FAQ - SWAP Britain

• Can I apply for the SWAP UK Visa while I'm outside of Canada?
• After my first two nights accommodation are over where should I go next?
• Is it mandatory to attend the Orientation?
• If I already booked my flight to the UK is it possible for me to still participate in the SWAP programme?
• Can I purchase a one way ticket?
• Can I bring my children with me on my Working Holiday?
• Can I apply for SWAP Britain if I am married?
• What is Biometics?
• What is a “Visa Application Center”?
• When does the visa start?

Can I apply for SWAP/UK Visa while I'm outside of Canada? No you must be in Canada during the entire time of visa processing.
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After my first two nights accommodation are over where should I go next? You can book additional nights through the hostel or contact BUNAC and they will be able to assist you with other accommodation options. Don't forget to check out the accommodation listings with other travellers.
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Is it mandatory to attend the Orientation? Yes. The Orientation covers vital information about jobs, job search strategies, accommodation, paying taxes, setting up your bank account and applying for your National Insurance number. It's always helpful to get tips from locals about areas to avoid and best places to live and much much more!
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If I already booked my flight to the UK is it possible for me to still participate in the SWAP program? Yes but keep in mind your Travel CUTS counsellor can charge up to $100 CAD service fee for booking your flight elsewhere
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Can I purchase a one way ticket? Yes.
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Can I bring my children with me on my Working Holiday? NO. Not on the SWAP Program.
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Can I apply for SWAP Britain if I am married? Yes, but only if both you and your spouse apply for the visas together (and have no children) and travel together to Britain.
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What is Biometics? Compulsory fingerprinting is now part of the United Kingdom visa application process in just under half of the countries of the world. You will need to provide 'biometric' information as part of the Working Holiday visa application process. This biometric information consists of scans of all 10 of your fingers and a full-face digital photograph. You will have to go to the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person to provide this biometric information. In those cities where there is no VAC, you will need to go to the nearest one.

The VACs are run by a commercial company located in largely populated areas: Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Halifax and Edmonton. Trained staff at each VAC collect your biometric information along with proof of payment which SWAP will provide. They will look over your documents and provide unbiased information, including whether or not you have included all the necessary documents. Entry clearance staff at the British High Commission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. VAC staff has no say in this decision and are not a service office for you to re-visit to query the status of your visa.
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What is a “Visa Application Center”? A Visa Application Centre (VAC) is an office run by the British Governments commercial partner WorldBridge, where visa applicants will have to go in person to provide their biometric data. VACs are located only in Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver.

The staffs at the VAC offices are not there to assist you with your application or provide details on the status of your application.
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When does the visa start? The UK Working Holiday Visa is activated upon issue in Canada at the British High Commission.
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