanks Josh

It’s possible to change categories in France if you have a titre de séjour but working holiday is just a temporary visa, not a TDS, and you’re meant to go home at the end. Everyone I know who stayed past expiry had to go back to Canada to apply for a new status unfortunately, unless they were married or PACS’ed with a French national (I met 2 people who did this and even then it was a fight as they had been on working holiday). You can always ask your prefecture to see what is possible but unfortunately I don’t think it is, unless they are making some special exceptions due to the pandemic. But to answer your second question, yes you can go back to apply for a new visa while WHV is still active, your new visa will become active and your WHV will no longer be valid.

Okay, I think my situation may be a bit different then because i have a titre de sejour. However, It is a piece of paper and not on a card. Titled “Visa long sejour valant titre de sejour”. That is great news for me to be able to apply for a new visa while this one is active. How do i go about doing this? Because when i spoke with VFS global in Montreal they told me that if i apply for another visa while this one is active, the application will be disregarded. Also, do you know which visa i would have to apply for. I can get a work contract. Thanks again because the government is not helpful at all. As i am sure you are aware of.

How did you get this piece of paper? By renewing your working holiday visa? If it says that though it means you have a titre de séjour which is great news – it means you should be able to switch status in France and don’t need to go back to Canada and apply at VFS. You should start by contacting your local prefecture and inquiring how you can switch to salarié status (send a scan of your paper so they can confirm you can indeed switch your status in France). The prefecture will give you a checklist of documents and you will need to start from there. You’ll need to work together with the new company to get this status – it takes a few months on average. Good luck!

I got the piece of paper when i validated my visa upon arrival (within the first 3 months). It is titled “Confirmation de la validation de l’enregistrement de votre visa long sejour valant titre de sejour”, and it states where i live, the title of my visa “Travailleur Temp”, passport and visa numbers, and fees paid. The prefecture wont give me much information, they just say to refer to online. My problem is, with the visa titled “Vacance/Travail” i cannot work in Monaco. So i need to change my visa. Do you think that i can apply to change my visa before the first 1 year term is up ? Or do you think it’s better for me to just cancel this current visa, and return home and apply for a new one? Also, when i apply to renew/change my visa, will i also be given the carte de sejour? or is that a complete other process? Thank you – Josh

Hi Josh, To be honest, I’m really confused now about what status you have. With working holiday it’s not necessary to validate it and pay a tax upon your arrival in France. What does your actual visa in your passport say? “Travailleur temporaire” or “vacance-travail”? I don’t think your paper alone will suffice in justifying you have a TDS as it’s not a visa, récepissé or carte de séjour; the prefecture will also look at the actual visa in your passport. If it mentions VLS-TS you have a titre de séjour, if it says “vacances travail dispense temporaire de titre de séjour” you don’t have a titre de séjour, and only a temporary visa. To try to answer some of your questions: -If you have a valid titre de séjour you just need to request an appointment to change status at the prefecture, for a titre de séjour salarié. Normally you don’t need to wait until the 1st year is up to request a “changement de statut”. However you need more than just a work contract, the company will need to justify sponsoring you through the labour bureau which is a long and difficult process, and so getting approval to become salarié can take a few months (for me it took over 4 months). -I don’t know if you can just a cancel a visa, normally as I said if you go back and apply for a new one it invalidates the one you had prior. This is definitely possible as I know people who applied for student visas while their WHV was still active, and their student visas replaced their WHV. -A carte de séjour is a completely different process. A carte de séjour is the card form of whatever titre de séjour (immigration status) you have in France. So you can apply for a titre de séjour at VFS in Canada, and after a year or so, when you go to renew at the prefecture you can request a carte de séjour. To be honest your situation and your status seems very complicated, I think you should speak to VFS, the prefecture, and even an immigration lawyer directly to see what your options are. They will be able to give you a lot more precise information than I’m able to, and help you figure out what next steps to take.

Hey Katrina, In my passport it says : Vac.Travail/CANAD Dispense C.SEJ. Im not sure exactly what it means. I appreciate all the time you took to help me. I will try and contact a lawyer, as i cant get an answer from VFS or the prefecture. Thank you – Josh

Hello Josh, that means it’s a working holiday exempt from having a titre/carte de séjour. So it’s not a titre de séjour unfortunately and I think you’ll need to go back to Canada to apply for a new status. I would definitely contact an immigration lawyer as they should be able to help you. Some relocation companies also assist in helping companies sponsor employees. Good luck!

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Hi Katrina, thank you for your excellent article!! I have applied for a working visa and am trying to book accommodations for my first few months. Almost all places that are renting for a month+ require a mobility lease. Can I qualify under ‘mutation professionelle?’ TIA!

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Destinations

Working Holiday Visa (WHV): Where can you travel and under what conditions?

What is a Working Holiday Visa (WHV)?

A working holiday is a short-term program to foster cultural exchange between countries and allow young people between 18-35 to gain work experience. Through this type of program, young people can work for 12-24 months in a host country in order to fund their stay there. 

Participants generally do jobs of a short-term nature: as interns, seasonal interpreters and tour guides, waiters and baristas, retail workers, farm workers, among others. They shouldn't be staying for permanent jobs or a long-term career, for which they would need a more traditional work visa. They can neither change their visa status during their program. They will be deported if found to have taken up a permanent job offer on a WHV.

The countries offering the WHV are Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Russia. Not all foreign nationals can apply, but only those whose country has a bilateral agreement with the host country of their choice. 

