A Working Holiday Visa (WHV), sometimes called a Youth Mobility Visa, is a temporary permit that allows young adults to live, work, and travel in a foreign country for a specified period.
These visas are designed to promote cultural exchange while enabling participants to fund their travels through temporary employment. Programs are typically bilateral, with reciprocal agreements between countries.
Who’s Eligible?
- Age limits: Most programs target individuals aged 18–30, though some extend to 35 (e.g., Canada, France, and Australia for certain nationalities).
- Nationality: Applicants must hold citizenship in a country with a bilateral agreement.
- Financial proof: Demonstrated savings (e.g., £2,530 for the UK, CAD $2,500 for Canada).
- Health insurance: Mandatory coverage for the entire stay.
- No dependents: Children under 18 generally cannot accompany applicants.
Country-Specific Programs
North America
Canada:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–35 (depending on nationality); citizens of 35+ countries (e.g., Australia, UK, Japan).
– Duration: 12–24 months.
– Work flexibility: Open work permit (no employer restrictions).
– Updates: Increased fees (CAD $179.75), reduced quotas for France and Taiwan, and new restrictions on border “flagpoling” for permit activation.
United States:
– Limited to specific partnerships (e.g., Irish and Australian citizens via J-1 Visa).
– Duration: 12 months.
Europe
United Kingdom (Youth Mobility Scheme):
– Ages 18–30 (18–35 for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea).
– Eligibility: Citizens of 13 countries/regions (e.g., Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong).
– Duration: 2–3 years.
– Quotas: 1,000 spots for Taiwan and Hong Kong (ballot system); 15,000 for the UK.
– Update: Expanded eligibility for South Korean and Japanese nationals (no ballot required).
France:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (18–35 for Canadians, Argentinians, Australians).
– Duration: 12 months (renewable to 24 months for Canadians).
– Work restrictions: Employment must be incidental to travel.
Germany:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand).
– Duration: 12 months.
Italy: Italy-Canada Youth Exchange (4000 spots total).
– Duration: 12 months.
– Requirements: Proof of €1,900 in savings and health insurance.
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Subclass 417 (Working Holiday):
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (18–35 for Canadians, French, Irish).
– Duration: 12 months (extendable to 2–3 years with regional work).
– Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday): For eligible ASEAN and European nationals.
New Zealand:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (18–35 for Canadians, UK citizens).
– Quotas: 15,000 spots for the UK, 3,000 for South Korea.
– Duration: 12–23 months.
Japan:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (citizens of 30+ countries, including Australia, Canada, UK).
– Duration: 12 months (renewable for select nationalities).
– Updates: Second visas now permitted for UK, Canadian, New Zealand, Danish, and Austrian citizens.
South Korea:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (18–34 for Canadians).
– Duration: 12 months.
– Quotas: 5,000 spots (UK ballot system discontinued).
Taiwan:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (18–35 for Canadians).
– Duration: 12 months.
Latin America
Argentina:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (reciprocal agreements with France, Australia, New Zealand).
– Duration: 12 months.
Chile:
– Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (citizens of Canada, New Zealand, Spain).
– Duration: 12 months.
Recent Developments
- Japan: Expanded second visa eligibility to 10 countries.
- UK: Simplified applications for South Korean and Japanese nationals (no ballot).
- Canada: Introduced stricter border policies for permit activation.
- France: Extended maximum stay to 24 months for Canadians.
- New Zealand: Increased quotas for Spain (2,000) and South Korea (3,000).
Tips for Applicants
- Apply early: Many programs use quotas or ballots (e.g., Taiwan’s UK ballot opens early February each year).
- Prepare documentation: Passports, proof of funds, health insurance, and police certificates.
- Research work opportunities: Some visas restrict industries (e.g., Japan bans work in nightlife sectors).
- Leverage renewals: Australia and Canada allow extensions for regional or skilled work.
This guide will be updated as program details evolve. Check official government portals for real-time updates.