Want to move to France from Canada? Bon choix! Home to the most iconic landmarks in the world and rich in history, architecture, art and cuisine, France is a cultural immersion like no other. For Canadians, it’s possible to live and work in France for up to three years under the France Working Holiday Visa. So, if you’re a Canadian looking to embrace the ‘Art de Vivre’ – or the French art of living – read our latest guide to learn everything you need to know about the France Working Holiday.
Have you ever dreamed of strolling the Seine, visiting the Eiffel Tower, or learning to bake the perfect croissant? There’s a reason France is one of the most popular destinations on earth. On a France Working Holiday, you will have the opportunity to live and in some of the world’s most spectacular cities, think: Paris to Bordeaux, Lyon to Toulouse. Experience lyrical landscapes in the French countryside, decamp in the French Riviera… a France Working Holiday Visa will allow you to experience them all. Not forgetting a few other, wonderful reasons to move to France:
French is one of the most beautiful languages in the world, and you’ll get to grasp the lingo through local words of wisdom, such as ‘La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin’ (life is too short to drink bad wine). As Canada’s second language, mastering your French skills will also open many doors for your future career.
France is home to some of the most delicious cuisine in the world, and no French immersion is truly complete without embracing French culinary customs. Swap Safeway for farmers’ markets bursting with fresh produce; breakfast on warm croissants from the boulangerie (bakery), tuck into steak-frites in a cozy bistro, sip wine in Bordeaux… the list goes on.
There is a never-ending roster of incredible travel experiences to be had in France. But, if you do feel like straying away, you will also have the rest of Europe at your doorstep. Cue many casual weekends away in Barcelona, Lisbon, Berlin, London… the list goes on.
To move to France from Canada, you will need to secure a work permit, called the France Working Holiday Visa. This visa stems from the Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and France which allows up to 14,000 Canadians to live and work in France each year. In this program, there are four visas available to Canadian citizens:
Canadians wanting to do a working holiday in France will need to apply for the last visa category, called the Working Holiday Program.
The France Working Holiday Visa allows you to stay in France for up to two years on a working holiday, with the option of staying an additional year if using the young professional or practical internship program. That’s a lot of time to master your Frenchness.
This visa also allows you to venture beyond mainland France to other French departments across the world. Specifically, the visa is valid in:
The icing on the cake? The France Working Holiday Visa has few work restrictions. Consequently, there are endless opportunities for getting a job in France as a Canadian.
There are few restrictions on the type of work you can do with a France Working Holiday Visa. Like finding a job in Canada, your own experience and skills, as well as your French language skills will make the biggest impact on the jobs you are eligible for.
Some of the most popular jobs for Canadians in France on a working holiday are in hospitality, tourism, farm work, food service, marketing and administration. Wondering whether you need to speak French to work in France? The answer is no, you can find work as an au pair, as an English tutor, and so on. However, learning the local language will open you up to more opportunities.
In order to be eligible to apply for the France Working Holiday Visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
We recommend you start planning at least three months prior to your planned departure. In order to apply, you will need to provide the following documents:
Now that you have your documents, you will need to create an account on the official website for visa applications to France. From here, it’s a three-part process:
The visa costs €99 and you will also be required to pay a fee for your biometrics appointment.
Hoorah! You’ve got your visa and made the big move to France from Canada. Now, you will need to complete the foreigner registration process in your local municipality. Et voila! Now you can begin your France Working Holiday.
Want to spend a year living, working, and exploring France? Look no further!
We’re on the hunt for an intrepid traveller to participate in our trial program for the France Working Holiday Visa. If you have a passion for travel and a desire to gain valuable work experience, apply now and embark on a year-long journey of a lifetime!