All bilateral agreements are not equal, as some provide greater leeway for the maximum duration of stay or maximum age at application. Some have also been suspended because of extraordinary events (e.g.: war) or policy changes. The programs are currently suspended in Russia and Chile. Some programs also have a quota on the number of applicants from a country. Of course, the applicant must come alone and cannot bring a partner or dependents as in a traditional work visa. If their adult partner is also eligible for the program, they must apply for a separate WHV.

Depending on the exact agreement, applicants might also need to provide a certain amount in proof of funds, a clean criminal record, family information, a medical certificate, health insurance, a CV, a cover letter, some level of university studies and proof of language proficiency.

Working Holiday Visas in North America

The Canadian WHV is open to young citizens of the following countries with which it has a mobility agreement. 

It accepts applicants between 18-30 years old from the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK. Applicants up to the age of 35 are accepted from these countries: the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Ukraine. Mexicans exceptionally have a slightly lower age limit: 29.

The duration of the program also depends on the applicant's country of origin. Those from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal and the UK can work anywhere in Canada, for any employer in any sector, for up to 2 years. Swiss applicants can remain for 1.5 years. Meanwhile, the rest of the applicants can stay only for 1 year. During that stay, they can not only work but also take short courses. 

There is a yearly quota of applicants for each country, ranging from the 100s to 10,000 to unlimited. Australian and New Zealander applicants face no quotas, Irish applicants have a generous quota of 10,500, and the British also have a somewhat smaller quota of 5,000. It's a popular destination for English-speaking candidates because of the lack of a language barrier (outside of French-speaking Québec, of course).

Each candidate can be granted a WHV only once in their lifetime, so use it well once you get it! In special circumstances, dual nationals might be granted two WHVs provided that they didn't do similar programs in other countries. 

The Canadian WHV also requires a CV, a cover letter, proof of funds of CAD$2,500 for initial living expenses, health insurance for the whole stay, a clean criminal record (including for relatively minor infractions like drunk driving or drug use), and a return ticket (or alternatively, proof of additional funds to buy that ticket).

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa in Canada

Mexico has a working holiday agreement with the following countries: Germany, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, France, New Zealand and Peru. This WHV lasts 1 year and can only be granted once. Applicants between 18-30 are eligible, and the quota for each country is currently 300 visas per year.

Applicants need to provide proof of funds of around 2,500 USD, a pre-booked return ticket (or funds to buy one later), a clean criminal record, a medical certificate, medical insurance, a proof of address in their home country, as well as a cover letter explaining why they want to be in Mexico. 

The cover letter should explain what applicants find attractive about the country. The letter must be in Spanish, but it can be a translation. It's the same case as for the cover letter for Ecuador's WHV. Even if applicants do not need to show any Spanish language test results, it does help to already know some Spanish and be able to write the letter directly oneself.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Mexico

Working Holiday Visas in Central & South America

The Argentinian WHV is available to young people between 18-30 from the following countries: Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, South Korea and Sweden. New Zealanders and the Irish have an extra advantage, for they can apply up to the age of 35. They have an annual quota of 1,000 and 200 visas, respectively. Australians have a higher quota of 1,500 visas. This visa can only be granted once and lasts 12 months. However, visa holders can only work for 6 months per employer.

Applicants need to submit a cover letter, a medical certificate, health insurance and a clean criminal record. They also need to show proof of income equivalent to around 2,500 US dollars. While there is no language requirement, it's best to learn some Spanish before coming in order to integrate better. Argentina has a vibrant agricultural sector WHV-holders can volunteer or work in. Is there anything more romantic than working in a vineyard? You can also study for a course while working.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa in Argentina

Only two countries have a bilateral WHV agreement with Brazil: France (quota of 500) and New Zealand (quota of 300). Unfortunately, applicants from other English-speaking countries are not eligible. Applicants need to be between 18-30. They need to submit proof of funds equivalent to 2,500 US dollars (around 4,000 New Zealand dollars), a medical certificate, a clean police record, a travel insurance and a cover letter. 

While both the French and New Zealanders can work in Brazil for 12 months, the second are subject to additional restrictions. They cannot work for the same employer for more than 3 months, do a course of longer than 6 months or take up any offer of permanent employment. While there is no language requirement to obtain the visa, it's highly recommended to take some Portuguese courses to increase your chances of getting a job and adapting well to the workplace.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Brazil

Colombia's WHV is open to the following nationalities: Peru (quota of 300), Mexico (300), Chile (300) and France (400). The other three Central and South American countries are in a Pacific Alliance with Colombia, and France has a special bilateral agreement with the country. Unfortunately, citizens of no English-speaking country are eligible. The WHV lasts for 1 year. The applicant needs to submit a cover letter, a commitment form (to state that they intend to stay in Colombia only temporarily), a medical certificate, health insurance, a clean criminal record, around 1,300 USD in funds and pre-booked return tickets. Only one WHV can be granted per applicant.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Colombia

This WHV has been suspended since early 2022. There is no information yet about when it will be resumed. In normal times, Chile's WHV is open to citizens of the following countries: Canada, New Zealand, France and Germany. Canadians and New Zealanders can be as old as 35, while the two other nationalities have a maximum age of 30. Even if an applicant has dual nationality from two eligible countries, he may apply only once. The visa is valid for 1 year, but participants cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Chile

Only two countries have a working holiday agreement with Ecuador: Australia and France. Australians get a quota of 100 visas per year. It is a 1-year WHV that is multi-entry and allows participants to visit neighboring countries. Australians need to provide proof of funds of 400 US dollars per month (around 600 Australian dollars), a medical certificate, health insurance, a clean criminal record, a pre-booked return ticket (or funds to get buy one later) and a cover letter in Spanish (which can be translated).

