The “Working Holiday” visa, also known as the Working Holiday Programme (WHP) or Working Holiday Visa (WHV), allows young foreign nationals to stay in France for up to one year to discover the country, its culture and its lifestyle.
This programme is based on bilateral agreements between France and partner countries. It offers the possibility to travel in France while working occasionally to finance part of the stay.
The PVT visa is therefore an opportunity for many young adults wishing to gain international experience, improve their language skills or discover French culture while maintaining financial autonomy.
JJP Visas Consulting assists candidates in verifying their eligibility and preparing their visa application to ensure compliance with the administrative requirements of the agreement applicable to their nationality.
Who can apply for a Working Holiday Visa for France?
The Working Holiday Programme is open to young nationals of countries that have signed a specific agreement with France.
Although conditions vary slightly depending on the agreement, several common criteria generally apply.
Be a national of a partner country
The programme is open to citizens of countries that have signed an agreement with France, including:
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- Argentina
- South Korea
- Chile
- New Zealand
The list may evolve depending on international agreements.
Meet the age requirements
In most cases, applicants must be 18 to 30 years old at the time of application.
Some agreements allow a higher age limit, up to 35 years old, for certain nationalities such as Canada or Australia.
Not have previously benefited from the programme
Most agreements allow only one participation per partner country. A person who has already obtained a PVT for France generally cannot apply again.
Have sufficient financial resources
Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to support themselves at the beginning of their stay. The minimum amount varies depending on the agreement.
Hold insurance for the entire stay
Health, hospitalisation and repatriation insurance is generally mandatory for the full duration of the stay.
Have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one
Applicants must show proof of a return ticket or the financial means to buy one.
What the Working Holiday Visa allows
The PVT France allows a stay of up to 12 months and includes several specific features.
A long tourist stay
The main purpose of the programme is cultural and tourist discovery. The visa holder may travel freely throughout France.
The possibility to work
The Working Holiday Visa also allows the holder to work in France to finance part of their stay. However, the primary purpose must remain tourism and cultural discovery.
No prior work authorisation is usually required. Depending on the agreement, some restrictions may apply:
- Maximum duration of work with the same employer
- Restrictions in certain professional sectors
Free movement within the Schengen Area
During the validity of the visa, the holder may also travel within the Schengen Area, subject to applicable rules.
A non-renewable visa
The Working Holiday Visa is issued for a maximum of one year and cannot be renewed.
At the end of this period, the holder must leave France or apply for another type of visa under a different administrative framework.
Support for the Working Holiday Visa application
The application procedure may vary depending on the country and the applicable agreement.
In some cases, annual quotas or specific application calendars apply.
Support helps verify the applicable conditions and prepare a compliant application.
Eligibility verification
The first step is to analyse the applicant’s situation to ensure that the bilateral agreement conditions are met. This may include:
- Verifying the existence of a Working Holiday agreement with the applicant’s country
- Checking age and participation criteria
- Reviewing the applicant’s administrative situation
- Identifying specific rules (quotas, lotteries, application periods)
Assistance with preparing the visa application
Support may include:
- Preparing a personalised list of required documents
- Verifying the passport and proof of financial resources
- Reviewing the insurance certificate
- Assistance with completing the France-Visas form or the specific portal used by some countries
- Help booking the consulate or visa centre appointment
- Preparing the file for consular authorities
Assistance may also be provided to respond to additional document requests.
Fee for visa application assistance: €600.
Support after arrival in France
Some administrative formalities must be completed after arrival in France. Support may include:
- Assistance with online validation of the long-stay visa, when required
- Help responding to additional administrative requests
Fee for residence formalities: €400.
Payment and refund conditions
Payments are organised according to the progress of the procedure:
- €600 at the start of the visa application
- €400 after the visa is issued, for post-arrival formalities
Partial refunds may apply in certain situations, particularly when administrative conditions are not met or when the procedure cannot continue. Details are provided in the general service conditions.