Let's review the requirements for obtaining a Working Holiday Visa: if you are a Belgian citizen (if you are not Belgian, be aware that 20 to 30 countries have signed a bilateral agreement with one or more of these countries) and are between 18 and 30 years old (not 31), you are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa, which you are entitled to in each of the three signatory countries. For example, if you are going to or have already gone to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, you can still travel to New Zealand and Canada until you turn 30. You must have a clean criminal record and no dependent children. We invite you to discover more details about working in Australia, Canada, or New Zealand on our new portal.
How to obtain a Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
The visa can be obtained online for all three countries. For Australia, you will receive it the same day you apply; for New Zealand, a few days later; and for Canada, allow an average of four weeks.
The visa currently costs 420 Australian dollars (approx. €295; $440 as of July 1, 2015), 250 Canadian dollars (€180), or 109 British pounds (Belgium is handled by the New Zealand Embassy in London, so the cost is approximately €150).
Before applying, you must have a valid passport (valid for at least one year from your arrival date in the country).
Official websites recommend having a certain amount of money saved until you find your first job and receive your first paycheck. The equivalent of €1000 to €1500 is generally sufficient as a reserve. For the Canadian Working Holiday Visa, you will only be asked to prove that you have sufficient funds, as specified during the online visa application process.
Except in Australia where you cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months, there is no limit on working time in the other two countries.
Labor shortage: the Working Holiday Visa to the rescue!
Australia, Canada, and New Zealand all enjoy strong economies and generally benefit from what is known as full employment (unemployment rates around 4 to 5%). Expatriates in these countries are making way for foreigners, and given their vast land areas, there is a need for labor in the agricultural, wine, and horticultural sectors. All in all, the working holiday visa allows you to easily find short-term jobs, which are generally plentiful, and for employers to fill the seasonal labor shortage.
Bilateral agreement between Belgium and Australia, Canada and New Zealand
In late 2003, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, then Prince and Princess, visited Australia. They signed a bilateral agreement concerning the Working Holiday Visa between the vast country of Australia and the tiny nation of Belgium, allowing young Belgians and Australians to travel to each other's countries. This was followed by agreements with New Zealand and Canada.
Can I extend my working holiday visa?
You can extend your visa for one year only in Australia and for 3 months in New Zealand, under certain conditions.
Australia Working Holiday Visa
The leading destination for working holiday visa stays. Over 60% of Belgians who opted for a working holiday visa chose Australia (1,785 young people). Every year, more than 260,000 young people from countries that have signed the Working Holiday Visa agreement travel to Australia. In a country with only 23 million inhabitants, but 300 times the size of Belgium, this temporary workforce is very welcome for a wide range of jobs (agriculture, viticulture, tourism, hospitality, construction, etc.). Does a working holiday appeal to you, with paid jobs that will help finance your stay on a working holiday visa?
Canada Working Holiday Visa
Belgium has also signed a bilateral agreement with Canada. A quota of 750 working holiday visas has been offered to Belgian citizens for several years. In previous years, the quota decreased slowly throughout the year. In 2014, a waiting list has existed since February. The success of Canada as a destination is undeniable, and more and more young Belgians are embarking on an adventure in Canada on a working holiday visa. Languages & Travel has several working holiday packages to offer if you have obtained this coveted visa.
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
Is it the Lord of the Rings or the desire to visit the Hobbit village? Or perhaps the yearning for a truly different, nature-friendly getaway? Whatever the reason, more and more young people are visiting New Zealand on a working holiday visa. Take advantage of this visa to explore both the North and South Islands. Don't miss Auckland and Queenstown. During your stay, you can combine paid work, English classes, and environmental projects if you wish. Use your working holiday visa to visit this fabulous country, and thanks to paid jobs, you can stay for the entire duration of your visa (1 year).