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Ecuador

Peru has WHV agreements with these countries: Australia, France, New Zealand, Portugal, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Applicants must be aged 18-30 for this 1-year, multi-entry WHV, which can only be granted once. Currently, the annual quota for Australians is 1,500 visas and for New Zealanders is 100 visas. The visa's application fee is free, and its multi-entry nature allows participants to visit nearby countries. Applicants need to provide proof of funds of 2,500 USD, a medical certificate, health insurance, a clean criminal record, a return ticket (or funds to buy one later) and a cover letter. Like in Mexico and Ecuador, for administrative reasons, the letter should be written in Spanish, but you can also ask a friend fluent in the language to help you write or translate it. It's best if you already know enough Spanish to write it on your own.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Peru

Uruguay's working holiday visa is open to just three nationalities: Australians, New Zealanders and the French. The first two nationalities have a quota of 200 visas per year each. It lasts 1 year and allows participants to visit nearby countries on short trips (multi-entry visa). Furthermore, participants can only work for one employer for a maximum of 6 months. The documents required for application are the same as in the countries described above (Mexico, Peru, etc.). The cover letter also has to be in Spanish for administrative reasons.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Uruguay

Working Holiday Visas in Europe

The 1-year French working holiday program is open to many nationals. Applicants from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Ecuador, Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Taiwan and Uruguay. Most applicants need to be 18-30, but applicants as old as 35 are accepted from Canada, Australia and Argentina. 

Canadians and Australians also have the additional flexibility of submitting their application through any French embassy or consulate, even one in a country where they don't have the nationality. However, New Zealanders are bound by a restriction: they need to get a work permit upon being selected for a job, even if they already have the WHV and have already entered France.

As for quotas, there is no limit for Australians and New Zealanders. Canadians, however, have a quota of 8,585 visas, an increase of around 1,500 from 2021. The proof of funds required also varies between countries. Canadians need to have CAD$2,500, around €1,800, while Australians need to have a higher amount: AUD$5,000, around €3,000. New Zealanders need to have the equivalent of €2,500.

Applicants need to write a motivation letter, and they can optionally also attach a CV. They need to have a medical certificate, health insurance, a criminal record, and a return ticket (or the funds to buy one later). As France is part of the Schengen Area, participants will also have the chance to travel to other countries in the area. However, of course, they cannot work in these other countries. Neither can they work in Overseas French Territories (Reunion Island, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, etc.), as the program only applies to metropolitan France. They can study during their stay, but these studies must not bear academic credits.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visas for France

Germany's one-year D-Visa for working holidays accepts participants from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Uruguay. Those from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and New Zealand can even travel without a visa to Germany first and then apply for a working holiday permit within the country. Other nationalities need to apply from outside Germany. 

All applicants need to be no older than 30, except for Canadians, who can be aged up to 35. Like in other countries, they can only get the WHV once in a lifetime. Some nationalities are restricted by a quota, but those from the English-speaking countries in the list (Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Hong Kong) are not.

There are varying restrictions depending on the participant's nationality. Australians, New Zealanders, Japanese and Argentinians cannot do freelance work on this visa. Argentinians may only work for 6 months of their whole stay: they need to live off savings for the remaining 6 months. Israelis can only work with an employer for 3 months, i.e., they need to switch jobs every 3 months. Meanwhile, those from Australia, Chile, Japan, New Zealand and Uruguay can work for a maximum of 6 months with the same employer before needing to switch. When they switch jobs, they are allowed to take multiple part-time jobs.

Applicants can write their motivation letter in either German or English, which makes things easier for English speakers. They need to have health insurance for the year, a clean criminal record, a return ticket (or funds to buy it later), as well as funds for the first few months in Germany. 

The exact minimum amount required for these months varies according to the exact bilateral agreement, but it's between €1200 – €4,500. New Zealanders need €2,000, while Australians need a high AUD$ 7,100 (about €4,500). To avoid needing to show proof of so much money, Australians can alternatively apply for the WHV inside Germany, where they'll need the same amount as New Zealanders. How about Canadians? They need proof of funds worth €3,000. Hong Kongers need €2,000 like New Zealanders.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Germany

The 1-year Danish working holiday program is open to citizens of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. All applicants need to be between 18-30, except for Canadians, who can be as old as 35. Canadians have an annual quota of 350 visas, Australians are limited by a quota of 100 visas and New Zealanders aren't restricted by any quota.

An advantage of this WHV is that its application process is free. However, a limitation is that it allows participants to work for only 6 months in Denmark, for 3 months per employer. For the remaining 6 months, participants need to depend on their savings. Studying during their stay is also allowed for only a short 3 months (out of 12). The documents required for application are the same as in Germany, with the addition of a compulsory resume. The letter of motivation can be written in English, not only Danish.

The proof of funds required varies between agreements. For Canadians, it is 15,000 kronas (about 2,900 Canadian dollars). For Australians, it is 18,000 kronas (about 3,800 Australian dollars). And for New Zealanders, it is a whopping 24,000 kronas (nearly 5,500 New Zealand dollars). Like in the case of France, the WHV gives participants a chance to also travel around the Schengen Area.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Denmark

The Russian working holiday program is currently suspended because of the EU's sanctions against the country after the Russo-Ukraine war. This program was open to only French nationals aged 18 to 30, who could work and study in the Russian Federation for 4 months while traveling. It wasn't open to nationals of any English-speaking country.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Russia

Sweden's 1-year working holiday program is open to nationals of the following countries: Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. All applicants need to be between 18 and 30. Australians and New Zealanders aren't restricted by a quota, but among English-speaking countries, Canadians and Hong Kong are limited to 550 and 500 visas per year, respectively. 

