Applying for a Working Holiday Visa to France (for Canadians)

Criteria and steps for obtaining your France WHV (for Canadians)

The France-Canada Youth Mobility Agreement is an opportunity for Canadians between 18 and 35 years old to travel to France for up to 36 months to improve their understanding of French language, culture, and society through an experience focused on tourism, academic study, internships, or employment.

Every year, about 1,000 Canadians head to France with a Working Holiday Visa in their passport. This step-by-step guide will walk you through your application.

You can also consult the official page by the government of Canada for up-to-date news and the latest requirements.

To learn more about your next steps upon your arrival in France, also read Landing in France with a WHV – a guide to your first steps.

How many visas are issued each year?

Canada issues a maximum of 14,000 youth mobility visas to French citizens every year, and France reserves approximately 7,000 spots for Canadians.

As far as we know, the annual quota in France has never been reached by Canadian applicants. We have never seen a denial due to a reached quota, so it should not be an issue to submit an application even late in the calendar year.

How much does it cost to apply for a WHV?

French consulates do not charge a fee to process Working Holiday Visa applications. However, VFS Global, an official third-party partner to the French government, does charge a processing fee (around CA$45) that must be paid when you book the application appointment.

You may also have to budget for transportation to the nearest VFS Global centre if there are none in your vicinity.

Eligibility requirements

Here is an overview of the general eligibility requirements for the visa categories.

Age

You must be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of the application date (i.e., you can apply until the day before your 36th birthday).

Citizenship

You must hold a Canadian passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the last day of your stay in France (we recommend 6 months to allow for greater flexibility).

First, second or third participation

It is possible to participate a second time in the Young Professional Development and the Working Holiday Program visa categories. For the Inter-University Exchange and Practical Internship categories, it is even possible to apply for a third year. However, the total duration of your stay in France across these categories cannot exceed 36 months.

Previous participation in similar mobility programs of other countries have no impact on your French visa application.

Dependents

The France-Canada Youth Mobility Agreement does not include a specific provision for dependents accompanying a visa holder obtained under this program. If you have dependents who wish to travel with you, they can either apply for a visa under the same agreement, or apply for another long-stay or short-stay tourist visa.

For visa application guidelines and requirements, check out the Visa Wizard on France-Visas.

Minimum funds required and return ticket

You must provide proof of financial resources for the amount equivalent to €2,500 euros (about CA$3,500) and have a return ticket or show additional funds (€1,000) to prove you will be able to buy your ticket back to Canada.

Insurance

You must provide proof of medical insurance covering health care needs (including hospitalization and repatriation) for the duration of your stay in France. We have also heard from previous participants that it is recommended for your medical insurance to have a zero deductible.

The French Embassy in Canada also recommends buying personal liability insurance.

When should I apply?

Applications are accepted no earlier than three months before your planned departure date.

Application steps

You must submit your application in person at a VFS Global centre. It will then be forwarded to a French consulate for processing.

Here are the steps of a Working Holiday Visa application:

Step 1: Create an account on France-Visas.gouv.fr, the official website for visa applications to France.
Step 2: Fill out the first part of your visa application online.
Step 3: Book an appointment at a VFS centre.
Step 4: Complete the second and final part of your visa application online once the appointment is booked.
Step 5: (For Quebec residents only) Obtain your attestation de séjour de la RAMQ.
Step 6: Drop off your application at your VFS appointment and authorize collection of biometric data.
Step 7: Await approval, your passport will be mailed back with the visa inside.

Links to important pages from French authorities

• France-visas website (official site to start your application)
• Young traveller (working holiday) (introduction to the program)

Last update in February 2024