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Want to work in Canada?

Many people ask us how they can combine work and a holiday in Canada (it's a big country so it's a good idea to stay for months and work a little to cover travel expenses).

Below you will find a list of working holiday programs available by country listed alphabetically just scroll down to find your nationality. All the programs have some eligibility requirements so make sure you check those (wherever possible we have included a web site for further information and/or to make an application).

Please note this list is not exhaustive we are still researching and will add further programs as we find them. If you discover an error or have additional information we can add to this site, please do let us know.

AUSTRALIA

• In 2004, 7500 Canadian working holiday visas are available for Australians
• Application available to download at : www.whpcanada.org.au as of January 2, 2003
• Visas are given on a first come first serve basis and can take 6 weeks to process
• The cost is a $170 payable by credit card, postal money order or bank cheque

• current Australian passport
• no criminal record
• only entitled to one in a lifetime
• must be between 18-30 (inclusive) years old
• must have proof of access to $4000 in Australian funds (bank statements, credit card statements, travelers cheques or cash)
• if your application is successful you have one year to enter Canada and the visa is valid from 12 months from that date.

2. Student Program
For details and to apply contact:
Overseas Working Holidays
Australia

www.owh.com.au

OR

SWAP - STA Travel
Any STA Travel branch
Australia

www.statravel.com.au

FINLAND

• 4-6 weeks to process application
• six month validity

• must be between 18-30
• must be full-time student in Finish university or polytechnic
• must be Finnish citizen

• 18 month validity

• must be between 18-30
• must be a graduate of university within the past two years
• must have a job offer in Canada in your field of study

FRANCE

• 400 visas available
• visa valid for 4 months
• cost 549,29 EUR

• must be over 18
• must be French citizen
• must be full- time student or recent graduate

GERMANY

• 6 month validity must have police certificate from German police if you intend to stay more than 6 months

• must have job offer in Canada
• program open to German students during the summer

• 6 month validity must have police certificate if you intend to stay more than 6 months

• must be recent graduate
• must be German citizen

IRELAND

• must be a citizen of Ireland
• You must be a full-time student in Ireland or completed your studies within the previous 12 months
• Aged 18-30 (inclusive)
• First come first served basis
• Applications take 4-6 weeks to process
• No fee payable
• Visa valid for 12 months
• Have a written job offer from a Canadian employer
• Full details at: www.canada.org.uk

• one time only
• residents of Northern Ireland are not eligible
• applications take up to 8 weeks to process
• cost is $254.68

JAPAN

• are Japanese citizens and are residing in Japan;
• intend primarily to holiday in Canada for an extended period (maximum 1 year);
• have not previously participated in the program;
• are between 18 to 30 years of age at the time of the receipt of the application;
• possess a valid passport and a return ticket or sufficient funds with which to purchase such a ticket;
• possess sufficient funds for their maintenance, including medical expenses, during the period of initial stay in Canada;
• are in good health and of good character; and
• do not have a pre-arranged job in Canada.

NETHERLANDS

• 6 month validity must have Dutch police certificate if you intend to stay more than six months

• must have job a offer in Canada
• program open to Dutch students during summe

• 6 month validity must have Dutch police certificate if you intend to stay more than six months

• must have a job offer in Canada
• must be recent graduate
• must be Dutch citizen

NEW ZEALAND

• The 2003 program is reverting to a first come first served basis for the 800 places on offer
• The application form can be downloaded from January 6, 2003 from the following web site
  http://dfait-maeci.gc.ca
• The places always fill up quickly for New Zealand so it is recommended you apply as soon as possible after January 6.
• The cost is NZ$195 payable by bank cheque or postal money order only.

• no criminal record
• must hold current New Zealand passport
• must be currently living in New Zealand
• must be traveling on a return or onward airline ticket
• only entitled to one in a lifetime
• must be between 18-30 (inclusive) years old
• must have proof of access to $4000 in Canadian funds
• visa lasts for one year from entry
• if your application is successful you have one year to enter Canada and the visa is valid from 12 months from that date.

SOUTH AFRICA

• Visa can take from 3 weeks to 3 months to obtain
• Cost $425 USD
• No Gap year/high school or foreign students may apply

• must have South African approved police clearance
• must have Canadian designated doctor’s medical examination report
• must have $1000 CAD in bank account
• must be over 18 years old
• must be a full-time student or recent graduate
• must have current South African passport

SWEDEN

• application takes 4-6 weeks to process

• must be between 18-30
• must be Swedish citizen
• DO NOT have to be a full-time student

UNITED KINGDOM

• must be citizen of United Kingdom
• Aged 18-30 (inclusive)
• First come first served basis
• Applications take 4-6 weeks to process
• No fee payable
• Visa valid for 12 months
• Have a written job offer from a Canadian employer
• Full details at: www.canada.org.uk/visa-info/visit/e_stuwrk.htm

• must be full-time student , recent graduate or Gap year student
• must have $1000 CAD in bank account
• Fee for this program: approximately 100 pounds

U.S.A.

• must be a US citizen
• must be under age 31 upon entry into Canada
• 5 month maximum
• must be a full time student or recent graduate