The documents that need to be submitted are the same as in other European countries (France, Germany, etc.), with the addition of a proof of address. The proof of funds required is 15,000 kronas, equivalent to about 1,500 USD. Like in Denmark's and France's programs, the WHV gives participants the chance to also travel around the Schengen Area. While in Sweden, they can work for any employer for a maximum of 6 months and then need to switch jobs.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Sweden

Working Holiday Visas in Asia

Hong Kong's 1-year working holiday program is open to young adults aged between 18 and 30 from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK. As for quotas for English-speaking countries, Australia can currently get 5000 visas per year, the UK gets 1000 visas, Ireland and Canada each get 200 visas, while New Zealand only gets 100 visas. 

As Hong Kong is also an English-speaking city, all administrative procedures will be carried out in English, without any need to know Cantonese or Chinese. Applicants must have the same kind of documentation as required in WHV programs in Europe and South America, and they must show proof of funds of 25,000 Hong Kong dollars (around 3,000 USD). Please bear in mind that Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so you will likely need additional savings. You might not be able to meet all of your daily expenses with only a job as a waiter or tutor. Studies are not allowed during the program, only work.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Hong Kong

Japan's one-year working holiday program accepts applicants from 26 countries. They are Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia and the Netherlands. 

Do English-speaking countries have a quota? Australia and New Zealand have no quotas. However, there is an annual limit of 800 visas for Ireland, 1,000 visas for the UK and 1,500 visas for nearby Hong Kong. The age limit for most countries is 30, but Iceland has a lower age limit of 26, and an age limit of 25 applies to participants from Canada, Australia and South Korea. 

The documents required are the same as in the other countries described above (health insurance, clear criminal record, etc.), but a resume, any educational diplomas and an itinerary are also required. The resume should detail all academic and professional experience. The itinerary should detail the cities where the participant intends to stay, the jobs and other activities they intend to do, etc. 

All of these aforementioned documents can be in English. While no level of Japanese proficiency is required to participate, it's strongly recommended to learn some Japanese beforehand because English proficiency is still fairly low in the country. You are allowed to study the local language only for 3 months during the program. 

As for proof of funds, it varies between 2,500-4,000 USD, depending on the bilateral agreement. For Australians, it's 2,500 AUD. For Canadians, it's 3,500 CAD. For the British, it's 2,500 pounds. For New Zealanders, it's 3,000 NZD. For the Irish, it's about 3,500 euros (500,000 yen). Tokyo trails behind Hong Kong as one of the most expensive cities worldwide, so do bring additional savings with you if possible if you're going there. 

Unlike other countries, the WHV program in Japan prohibits participants from working casual jobs in many workplaces/sectors deemed to affect “public morals”: bars, cabarets, nightclubs and gambling establishments. Hence, they can be waiters in restaurants but not in nightclubs. Their visa will be canceled if they are found to work in these prohibited jobs. 

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Japan

Taiwan has a work holiday agreement with 17 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia and the UK. Most applicants, including those from Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, need to be no older than 30. Canadians, Czechs and Slovaks can be as old as 35.

The annual quota for English-speaking countries is 1000 for Australia, the UK, and Canada each, 400 for Ireland and New Zealand each. The proof of funds required also varies between agreements, but it's generally between 2,500-3,000 USD. For Canadian and Irish applicants, it's 2,500 Canadian dollars or euros. For Australians and New Zealanders, it's 100,000 Taiwan dollars, which is around 5,000 Australian or New Zealand dollars. 

The duration of the WHV is, like in many other countries, 12 months, and participants are allowed to enroll in Chinese classes for only 3 months out of these. For longer classes, foreigners need a proper student visa. The supporting documentation required for applications is like in the other countries described above (clear criminal record, return ticket, etc.), but there will also likely be an interview.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Taiwan

South Korea

South Korea's 1-year working holiday visa program is open to nationals of 25 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, France, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Netherlands, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States of America, Israel, Chile and Ireland.

What quotas do applicants from English-speaking countries have? For the US, it's 2000 visas per year. For both the UK and Hong Kong, it's 1000. For New Zealand, it's 3000, and there's no limit for Australia. For Canada, it's 4000. While the visa is non-renewable, an extension of 6 months can be granted to American citizens and an extension of 1 year to British citizens.

There are work and study limits attached to the visa. Work must be part-time, for at most 25 hours per week. Participants may only take Korean language classes at private institutes, but they cannot do short-term programs at regular universities or earn university credits. WHV-holders are also barred from certain jobs: jobs in entertainment venues (dancers, singers, receptionists, etc.) and as doctors, lawyers, teachers, pilots, reporters, journalists or researchers. 

The age requirement is the same for everyone: 18 to 30. Because some eager participants couldn't travel during the pandemic, the upper age limit has exceptionally been raised to 32 until March 2024. The proof of funds required is around 3,000,000 won, which is around 2,300 USD. The rest of the supporting documentation is the same as in other countries (clear criminal record, health insurance, etc.).

