Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail / PVT)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- Free (no visa fee for most bilateral agreements)
- Validity
- 12 months (non-renewable)
- Entry
- Single entry
Bilateral working holiday agreements with 16 countries. Duration is exactly 12 months and cannot be extended. The primary purpose must be tourism and cultural discovery; work is supplementary to fund the stay. Age limit is 18-30 for most countries, extended to 18-35 for Argentina, Australia, and Canada. Must apply from country of nationality (exceptions: Australians, Canadians, and Colombians may apply from country of residence). Annual quotas may apply for some nationalities. Russia's program is currently suspended.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Nationals of: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay. (Russia suspended)
Eligible countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Taiwan, Province of China, Uruguay
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Age
Must be aged 18-30 at time of application (18-35 for Argentina, Australia, and Canada)
Max age: 35; Min age: 18
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Visa history
Must not have previously held a French Working Holiday Visa
Required history: No prior French PVT
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statement showing available funds; Minimum amount: EUR 2,500 (approximate, varies by bilateral agreement)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: France; Minimum coverage: Full coverage including hospitalization and repatriation for 12 months
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
How to apply
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Document gathering
Prepare passport, photos, proof of funds (EUR 2,500+), travel insurance (12 months), return flight or funds for return, and motivation letter.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at French consulate in country of nationality (or residence for AU/CA/CO nationals).
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Document submission
Submit complete application at consulate.
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Processing wait
Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with working holiday visa. No OFII validation required upon arrival.