Applying

When is the earliest that I can travel to Canada?

Work Authorisation Applications can be submitted to the Canadian High Commission starting in January 2010. The first Work Authorisations should be issued by the High Commission in February. The latest you can enter Canada is the 31st of January, 2011, or earlier if your Work Authorisation is approved in January 2010.

The complete application process takes approx 8 – 10 weeks, including the 6 weeks the Canadian High Commission take to process the Work Authorisation Application.

I’m 30 now but turn 31 soon can I still apply?

The High Commission must approve your Work Authorisation whilst you are 30 but you can enter Canada after you have turned 31.

I’ve lived in the UK for 5 years but don’t have a British passport can I apply for Work Canada?

No. Sorry we can only help UK passport holders. You should contact the Canadian High Commission directly – www.canada.org.uk.

I am currently in Australia on the Working Holiday Maker’s visa can I apply?

Yes. You do not have to be in the UK while your application is being processed however you must have been a habitual resident of the UK since you were 18 and not have spent more than 3 cumulative years abroad since you were 18.

I’ve got a flight to Canada in 2 weeks can I get the work authorisation in this time?

NO. The whole application process takes approximately 8 weeks.

Do a lot of people travel on their own?

Yes. If you are travelling on your own then you may want to consider taking a BUNAC group flight as you would be on the same flight as other BUNACers. Alternatively I would advise you to book your first couple of nights in a hostel, SWAP also have a great social programme which is a good opportunity to meet other like minded travellers. It can be scary travelling on your own but lots of people do it and there are many opportunities to make great friends once you are in Canada.

Where will I live?

Most people stay in a hostel for their first few nights in Canada then arrange long term accommodation once they know where they will be working. Hostels can be costly for long term stays so most people tend to look for a shared flat to move into or if you are working in a hotel or resort then your employer may have employee accommodation. The Canada Handbook has information on hostels in Toronto/Vancouver which are recommended for your initial stay and also offers advice on how to search for more long term work.

Visa

Do I need to have a medical to get the visa?

If you are planning to work with children, as a teacher, or in the healthcare or related industry then you will need a Canadian approved medical. The process for having a medical cannot be started until the Canadian High Commission have your Work Authorisation Application. Please ensure that you inform BUNAC, in writing, of your need to have a medical.

Participants planning to work as ski instructors or at a summer camp do not need a medical.

Work

Can I change jobs whilst out there?

Yes, the open work authorisation is very flexible and you can change jobs whilst in Canada and work anywhere in Canada. There are no restrictions on how long you can work for one company so if you prefer you can work for the same company for the full 12 months.

Do I have to prearrange work?

No, you can job hunt on arrival in Canada, even if you do prearrange work this work authorisation is not restricted to that employer you can still change jobs when you get to Canada if you wish.

Do you help me find a job?

We are here to offer advice and support. Once you are on the programme you will receive a Canada Handbook which has useful tips on job hunting and has some good websites that you might want to look at. Once in Canada SWAP’s offices have job boards, computers and knowledgeable staff who can assist you with your job hunt. SWAP also help you to obtain your SIN (Social Insurance Number) which you will need for when you begin your work.

What kind of work do people do?

You can do almost everything on this work permit. A lot of people tend to do ‘casual work’ as this is relatively easy to find. Eg.working in a shop, restaurant, hotel, however as the visa is for 12 months it is possible to find a more career related job (eg.if you are a qualified teacher you can get a teaching job out in Canada). During the winter season if you have an interest in skiing then the ski resorts are popular destinations to work as many of the employers in these resorts offer a ski pass as a perk of the job.

Useful links

BUNAC Canadian Partner SWAP.

Travel & transport	Employment	Accommodation
Salty Bear	Canadian Careers	Hostelling International
Via Rail	Can Jobs	Backpackers
Moose Travel Network	Career Edge
	Working in Banff
	GO2

How long can I work for?

12 months. You can work as long or as short during this period as you wish. You can work for as many employers as you want during this time or if you would prefer you can stay and work for the same employer for the full 12 months.

Flights & Insurance

Do I have to take BUNAC’s insurance policy?

No, you can arrange your own insurance but we must see confirmation of your policy before your work authorisation is released to you. Your insurance must offer adequate cover for your stay in Canada. Eg.provide medical and baggage cover, cover you for working and include repatriation to the UK. We do have an information sheet that we can send to anyone who wish to arrange their own insurance policy.

Can I book a one way flight and book the return flight whilst I am away?

No, we need to see proof that you have an outward and homeward flight (departing North America) before we will release your work authorisation letter. As you are only on a temporary permit proof of departure from North America is a must.