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for South Korea

Working Holiday Visas in Oceania 

The 1-year Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 147) is open to citizens of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, the Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK. The age requirement is 18-30, except for the Danish, French, Italian and Irish, who can be as old as 35.

The proof of funds is around 5,000 Australian dollars, and other supporting documentation is similar to other countries in this list (health insurance, clear criminal record, return ticket, etc.). Applicants from countries not classified as English-speaking also need proof of English language proficiency through a test like the IELTS or an educational qualification.

Under this program, participants can study for up to 4 months in non-degree courses. It is also a multi-entry visa, so they can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as they want in that year. A big difference between Australia's WHV and other countries' is that this one can possibly be renewed once. This is for participants who completed 6 months of work in a field suffering from labor shortages in Australia: healthcare, mining, construction, agriculture, tourism, bushfire and flood recovery work. This is especially if they did the work in rural and remote regions most affected by labor shortages.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for Australia

New Zealand

New Zealand's 1-year or 2-year WHV is open to nationals of a long list of countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the US, Uruguay and Vietnam.

Like Australia, New Zealand is trying to temporarily solve its labor shortages by relying on WHV holders. As such, it has increased its quotas, even to the point of doubling the quota for some countries. For instance, there are an extra 3000 visas available for Koreans as of September 2022. Check the website of Immigration New Zealand for the full list of quota increases. Those whose visas expire between August 2022 and May 2023 are being offered a 6-month extension to keep more workers in the country.

The visa's duration is 12 months for most applicants but 23 months for the British and Canadians. The upper age limit is generally 30, but it's 35 for select countries, notably the UK. The strong bilateral agreement between the UK and New Zealand could also soon allow British participants to stay in the country for 3 instead of 2 years. The supporting documentation to apply is standard: proof of funds of NZ$4200 for the year, medical certificate, health insurance, clear criminal record, return ticket or the funds for it.

Read also:  Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand

I am completing an master's in translation. I have 3 years of experience in teaching modern foreign languages, and I have lived in Spain, China and the UK.

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Alyssa A. L. James

How to work in france: get a working holiday visa.

So You Want to Work in France?

If you want to work in France and you’re between the ages of 18 and 35, you’re in luck! The France working holiday visa is easy as pie to get. Why should you listen to me? Well, it appears that I have come to be known as the ‘youth mobility visa girl’ .

This year (last year?) I was at a New Year’s Eve party and my friend introduced me to a friend of hers as a blogger. He asked what my blog was about and I said, “Well, it’s about travel but the UK Youth Mobility Visa stuff is probably my most popular…” He was like, “Wait, Alyssa? Like Alyssa Writes?!” and he totally fangirled (his words) — selfies included. Turns out he had been reading for a couple months. It was nice but also a little embarrassing for me!

True to form, I’ve gone and done it again. This time, I’ve applied for a French 3D Youth Mobility Agreement (Working Holiday) Visa  and I’ll be spending four months in humid sunny Martinique while conducting field research for my MA.

Advantages of a France Working Holiday Visa

You can get around that pesky 90-day Schengen Zone rule . Let’s say you’re planning a Euro trip and you want to legally stay longer in Europe than 90 days, this visa will help you do that. That’s why I got this visa!

No application fee . Let me say that again:  There is no application fee!  There is now a fee associated: €99 or ~ $145 CAD. Considering the UK visa costs approximately $1500 to get at the moment, this is still a pretty great deal.

You’re not limited to Mainland France . The visa allows you work in France and its overseas departments and collectivities ( Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Reunion Island, Mayotte, and St. Pierre & Miquelon ) for 4 to 12 months.

It’s really easy to get . I think that not many people know about this visa, even the agent at the consulate asked me how I heard about it. So I hope this helps get the word out there and provides a personal experience with the application (I found Dan Vineberg ‘s blog post very helpful before I applied as well) to encourage people to apply!

A new note : A friend of mine recently used this visa to move to Paris (September 2018). She was informed by the company that hired her that she could only work a maximum of 964 hours per year (6 months full-time) on this visa. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to apply for full-time jobs.

About This Guide

First, I’m going to spare you the lengthy disclaimer I published on my UK Youth Mobility Visa article and just say that I am relating my personal experience and any reliance you place on this to get your own visa is at your own risk. For an extended version, please read my “ Disclaimer ” page.

Second, I have this terrible habit of  writing everything I know in the visa blog posts I publish . Therefore, if after reading this whole post and any documents I link to you still have a question,  you can safely assume that  I don’t know the answer .

Third, welcome and enjoy the journey to a pleasant working holiday in France!

Last Updated: January 6, 2020

Eligibility.

• Be between the ages 18 to 35 on the date of application
• Hold a Canadian passport valid for six months past the end date of the stay
• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover initial expenses: €2500 or $3625 CAD
• Submit all documents necessary

Applying for the Visa

Start your application online here .  Under ‘Your plans’ select ‘Other’ and then Working holiday for ‘Main purpose of stay’.

Pay your €99 fee.

Save for a few things, this application is very straightforward. There’s nothing tricky about it except one thing: You cannot apply more than three months before your departure date .

You will need your passport and details of any previous French visas.

It is now possible to apply from abroad . You must be a resident of the country and you will have to apply via the French diplomatic or consular post of your place of residence.

Read their Frequently Asked Questions page!

In any case, I’m one of those cautious types of people so here are some details about the things I overthought:

Cover Letter

French people love a good cover letter. Luckily you can write it in English (or French, if you so desire). My cover letter said something along these lines:

Dear Sir/Madam: I am applying for the 3D Visa. I will be conducting research in Martinique as part of my studies. I may work at the university. Even though I lived in Martinique before, I would like to spend some time travelling around other islands in the Caribbean.

