Canadian Visa InfoParticipants must:
If you meet the above criteria it is possible to apply for the working holiday visa online at www.whpcanada.org.au . The visa fee is currently $160* (not included in the WHC program fees) and is payable direct to the Canadian Consulate. Working Holiday Program Q & A’s * All of the below information plus more can be found directly on the WHP site (www.whpcanada.org.au) Q: I am 17 years old / I am 31 years old. Can I apply for WHP Canada? A: No, unfortunately not as you do not meet the criteria for the WHP Canada. You must be aged 18-30 years inclusive to participate in the WHP. You may wish to explore if you are eligible to apply for a regular work permit. ** Please Note: Your application will NOT be accepted if it is received by the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney: prior to your 18th birthday, or, on or after your 31st birthday. Q: Can I apply to the Sydney office for a Study Permit at the same time I have an application for the WHP Canada in process? A: Yes, providing you meet the requirements to apply for a Study Permit, you may apply. We can process more than one type of application from you at the same time. Q: Do I need to have a job lined up in Canada before I apply? A: No. Please be advised that the WHP Section at the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney cannot help you locate prospective employers. You may source an employer over the internet, recruitment agencies, or newspaper. You may also wish to refer to Working in Canada. Q: I am a New Zealand passport holder. Is there a working holiday program for me? A: Sure is, however you must submit your application to the Canadian High Commission in Wellington, even if you live in Australia. More info on the NZ WHP can be found at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/asia/whp/intro-en.asp Q: I am a U.K. / French passport holder. Is there a working holiday program for me? A: The Canadian High Commission in London is responsible for WHP applications from citizens of the U.K. Information on the UK WHP is available at www.canada.org.uk. The Canadian Embassy in Paris is responsible for WHP applications from citizens of France. Information on the French WHP is available at www.amb-canada.fr Q: I am a citizen of a country other than Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. or France. Is there a working holiday program for me? A: Any working holiday programs for citizens of other countries would be handled by the Canadian High Commission or Embassy responsible for that particular country. Refer to www.cic.gc.ca for a list of visa offices around the world. Q: I am currently in Canada on a WHP work permit, can I re-apply to the WHP? I have previously worked in Canada on a WHP work permit, can I re-apply to the WHP? I am currently in Canada on a SWAP work permit, can I apply to the WHP? I have previously worked in Canada on a SWAP work permit, can I apply to the WHP? A: Yes to all. There will be no limit to the number of times you can participate under the program as long as you continue to meet the age criteria and all other admissibility and eligibility requirements. You must submit the correct Program Participation Fee with any new application. To re-apply, please go tohttp://www.whpcanada.org.au/apply_online.shtml. You do not have to wait for your current work permit to expire before reapplying. Q: Is there a minimum passport validity? A: Yes. The Work Permit may not be issued to exceed the validity of your passport. As such, please ensure that your passport is valid for the time you wish to be in Canada. If you wish to proceed with a passport that has less than 36 months validity, you must state in your application that you intend to leave Canada before the expiry of your passport. Write and sign this statement on the photocopy of your passport photo page that you submit with your application. If you plan to renew your passport, please renew it first and submit a photocopy of the new passport information page with your application. Q: I was previously issued a New Zealand WHP work permit using my New Zealand passport. May I apply under the Australian WHP using my Australian passport? A: Yes, as long as you still meet the eligibility and admissibility requirements at the time of the application. Q: My WHP application has been approved, but I will soon turn 31. Do I have to enter Canada before my birthday? Will my birthday limit the validity of my work permit? A: No. Your Letter of Introduction is valid for presentation at a Canadian Port of Entry for one year from the date of issuance and is not affected if you turn 31 within its validity period. Q: I hold an Australian passport, but I am traveling outside of Australia. Am I eligible to apply for the Working Holiday Program (WHP) at any other Canadian Visa office? A: Yes. You may apply to the Visa Section at a diplomatic or consular mission of Canada responsible for the country to which you have been lawfully admitted. However, if you wish to avoid processing delays, please go through the online application process on this site to receive your application form and customized checklist from the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney. You must have a mailing address in Australia (may use a family member's address). Forward your original, signed application form, two photos and photocopy of your passport information (photo) page to a responsible person in Australia to add the fee and submit to the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney on your behalf. If you cannot request someone in Australia to purchase an Australia Post money order or bank cheque and submit your application on your behalf, you may obtain an international bank draft for A$160. Note that the currency must be in Australian $ and the international bank draft must include the name of the Australian drawee bank (this normally appears in the lower left portion of the international bank draft). You will receive your Letter of Introduction via email, if your application is successful. |
