If you’re considering a gap year in France, the Working Holiday Visa lets you travel, study, or work there for up to 1 year.
This article covers:
- Working holiday visa benefits
- Application requirements
- Application process and required documents
- Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of the Working Holiday Visa?
A working holiday visa lets you live, study, and work in France for up to a year, so you can support yourself during your stay.
This visa is granted for a maximum of 1 year and is not renewable (except for Canadian students).
This visa is a good option if you want to travel, study, or work in France for a year. It usually requires less financial proof than a student visa. It’s also a great fit for anyone taking a sabbatical or gap year to learn French, as long as you’re from an eligible country and meet the age requirements.
Who qualifies for the Working Holiday Visa?
To qualify, students must meet age and nationality requirements.
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old when they apply, so you need to submit your application before turning 31. If you’re from Argentina, Australia, or Canada, you can apply until your 36th birthday.
You also need to be a citizen of a country that has a special agreement with France. These countries are:
- Australia
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- South Korea
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Hong Kong
- Mexico
- Peru
- Russia
- Taiwan
- Uruguay
Each year, there are only a limited number of visas, and the quota for each country may change. If your country’s quota is full, you won’t be able to apply, even if you qualify. To see if spots are available, contact your local French embassy or consulate.
What are the required documents?
French embassies or consulates in your country process each application, and the steps and required documents can vary. For the most accurate details, check your local French embassy’s website.
In general, you’ll be asked for the following documents:
- Recent bank statement
- Passport ID page
- ID photograph
- Travel and health insurance certificate
- Return flight ticket
- Clean criminal record
- Motivation letter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring my children with me on a Working Holiday Visa?
No, you can’t bring a dependent child with you if you want to qualify for this visa.
Can I reapply for a Working Holiday Visa?
No, you can only get this visa once. To qualify, you must not have already taken part in the program before.
Do I need to provide proof of income for my visa application?
Yes, you do. The exact amount depends on the agreement between France and your country, but it is usually between 2,500€ and 4,000€.
For example, Japanese students need to show 3,100€ (not including round-trip airfare), and the bank statement must be less than one month old. Korean students must have at least 2,500 euros, or 3,500 euros if they submit a one-way airline ticket. The certificate must be issued within 5 days of the visa application date.
Can I extend my stay after 1 year?
No, the working holiday visa is valid for 1 year and cannot be extended, except for Canadian students. To ensure you do not overstay, you will likely be asked to provide a copy of your return flight ticket when you apply.
Need help? Contact us today for personalized guidance and support with your application!