The whole letter was a few paragraphs long. When I went to my appointment (more on that later), the visa officer skimmed the letter and said “Martinique! Very good then.”

Travel Insurance

You are required to have travel insurance for the length of your stay. I wanted to overestimate the visa length rather than underestimate. I am not a woman of means by any stretch of the imagination. I couldn’t afford to pay all the travel insurance upfront like that ! So I’m going to tell you a secret: I bought my travel insurance with World Nomads just before my appointment. I printed the policy and brought it to my appointment. Then, I cancelled it after I got my passport back using the 14-day cooling off period for a full refund.

When I arrived in Martinique, no one checked to see if I had it or not. Please be aware that this is not an endorsement for undermining the requirements of the visa or travelling without insurance . Once I was sure of my actual travel dates, I purchased travel insurance that covered me for the duration of my stay in Martinique.

Proof of Financial Resources

There are no strict requirements like the UK Youth Mobility Visa. I simply printed my bank statement from the UK Barclays website and got a print out of my Canadian account from the bank.

Credit cards and lines of credit do not count as financial resources but the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) does.

Submitting the Application

I’m an anxious kind of person so the idea of mailing my passport to the Consulate did not appeal to me. Instead I booked a visa appointment at the Consulate in Toronto. (It’s now required to book an appointment at your nearest Consulate . ) I applied a couple months in advance so I really didn’t have to do this but it’s perfect if you’re in a pinch.

There are no biometrics to be done so the appointment is quick and painless (though the waiting in line may not be). When I was there, the official who processed visas repeatedly stressed to me “ This is the easiest visa, it’s very easy! ” She looked at my documents, gave me back the originals (except the passport), gave me a receipt, and told me when to come back.

It takes 48 hours to process . I had my appointment on a Thursday and picked it up the following Tuesday. The same woman was all, “Enjoy Guadeloupe!” and I just said thanks and went on my merry way.

Arriving in France

Or in my case, “France”. The last two times I had a visa to work in France, I was subject to medical tests and extra stickers and so on and so forth. The temporary nature of this visa means you are exempt from all of that. Lucky!

If you wish to extend your stay (which you can, up to a total 36 months) then you have to visit the Préfecture where you’re residing. That’s whole different story!

There you have it folks — the easiest travel/work visa I’ve ever gotten (and this makes four)! Follow the instructions and you’ll be on your way to life à la française. Comme la vie est belle!

• ← On Finding Serenity in the Chaos, Chefchaouen
• Getting a UK Youth Mobility Visa for Canadians →

137 thoughts on “How to Work in France: Get a Working Holiday Visa”

Hey Alyssa, do you need to have a job arranged to apply for this visa? Thank you

No, you do not.

Hey Alyssa! Just came across your blog, very interesting and thorough, thank you!!! Quick question, I understand that if you apply for a 3A visa instead (meaning you have a job offer rather than just a working holiday visa), you don’t need a Cover letter, am I right?

Also, given your experience already in France, how bureaucratic and complicated is to process any types of paperwork you have to do once you arrive there? (residency, health insurance, rental agreement, etc…). I’m thinking of applying for a visa next year (when I find a job first of course), but I heard many stories of people moving to France and having to deal with so much paper confusion… losing time, money and opportunities along the way. Last question, how high are the income taxes in France?

Thank you for your input!!

P.S.: For those asking about an extension, according to the website, you can ask for another 12-month extension even if you turned 36 already! You just have to had your original visa issued at 35 and already be on French territory. https://montreal.consulfrance.org/Frequently-asked-questions-regarding-the-implementation-of-the-France-Canada

Hey! Have you written about the extension process?

I haven’t, unfortunately, as I didn’t go through it.

As long as we are under 35, are we able to apply for the working holiday program more than once? For example, if I apply to go to France next year, when I come back, am I eligible to apply to Italy under the same visa scheme, and then another country after that?

Hi Alyssa, I am a big fan of your blog, and currently living in France with a Schengen visa. Do you have any recommendations for getting a residence permit for the Youth Mobility Visa? I am working with workaway, and often changing where I live… I’m really worried about asking someone if I can use their address for a residence permit when I only stay a couple of weeks. Is there anyway to work around/with getting a residence permit….

Best wishes, Eva

Hey Alyssa,

Thanks for you post! I am already in france with a Working Holiday Visa but I don’t know anything about the next steps… I’ve actually been here too long without knowing (since March 2020).

Do you know about getting a social security number and if I should be trying to get a “carte vitale” (although I’m not sure what that is.. ) Anyway, any ideas?

I forgot to ask you something Alyssa. You mentioned that this visa now can be applied from outside Canada. Where would I need to go for that?

I am also wondering how we can apply for the Working Holiday Visa from outside of Canada. I am currently in France on the Schengen 90 day short term visa but need to be able to stay here for another 6 months. Do you have a link to the resource you got the information from so I can contact them?

Thanks so much for your help!

We’re you required to provide a medical certificate or Criminal Record check when applying for the visa?

Hi Alyssa Thank you for your post. I have a quick question about the application process. I know you cannot apply no more than 90 days before your arrival date in France. Does that mean no more than 90 days before you complete the online application, or no more than 90 days before your in person appointment at the consulate? I am in Saskatchewan so need to plan a trip to Vancouver for my appointment. Thanks!

