Working Holiday to Canada for a UK Citizen

[carterb]

I am looking to go on a working holiday to Canada next year, can anyone help with where I can find out more about it and if I am eligble. All the sites I have been to so far keep saying I need to be a student or graduated or have an employer out there which is no good for me as I'm 29, never been to univeristy etc and have been in work since I was 16!

If anyone has any info on where I can look or if they have done similar thing would be much appreciated.

[spudqueen]

Yes, it does appear that you need to have a job before you go out.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-el igible.asp#outside

If you are really serious about going then you're going to have to trawl the internet to find suitable employment you can apply for, though unless you have specialist skills then it's unlikely that a Canadian employer would employ you rather than a Canadian citizen. If you work for a large company maybe they have links with other companies in Canada and you could try and effect a temporary transfer. Sometimes though you just can't find a way to do what you really want to do and have to settle for something less (eg working in the EU and just visiting Canada), life isn't always fair, or a box of chocolates.

[Buenchico]

You might just be in time. 'Working holiday' visas are only available as part of the 'Youth Mobility Programme'. There are a limited number of places available each year. The 'General Working Holiday Programme' is open to non-students up to the age of 30. (NB: That age limit is inclusive. You don't cease to be eligible until your 31st birthday).

The scheme is administered by the British Universities North American Club. Information about the 2009 programme will become available in November.

Sources:
Canadian High Commission
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/missions/unitedki ngdom-royaumeuni/youth_jeunes/youth_mobil_jeun es-UK-RU-eng.asp
and BUNAC:
http://www.bunac.org/uk/workcanada/

Chris

[tiara4321]

all i know is my mate whos a nurse had to learn french for some reason as they wouldnt allow her the job untill she had french

[Dee Sa]

try Camp America - looking after kids at summer camp, but you must have some skills to offer them. If you say you will work with the handicap children that will give you more brownie points. I think its hard work but when camp ends you have six weeks left on the visa and an open ticket to return to UK, unless the rules have changed or its shut down. good luck, its always good to try something different.

[carterb]

Thanks for the input people. Buenchico, thanks for them websites they are pretty useful so now have better idea of what I need to do. I have also just signed up for a refresher french course so may help me!! Was thinking Canada cause my Aussie mate is going but am open to change my mind.

Just want to do something with myself before Im old and grey!!

[Zax47]

tiara4321,large parts of Canda were colonised by the French and many of the provinces (states) are still predominantly French speaking - English is the 2nd language. In these provinces you have to be able to speak fluent French to be involved in many jobs, especially healthcare and Government/welfare positions as the people you will be dealing with will speak French rather than English.

An old colleague of mine has just emigrated to Canada and his wife (also a nurse) had to prove a fluency in French in order to get a job.