The Background

The French and Canadian Governments have signed a Working Holiday Agreement that permits citizens of both countries, aged 18 to 35 years to work overseas in the other country for any period up to 1 year.  This is an amazing opportunity for a young Canadian to learn so much about a truly beautiful country and remarkable culture that has played such an important role in the story of Canada.
The visa issued in Canada allows the holder the right to stay in France and seek work, but does not in and of itself allow one to begin working in France. A participant must get re-approved for every new job that is offered to them. Aquarius Education, SWAP's partner in France, is in place to assist SWAP France participants in getting through the "red tape."
Unlike ALL other SWAP destinations, the French establishment (embassy and consulates) in Canada does not cooperate with SWAP or any other Canadian non-governmental organizations respecting this Working Holiday opportunity. Thus SWAP cannot assist you directly in securing the necessary documentation required from the French visa office nearest your home. All we can do is provide some guidelines and advice.

How SWAP Helps

The focus of SWAP’s assistance to participants is after arrival in France.  The staff of Aquarius Education in Paris has had years of experience working with the French Ministry of Labour (i.e., the DDTE) past participants and French employers. They will be able to both inform and guide you through the bureaucratic processes you will encounter so that you have a successful transition to your French working holiday experience. They will talk about “French style” resumes and what is considered acceptable in the French employment environment. They have job listings in the hosting centre so that you can quickly begin your job search and land a job. Perhaps most importantly, Aquarius offers participants shelter in the storm, a place to go seek help, a friendly face and a sympathetic ear.

Focus

It's important not to waste time after arrival. Time is money and we want to ensure that you have all the necessary information so that you can be quite strategic and focused in your search. The more time is wasted, the more money you spend, and the less likely you will have enough funds to sustain your stay in France until your first pay cheque comes through. French employers generally pay staff on a monthly basis; therefore it's very important to ensure that you begin looking for work in the right places, as soon as possible. By the time you get your letter of job offer and go through the necessary application process at the French Ministry of Labour (i.e., the DDTE), you may not see a pay cheque for several more weeks.

Now what?

Interested young Canadians aged 18 to 35 inclusive are eligible for the French Working Holiday. It appears that the various French consulates across Canada are rejecting applicants who intend to remain in France for less than a six-month period. We recommend that you attempt to speak to the consulate concerned prior to applying IF your proposed stay is less than six months. It has been our experience that French consular officials are quite meticulous in reviewing all applications and it is important to follow their directions TO THE LETTER when applying for the Working Holiday Visa. The various sites permit applicants to download the required forms to complete the application. Note carefully that they also want a number of other documents such as your Canadian passport, insurance and flight information and photos as well. Make certain that your Canadian passport has at least one year’s validity and if not, you would be advised to apply for a new one now. Again, when they provide a specific direction about some aspect of the application process, they do mean it so don’t take short cuts. In some instances, consular officials have asked candidates to present themselves personally but generally all can be done by mail. SWAP apologizes for being unable to assist applicants directly in securing the necessary documentation prior to departure as we do with all other foreign posts in Canada where SWAP offers programs.

Language Skill

Any young Canadian considering a working holiday in France should have a working knowledge of the French language and be able to go through a job interview in French. Obviously one's ability in French will enjoy a marked improvement after working and living in that country for up to one year. But non-Francophone Canadians should be able to carry out a conversation in French with a reasonable capacity to both express themselves and understand what is being said to them at a normal speed. This program is an excellent way to improve an existing skill in the French language. All program materials will be published in French.