Working Holiday Program (PVT) France


working holidayThe Working Holiday Program (PVT), also known as a working holiday visa, allows young people aged 18 to 30 to travel for a year to another country with the possibility of working there to supplement their budget. 

The working holiday programs are aimed at young people aged 18 to 30 (35 for Argentina, Australia and Canada) and wishing to go abroad, for a maximum of one year, to tourism and cultural purposes in one of the partner countries, with the possibility of working there to supplement their financial means.

The framework of this program is specified, on a reciprocal basis, by a bilateral agreement that France has concluded with sixteen countries or territories (to date): Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Russia, Argentina, Hong Kong, Chile, Colombia, Taiwan, Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil Peru and Ecuador.

WHAT IS THE WORKING HOLIDAY PROGRAM?

The PVT (working holiday program) is an opportunity to go abroad for several months. The principle: travel, while working to finance his stay. With the aim of living an immersion in a country to enrich his personal and professional career. Let see now if you are entitle to this program.

WHO CAN BENEFIT ?

Young people between the ages of 18 and 30 (up to 35 in some countries). Applicants must hold a valid French passport. No level of language or professional experience is required. Since its implementation, the PVT has been a great success with students and recent graduates. You must be aware for the conditions and requirements of this program.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR LEAVING?

To leave, you must have financial resources to meet your needs at the beginning of your stay. Depending on your destination, the amount varies. You will also need to provide your return ticket or sufficient resources to buy a ticket. Some countries also require proof of private insurance covering all risks. The conditions are defined by each of the bilateral agreements and are available by consulting the websites of each of our embassies in the countries concerned. In general, these are the following:

  • Not having already benefited from this program in the country in question. Exception to this rule: since November 1, 2005, beneficiaries of a first “working holiday” visa and who have done at least 3 months of seasonal harvests in certain regions of Australia can apply for a second visa of this type
  • . from 18 to 30 years of age on the date of submission of the visa application (35 years for Australia, Canada and Argentina);
  • Not be accompanied by dependent children;
  • Hold a valid French passport;
  • Be in possession of a return ticket or sufficient resources to purchase a ticket;
    Justify the possession of private insurance covering all risks related to illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization and repatriation for the duration of the stay.
  • Have the necessary financial resources to meet the needs at the beginning of the stay. The minimum amount of resources is set each year by the signatory States. 

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A “WORKING HOLIDAY” VISA?

The visa application must be made to the diplomatic or consular representation in France of the host destination, except for Australia for which the visa application is made online on the website of the Australian immigration department.

The multiple-entry temporary long-stay visa that will be issued to you is valid for one year. The duration of the stay must not exceed one year except for special arrangements, without the possibility of extension. It is not, in principle, possible to change status during the duration of the stay. The duration of employment with the same employer may also be limited.

With the exception of Australia and New Zealand, the number of participants in this program is limited and fixed each year between the participating countries. To date, these quotas stand at 7,050 for Canada, 2,000 for Korea, 1,500 for Japan, 1,000 for Argentina, 500 for Russia, 750 for Hong Kong, 500 for Taiwan, 400 for Chile, 400 for Colombia, 500 for Brazil, 300 for Uruguay and 300 for Mexico.

TO WHICH DESTINATIONS?

The countries with which France has signed this agreement are Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Argentina, Hong Kong, Chile, Colombia, Taiwan, Uruguay , Mexico, Brazil, Russia and Peru… The destinations may change, consult the France diplomacy or pvtistes to find out about the destinations and conditions, country by country.

HOW LONG IS THE STAY?

The length of stay cannot exceed one year. It should be noted that Australia allows young people who can justify a minimum of three months of seasonal agricultural work to have their PVT extended for an additional year.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?

All information on the program and visa application files are available from the consulates of the countries concerned or via their website.

PRACTICAL FORMALITIES

All information on the program and visa application files are available from the consulates of the countries concerned or on their website:

Argentina

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Japan

New Zealand

South Korea

Hong Kong

Chile

Colombia

Taiwan

Mexico

Uruguay

Peru