Working Holiday Visa

[pisces0317]

Hi there everyone. for those ones who are going to apply the WHV, I have several tips for you. There are not many people who know about WHV (Visa Vacances Travail) in France. it is a relatively new program. The main department is in Paris, France. Unless you are planning to go to Paris, then there should be no problem. Currently I am living in Bordeaux with my WHV, I tried to look for works for 2 months. I had my first job, and my boss told me I can't work in France and I lost my job the next day. So I followed the instructions of how to apply jobs in France. So I went to DDFETP and requested for the ATP (work permit), and the people said I must have my carte de sejour (resident card) in order to apply jobs (that's wrong cos WHV is just like carte de sejour) or I need to have a contrat d'emploi (work contract) from the employer. First the office hours of the DDFTP is totally ridiculous. the office opens from 9 to 5 but you can only ask question regarding ATP issues during 9 am to 11am. (Be awared of the office hours in France) So I went back the next day and the people haven't even heard of WHV and they sent me to another department which was totally not related. So I emailed the people in Paris (CIDJ) and they said there should be no problem with WHV. Then I got another job offer and this time I gave the phone no of DDFETP to the employer and asked him to contact DDFETP directly. The next day I started my new job, my employer told me that the paperworks to hire me are too complicated so he decided not to hire me. I was like what the heck is going on. He told me I am only allowed to stay in France for 3 months and I can't work. So I found out the people who work in DDFETP gave him the wrong information and because of that, I lost my job and opportunity. I was depressed and unhappy because of these stupid mistakes people made. So if you are going to any cities in France except Paris, please please please make sure the DDFETP people know what they are doing. if they don't know, tell them to check Visa Vacances Travail online. search the internet! Now I am going thru Agency and it seems like they know about this visa. so I have to wait again. It's hard to find jobs in France and I lost my chance twice already. For all of you who love France and would love to enjoy and learn about their culture. get prepared!

[Adena]

I am also applying for the WHV for next year. This thread looks pretty helpful.

Lauren, you mentioned that you should fill out your forms and write your cover letter in French but on the Visa form itself it says it can be filled out in either English or French. Is this one of those things where you can do either, but French is better?

Also, what office did you call? I've been wondering if there are people I could contact for help (other than this forum!) but wasn't sure where to look.

Thank you!

[cece]

I succesfully applied for mine in English.

It took about 4 weeks turnaround to recieve.

I have always heard that there is a cap on WHV's so the earlier in the year you apply, the better your chances.

[jaxweber11]

hi, I'm trying to get my whv for France and am finding it extremely unstraightforward. could someone tell me if it is possible to mail all of the forms and photocopies and not have an interview? or do I have to have the interview and then do I just bring everything with me to the interview? any help or advice in any area of the visa processing would be greatly appreciated, thanks jax

[Adena]

I believe you can mail all the paperwork in, as long as you include a prepaid envelope. I live in Vancouver so I made an appointment at the consulate and actually went in. There wasn't really an interview - I just gave them my application, waited for about 45 minutes and then walked out with my visa. I think if you live in one of the cities with consulates (the details are on the last page of the application), it's much more time efficient to bring it in yourself.

[sugar150]

I'm filling out my paper work for the whv. I haven't had much problems yet, but I would like to know from those who have gone to France or are there currently, how their experience has been.

Was it hard to find a job and what kind of jobs did people manage to get? Also how was finding a place to stay? There doesn't seem to be a lot of information on the forum about people's experiences, as well as the cost of living in France. If anyone could contribute that kind of information would be great!

Thanks