- Chapter 1: Introduction to the France Working Holiday Visa
- Chapter 2: Application overview, required documents
- Chapter 3: FAQ about the mandatory WHV insurance
- Chapter 4: Starting your application on France-Visas
- Chapter 5: The VFS Global appointment
- Chapter 6: Visa issuance and departure preparation
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 Working Holiday Visa does not need to be “activated” in any way. Usually the customs agent will ask to see just your passport and visa.
Working Holiday Visa 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 Working Holiday Visa 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 Working Holiday Visa holders)
- How to get a French phone number (for Working Holiday Visa holders)
- How to find housing during your working holiday in France
Extending your stay
At the end of your Working Holiday Visa, you can extend your working holiday by another year. Read our article on How to extend your Working Holiday in France with an APS.
(66) Comments
Hi Jackson!
I had a question about the insurance cover and cover letter… I currently pay for Cigna Global Worldwide that renews on May 9 2026… I also bought a return flight on May 6 2026 as that was the cheapest option.
I can’t renew my insurance early of course, and it was so expensive that I don’t want to buy another cover… is it ok to state in my cover letter that I would like to spend part of 2026 in France and then stay longer than I intended? I will obviously renew my insurance in May of next year and I would only stay as long as my visa permits (I’ve had the Aus and England WHVs too and I’ve never overstayed and would never either).
Hi Safia. I don’t fully understand your question. What is your situation exactly? You are on your first WHV and want to apply for a second WHV next year? What cover letter are you talking about?
Hi there,
For the cover letter portion of the application how much information did you share about your itinerary and how thorough was your cover letter?
I currently don’t have an exact itinerary besides cities I’d like to visit and I’m afraid my application will be denied if I don’t share enough information.
I plan to write a basic cover letter stating: purpose of travel, intent to leave and financial means of support throughout the stay. Is there any other vital information that I should include(thorough itinerary, etc)?
Itinerary is not required. It’s enough to just explain your interest in France. But they don’t need to know your exact plan. Most working holiday makers don’t even have one themselves!
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/
{{like.username}}
Loading...
Load more