Visa issuance and departure preparation
Official estimates for processing times range from 7 working days during normal periods to 15 working days during busy seasons. Of course, these estimates assume that nothing is missing in your application.
You should wait until your visa is in hand before buying a plane ticket.
You will receive a long stay visa valid for 12 months maximum. It will take the form of a sticker in your passport.
Initial entry into France
Your initial entry in France should not be earlier than the start date indicated on your visa. If you arrive, for example, one month after the printed start date, you effectively lose one month of time in France. The WHV does not need to be “activated” in any way. Usually the customs agent will ask to see just your passport and visa.
WHV holders don’t have any additional visa-related steps to do upon entry into France. The visa does not need to be validated, and it is not necessary (nor possible) to obtain a residence card or a work permit. You can start working right away with your Working Holiday Visa.
For more information, read:
- Departure checklist for a working holiday in France
- Key documents / procedures for WHV holders starting a job in France
- France WHV: FAQs about French social security
Setting up your life
Read these important resources to start your adventure on the right foot.
- Complete guide on how to find and start a job in France
- How to open a French bank account (for France WHV holders)
- How to get a French phone number (for WHV holders)
- How to find housing during your working holiday in France
Extending your stay
At the end of your WHV, you can extend your working holiday by another year. Read our article on How to extend your Working Holiday in France with an APS.
(62) Comments
Hi, I’m currently in the process of waiting for a VFS appointment slot to open up.
The only thing I’m unsure of is do I need to bring proof of accommodation to the VFS appointment or can I book my accommodation once I’ve been granted a visa and in my hands?
Multiple tutorials are giving me varying instructions. Some say to book inward plane ticket/accommodation to show proof at the VFS appointment, some don’t. As I would like to buy a plane ticket AFTER I have my VISA in hand like you suggested, I’d like to preferably do the same (if possible) for my accommodation.
Besides the required docs that are on the registration form that France-Visas gives me is there anything else I need to bring as proof in order for a WHV Visa to be granted? (Accommodation, inward plane ticket, etc)
Thank you very much for the help!
Hi. If you look at your official checklist, neither proof of accommodation nor France-bound plane ticket is listed. I myself didn’t present either of them when I applied. The housing address is for reference purposes only and is not binding in any way.
Thanks for the reassurance! Appreciate the help.
Hi,
I am applying for the WHV from Toronto Ontario, I am in france right now for vacation waiting for my appointment at the VFS to get my WHV.
I finally found on appointment in Montreal because I never find any in Toronto.
I took that appointment but I saw after that on my application it says that my VFS is Toronto, can I still use Montreal to get it ? Do I need to change in my application and put Montreal instead of Toronto ?
I am going to fly back to Canada just for my appointment I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing
And after this appointment how long does it need to get the Visa ?
Thank you for your help !
Jorge
Hi Jorge. I’m not sure about this. I recommend that you contact VFS support to confirm. And please let us know here once you have the answer, thanks!
Hi Jackson,
I’m in a bit of a situation – I’ve been working in Paris on a WHV and it’s expiring in 2 months. I’d like to either renew or apply for a Talent Passport but I’m unable to do so online since I don’t have a foreign number.
The local Prefecture has also been unhelpful they’re confused. Do you know if I can apply for a status change from France or if I need to go back to Canada? I’m trying to avoid going back by all means.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Alireza. It’s true that WHVers do not have a foreigner number. APS holders do, however, get one. I don’t know much about the Talent Passport, but if you want a foreigner number and thereby gain access to the ANEF portal, you can apply for an APS. The steps are explained in https://pvtistes.net/en/extend-working-holiday-france/
Hi Jackson! When renewing my WHV do I need the criminal record check and medical certification? My appointment is in Vancouver this week and I cannot remember if I had those in my application the first time. Kind regards!
Hey it wasn’t required the first time, so it shouldn’t be the second time. Good luck 🙂
Hello would it be possible to apply for 24 months long stay visa upfront on arrival to France? also do you offer one on one consultancy on whv in France, i need tips on settling in , opening bank accounts etc
Hi Tosin.
1) You can only get a WHV for 12 months. But Canadians can extend their stay for another 12 months at the end.
2) See chapter 7 for tips on settling, housing, bank account, phone number etc
3) If you still have questions, you can sign up for one of our free online Q&A workshops https://pvtistes.net/en/bonsplans/workshops/
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