Before a work visa is granted, the foreign governments have the responsibility of ensuring that you are entering their country with the necessary support funds. Since you'll be incurring basic living expenses (such as first and last month's rent and food), this money is intended to help you settle in and tide you over until you have found a job and get your first paycheck.
You are not required to pay this sum to either SWAP or the foreign government. You simply have to prove, in the form of a bank letter, that you have the adequate amount of support funds. The amount required for the bank letter is set by foreign government and can change at any time. Please note that credit and investments will not be accepted as support funds.
Support funds vary depending on country, so please refer to the SWAP country pages or pages 18-19 of the brochure for the exact amounts.
We know it's boring but don't switch your brain off when it comes to travel insurance - it's important!
To be protected on your travels, SWAP Working Holidays requires that you take out full medical and travel insurance for the SWAP program. We recommend Bon Voyage insurance because it's cheap and covers all the basics. If you are covered through another insurance provider you must sign a waiver form and include proof of your insurance. You will need the equivalent coverage of Plan B from Bon Voyage. http://www.travelcuts.com/Insurance
Biometric data (finger scans and digital photographs) is required for all applicants wanting to work in the UK. SWAP services can help you through this and make sure no mistakes are made. We work closely with the British High Commission to ensure that your visa application and supporting documents are correct in order to avoid your visa being held-up or denied.
After you register for SWAP UK, you will receive an Electronic Welcome Email that includes all of the instructions and support you will need. Please note that Visa Application Centres (VAC) where the biometric testing is done are only in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, and once monthly in Halifax. There are also periodical mobile testing units in St. John�s, NFL. For more information please e-mail swapinfo@swap.ca ; or look here https://www.visainfoservices.com/Pages/Welcome.aspx