Hi Alyssa, I am wondering, do I need to have a previous job offer before applying or with this visa I can just find a job there? Did you speak any French before going there and being that I don’t speak any would that be a problem for finding a job or what do you recommend? Thank you.

Hi Alyssa! Great guide with lots of helpful information… feel like it covers the process quite well! A quick question, when you visited the consulate did you have to provide a medical examination illustrating that you were fit to work, as well as a criminal background check? This seems to be a grey area and want to make sure I provide these documents if required before my appointment… thanks :)!

Would love to know the answer to this!

That’s odd you paid for your application. I paid $35 for the appointment with VFS Global to send out my app (via the Toronto Office) and $35 to get my passport shipped to my home. This was done 08/01/20.

I would recommend talking about the new change to VFS as that was confusing to figure out until I saw some reddit posts. I had a bunch of unncessary documentation, but they sent it out anyways (CRC check, affidavit, medical certificate of fitness,). I brought two copies of everything, but only a copy of the appointment was needed in the end. Passport photocopy was needed for the page with your picture, but not mentioned in the new VFS documentation, but I found that on the old style application.

Got my visa in the end.

hey! wondering if you could regarding the renwal process for the whv in france. mine will expire in jan, and as i know must go to prefacture in my area 2 months prior. now what are the terms to be accepted? must have cdi contract or not? thats my main concern. and wondering if you know the docs to provide? thanks for your help!

Go to the office and they will give you the details.

Thanks so much for your post! It has been super helpful. Sorry if you were asked this before but I’m filling out the long-stay visa application form and I got stuck on this one section: 24. “Name, address, email address, and telephone number in France of inviting employer / host institution / family member etc.”

My wife and I plan on staying at an AirBnB for a month while we get settled and look for apartments/work. Any ideas on what to put here if this is the case?

Any address is fine.

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Travellers Australia

Writing Your CV

Write the perfect cv.

The key to writing a great working-holiday CV is to demonstrate a wide range of skills and experience that can be applied to any job in Australia – bar jobs, farm jobs or sales. Sometimes this isn’t easy to do as you may have just finished Uni and have only worked a few jobs. However, even if you have limited work experience, you can find innovative ways to convince the employer that you are the person for the job!

Personal Statement: 

The aim of your personal statement is to grab the employer’s attention and convince them to read the rest of your CV. It’s a snapshot of who you are and why the employer should hire you. Remember to summarise when you are able to start work and how long you are willing to commit, and include any important or interesting facts about yourself that are relevant to work.  Click here for an example 

Employment History: 

Often, your first job in Australia will be different compared to your job back home.Whilst travelling, this is the time to try something new!  However, it is helpful that your employment history is relevant to the position you are applying for, whether it is experience or skills. Be innovative and make it clear that whatever the employer wants, you’re able to fulfil their needs.

For example, if you’re applying for a managerial position but have never previously worked as manager, emphasise that your previous roles involved considerable responsibility and decision-making duties such as delegation, staff management, training, etc.

If you’re applying for a bar job and have no bar experience, focus on previous roles that involved face-to-face communication, customer service and cash-handling.

If you want a farm job and don’t have relevant experience, describe roles where you’ve shown a determined and dedicated attitude, where you’ve ‘got your hands dirty’ and worked non-stop to get the job done. Also, include any hobbies you have that are relevant, such as outdoor sports, hiking, a love of animals etc.

Regardless of your previous roles / employes, these are the attributes the employer needs in their new employee.

Note:  When writing an Employment History many people make the mistake of just listing the companies they have worked for,  job titles and dates of employment. This is totally worthless to employers in Australia. Use this section to explain a bit about the company you worked for and the role you filled. Click here for an example.

Education: 

Back home your education is an important part of your CV, but in Australia experience, skills and the right attitude are what most employers are looking for. Keep your education section short and sweet. Don’t forget to include any courses you have completed in Australia such as RSA, White Card etc.  Click here for an example . 

Clearly outline any key skills you have used at work that are relevant to the positions you are applying for.  It an opportunity to highlight skills you posses that may not be mentioned in your work experience. Skills that are particularly popular with employers in Australia include: Communication, Sales, Customer Service, Teamwork, Languages, Tractor Driving, RSA / White Card, Computer skills.

Not all skills will be directly required for the role you are applying for. But by demonstrating the broad range of things you do know, you’re giving the impression that you’re a good learner.

Hobbies and Interests: 

Most job advertisements outline certain personality traits required for the role, so identify what they are and see how your hobbies can relate to the requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a senior position, then the fact that you captained your sports team and ran training sessions will demonstrate your leadership and organisational ability.  Click here for an example.

References:  

Its doubtful that employers in Australia will contact your refences back home before offering you a job. The best thing to write here is “References available upon request”.  Click here for an example

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Should I include a photo in my resume?  Yes, definitely, especially if you are applying for a face to face/customer interation role. Including a photo in your resume will show the employer that you are pleasant and presentable. (Ensure the photo is respectable – no drunken facebook photos and no bikini shots).
• How long should my CV be?  Two pages is a standard length for your CV, plus a short cover letter. Use bullet point format to list your work experience, avoiding big blocks of text.
• Should I mention I’m on a working holiday visa?  Yes, be up-front and honest with the employer. If it is an issue, there’s no point wasting the employer’s time.
• What if I only want to work a few weeks?  Most employers will want a commitment of 1, 3 or 6 months. Don’t promise to stay longer to get the job if you really dont intend to.

