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Visa Eligibility

The BUNAC visa team will help you obtain your visa by providing forms, checking documents and submitting the application to Canadian Immigration on your behalf.

There are two visas to choose from:

Work Canada
  • Student Open Work Authorisation Visa – exclusive to BUNAC - Current full-time degree level student at a UK university OR those holding an unconditional offer for 2009 OR have graduated in 2008.
  • Non-student Open Work Authorisation Visa – exclusive to BUNAC - The non-student programme is currently full but we hope to open the 2009 programme in December 2008.

Please refer to the table below for details:

Visa Information Open Work Authorisation Visa
How long can I stay? 1 - 12 Months
Which nationalities can apply? British passport holder
How long can I work for? Up to 12 months (with 1 or more employer)
Does the visa allow multiple entries? Yes
Where can I work? Anywhere in Canada
Do I have to pre-arrange my job?* No
Age 18-30 (inclusive) at time of visa application
Do I have to be residing in the UK at time of visa application? Yes, for approximately 6 weeks
What support funds do I need? £500
Can I bring my children? No
Can I bring my partner? Restrictions apply – If your partner is not also applying for a work visa please contact BUNAC
How much does this visa cost? £80
Is there anything else that will help me decide This flexible visa is only available through BUNAC
How many visas can I have in my lifetime?** Each type of visa (student/non-student) is only available once in a lifetime.**

All info correct as of September 2008

*For child or health care related work, you will need to have a Canadian Government approved medical.

**Contact BUNAC if you have held 2 or more work visas to Canada previously (either through BUNAC or from the High Commission directly) as this may affect your eligibility for Work Canada. If you have previously taken part on the student programme then it is possible to apply again as a non-student provided that you allow at least 12 months between each trip. If you have previously taken part as a non-student it is possible to apply again as a student provided that you have completed one academic year of full-time degree level study in the UK.

The above eligibility criteria, including upper age limits, are specified by the Canadian High Commission. The Canadian High Commission and BUNAC have the right to refuse or decline any application.