Complete guide
Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
Travel and work abroad for 1 to 2 years. The WHV is one of the best ways to discover a country in depth when you're between 18 and 35.
Understand
What is the WHV?
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV), also known as Programme Vacances-Travail (PVT), is a bilateral agreement between two countries that allows young people (usually 18-30 or 18-35) to stay and work abroad for 1 to 2 years.
Unlike a traditional work visa, the WHV doesn't require having a job before you leave. The primary goal is cultural: discover a country from the inside, fund your trip by working on site, and experience total immersion.
Many countries have signed WHV agreements, offering young people a range of destinations across every continent.
18-35
Maximum age depending on country
1-2 ans
Length of stay
15+
Countries accessible
Travail
Authorised on site
WHV Destinations
WHV-eligible countries
Conditions, quotas, and costs for each destination. Data based on current agreements.
| Country | Age limit | Duration | Quota | Cost | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦Canada | 18-35 ans | 24 mois | ~7 150 places/an | ~261 CAD | 8-16 semaines |
| 🇦🇺Australie | 18-35 ans | 12 mois (renouvelable 2 fois) | Illimite | ~635 AUD | 1-4 semaines |
| 🇳🇿Nouvelle-Zelande | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | Illimite | ~280 NZD | 2-6 semaines |
| 🇯🇵Japon | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | 1 500 places/an | Gratuit | 2-4 semaines |
| 🇰🇷Coree du Sud | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | 2 000 places/an | Gratuit | 2-4 semaines |
| 🇦🇷Argentine | 18-35 ans | 12 mois | ~700 places/an | ~150 EUR | 4-8 semaines |
| 🇨🇴Colombie | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | ~300 places/an | ~80 EUR | 4-8 semaines |
| 🇨🇱Chili | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | ~300 places/an | ~100 EUR | 4-6 semaines |
| 🇭🇰Hong Kong | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | 750 places/an | ~310 HKD | 4-8 semaines |
| 🇹🇼Taiwan | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | 500 places/an | Gratuit | 2-4 semaines |
| 🇧🇷Bresil | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | ~500 places/an | ~150 EUR | 4-8 semaines |
| 🇺🇾Uruguay | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | ~200 places/an | ~80 EUR | 4-6 semaines |
| 🇲🇽Mexique | 18-30 ans | 12 mois | ~500 places/an | ~120 EUR | 4-8 semaines |
Canada
18-35 ans · 24 mois
- Destination PVT la plus populaire
- Possibilite de prolonger
- Marche du travail anglophone et francophone
Australie
18-35 ans · 12 mois (renouvelable 2 fois)
- Salaires eleves
- 88 jours de farm work = 2e annee
- Road trips mythiques
Nouvelle-Zelande
18-30 ans · 12 mois
- Paysages epoustouflants
- Communaute outdoor
- Extension possible de 3 mois
Japon
18-30 ans · 12 mois
- Culture unique
- Jobs en enseignement de francais
- Transport impeccable
Coree du Sud
18-30 ans · 12 mois
- K-culture immersive
- Technologie avancee
- Cout de vie raisonnable
Argentine
18-35 ans · 12 mois
- Tango et asados
- Nature variee (Patagonie, Iguazu)
- Cout de vie bas
Steps
How to apply for a WHV?
Key steps to obtain your Working Holiday Visa.
Check your eligibility
Nationality, age, no previous WHV in the same country, clean criminal record, sufficient funds.
Prepare the documents
Valid passport, cover letter (some countries), proof of funds, insurance certificate, passport photos.
Submit the application
Online for most countries (IEC for Canada, ImmiAccount for Australia). Some WHVs open in waves.
Wait for a response
From 2 weeks (Australia, NZ) to several months (Canada via lottery). Patience required!
Validate the visa
Some countries require biometric data or a medical examination.
Book the flight and go
The visa is generally active from the date of entry into the country. Check the activation deadline.
Budget
What budget for a WHV?
Costs to plan before departure. These ranges are indicative and vary by destination.
Employment
Finding work on a WHV
The most common options to fund your adventure on the ground.
Hospitality & Food Service
The most accessible jobs at the start. Server, barista, dishwasher: experience not always required and generous tips in some countries.
Farm work & Fruit picking
Essential in Australia for the 2nd year. Physical work but well paid, often in rural areas with accommodation included.
Freelance & Remote
If you have skills in development, design, or marketing, continue your remote projects. The WHV doesn't prohibit online work.
Teaching French
In high demand in Japan, Korea, and Latin America. Platforms like Superprof or local schools recruit.
Seasonal jobs
Ski resorts (NZ, Canada), tourist seasons, grape harvest... Seasonal jobs perfectly match the WHV rhythm.
Networking on the ground
Join Facebook/WhatsApp groups for WHV holders, local meetups, and use Orizn to meet travellers around you.
Testimonials
WHV stories
Soon, find testimonials from the Orizn community here. Share your WHV experience and inspire future travellers.
Marie L.
WHV Canada - Montreal
“The best 2 years of my life. I discovered Quebec, met incredible people, and grew professionally.”
Thomas D.
WHV Australia - Melbourne
“The farm work was tough but the experience is worth every drop of sweat. The Great Ocean Road remains my best memory.”
Camille G.
WHV Japan - Tokyo
“Teaching French in Tokyo opened the doors to a fascinating culture. I recommend it 100%.”
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the WHV
Answers to the most common questions before embarking on the WHV adventure.
Can you do multiple WHVs?
Yes, as long as they're in different countries. Each bilateral agreement is independent. You could do a WHV in Canada and then one in Australia, for example.
Do you need to find a job before leaving?
No, the WHV gives you the right to look for work on the ground. Most WHV holders find a job within the first few weeks after arrival.
Can you study on a WHV?
It depends on the country. In Canada, you can take courses of less than 6 months. In Australia, up to 4 months of study. Check the specific conditions for each destination.
How much should you budget before leaving?
Most countries require proof of funds between 2,500 and 5,000 EUR. Ideally plan for 3 to 6 months of budget to settle in comfortably.
Can you extend a WHV?
In Australia, yes: 88 days of work in a rural area qualifies you for a 2nd year (and even a 3rd). In most other countries, the duration is fixed and non-renewable.
Is insurance required?
Yes, health/repatriation insurance covering the entire stay is mandatory for all WHVs. Specialised insurance (Globe PVT, Chapka, etc.) exists for WHV holders.
What is the maximum age?
Generally 30 for most destinations (Japan, NZ, Korea...) and 35 for Canada, Australia, and Argentina. Age is checked at the time of application.
Community
Leave connected with Orizn
Whether you're on a WHV in Canada or Australia, Orizn connects you with other travellers around you. Spots, lives, and meetups to make the most of your WHV.