Many employers will understrand if your written English is not perfect, but there’s no excuse for bad spelling! Use a spell-check and get a few English-speaking friends to proof-read your CV and provide feedback.

Find backpacker jobs in Australia:

To search for bar jobs in Australia, visit  Travellers At Work . TAW is Australia’s largest job database just for travellers, with thousands of positions available.

In this article

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Maximized Schengen visa success with effective cover letter, free sample and expert tips.

If you are in the process of applying for a Schengen Visa , you may have noticed that are asked to submit a Cover Letter.

The Cover Letter for Schengen Visa applications is an important requirement, and knowing how to properly write one could affect the outcome of the visa application.

What is a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

The Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa is a necessary part of your visa application because it is a way to introduce yourself, the reason why you want to travel to that specific country, as well as to communicate with the visa officers who are handling your application.

Please note that the Cover Letter should be addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will visit, even if you are applying through a visa application center, such as VFS Global.

In the Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa, you have to convince the Consular staff that you are suitable to receive a visa for the country you intend to visit.

What Information to Include in a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

When you write a Cover Letter for your Schengen Visa application, you have to include details of your entire trip including:

• The reason why you want to visit a Schengen country .
• The dates when you intend to enter and depart.
• A planned itinerary of your activities in the Schengen Area.
• Where you will stay once you enter the Schengen area.
• All the countries you intend to visit.
• The status of your employment.
• If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, give an explanation of why that is.

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa

Below, you will find a sample Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist or Visit Visa, a Schengen Business Visa ,  as well as for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa which will give you an idea of what to include on your own Visa Cover Letter.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Schengen Visa

Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi

6/50 F, Shantipath

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi – 110021

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to apply for a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands from the dates May 20 to June 10, 2019. I am traveling alone and the main reason why I want to visit the Netherlands is tourism.

I would like to visit the popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the house of Anne Frank, as well as the Keukenhof gardens to see the Netherlands’ most popular flower – the tulip.

During my stay, I also want to visit Germany from May 29 to June 5 to visit my sister who lives in Dusseldorf, where I will stay at her house. Then, I will return to the Netherlands, where I will explore the Hague before I leave the country.

I am employed at the [name of company/organization] where I have the position of [job position]. I have worked here for X years, and I have an annual salary of XX. My employer has given me a No Objection Certificate for my trip, which you will find enclosed.

I intend to finance my own trip, and I have also enclosed proof I have the necessary financial means to cover my stay.

Below you can see a planned itinerary of my activities :

Supporting visa application documents I have enclosed with this letter:

• The completed Schengen Visa Application Form
• My passport
• My flight and train ticket reservations
• Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance
• Hotel reservation receipts (Amsterdam and Hague)
• Letter of Invitation from my sister in Dusseldorf
• No Objection Certificate from my employer
• My Bank Statements from the last six months

I hope you find that the details I have provided in this letter are adequate for a favorable reply to my application. Thank you for your time, and do not hesitate to contact me should you need further information.

Best regards,

Alan Shilmani

[Full address in India]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Schengen Visa

If you are applying for a Schengen Business Visa, it is your employer who has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. It must be written on the company’s letterhead.

March 20, 2019

New Delhi, India

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Business Visa on behalf of [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

Through this letter, I would like to confirm that [applicant’s full name] is employed at our company [company’s name] where he works as [job title or position]. [The applicant] has been working in our company for [X number of years], and needs to travel to the Netherlands to visit our partner company [partner company’s name] during the dates April 20 to April 30, 2019.

During his visit at [partner company’s name] in the Netherlands, [the applicant] will be engaged in the following duties:

• Attending meetings
• Negotiating a deal between the companies regarding [XYZ]
• Giving a presentation
• (Any other tasks that you will have to do during your trip)

[The applicant] will stay at the [hotel name/other accommodation], and the expenses will be covered by our company (if applicable).

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for your time,

[Name of employer/supervisor along with siganture]

[Position or job title of employer/supervisor]

[Email address of employer/supervisor]

[Phone number of employer/supervisor]

Sample Cover Letter for Medical Treatment Visa

If you are traveling to a Schengen country to receive medical treatment, your doctor has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. The Cover Letter for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa has to include the following information:

• Your detailed diagnosis
• Your medical history
• The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa on behalf of my patient [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

[Applicant’s name] is diagnosed with [XYZ] and needs to receive [XYZ] treatment at the [medical facility name] in the Netherlands.

[Detailed diagnosis]

[Medical history]

[The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country]

I hope you consider the information I have enclosed in this letter to be satisfactory for my patient’s Schengen Visa application.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time.

[Name of the doctor along with siganture]

Where should I submit the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

Depending on what country you are applying from, you can submit the Schengen Visa application at:

• An Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting.
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country, in case the country you want to visit has no diplomatic representation in your place of residence.
• A visa application agency, to which the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting has outsourced visa applications to.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to visit multiple countries, submit the application at the Embassy/Consulate of the country you will visit first.

What other documents should I submit along with the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

When you submit your application for a Schengen Visa, along with the Cover Letter, you have to submit several other supporting documents , such as:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months
• Passport-size pictures, in line with Schengen visa photo requirements
• Your flight itinerary or reservations
• Proof of accommodation in a Schengen country
• No Objection Certificate from your employer/school
• Letter of Invitation from a relative or company in the Schengen country you are visiting, depending on the purpose of travel
• Proof of paid Schengen Visa Fees
• Your Bank Statements from the last six months

Read more: How to write a cover letter for Germany Student Visa Application?

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