The Working Holiday Program (WHP) is addressed to young Canadians who would like to travel and work in Belgium for up to a year. Travel is the main objective of the Program, while paid work is only secondary.
Terms of participation
Canadian citizensliving in Canada, aged between18 and 30 years old(inclusive) can participate if they meet the eligibility criteria of the program.
Applicants are expected to be ingood health, to maintain throughout their stay an extensiveinsurance, and to have sufficientfinancial meansto travel. They must also meet all requirements ofgood conductin relation to public order and security.
Application
Step 1: Verify whether you meet the participation requirements.
Step 2: Fill out an application form on the VisaOnWeb online platform.
Step 3: Decide whether you will send your application file by mail or hand it in person in Montreal. Make an appointment on VisaOnWeb to apply in person or disregard the functionality “make an appointment” if you choose to send your application by registered mail.
Step 4: Finalise the process on VisaOnWeb. Print out your form, date it and sign it.
Step 5: Gather all the documents listed in the table below and add your form to your application file.
Step 6: Mail your application file to the Consulate General by registered or secured mail (Xpresspost, FedEx, UPS, DHL or Purolator), or apply in person on the set appointment date.
Your application file should contain the following.
Requirements | Remarks |
1. A statement of intentFormat: A letter of intent, dated and signed by you, explaining your project in Belgium and why you think it should be supported by the Program. | The WHP is not appropriate if your main goal is to study or to work in Belgium. |
2. Proof of payment of the administrative feeAmount: EUR 229,00 | Please contact your bank for the proof of payment. The communication must include the name, first name, birth date and nationality of the applicant:Example: SMITH Anne CAN 15072011 All charges, including bank charges and transfer fees, must be bornby the applicant. More info:administrative fee |
3. Payment of the Consular feesAmount: CAD 270,00 for the visa handling fee for a D-type visa (SeeConsular fees). | |
4. Two recent picturesFormat: passport size, color with white background | |
5. Canadian passportValidity: >15months following the start of the WHP | |
6. Application formFormat: Visa application form, filled out online, printed out, dated and signed. | |
7. Police checkSource: Issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) | |
8. Medical certificateSource: Filled out, signed and stamped by: | |
9. Proof of sufficient fundsSubject: Establish that you will have access from Belgium to the equivalent of 2,500 EUR minimum | |
10. Proof of your ability to returnA return flight ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase a return ticket (e.g.: a credit card in your name with a validity >1 year). | |
11. Medical insuranceSubject: Travel and health care insurance, including occupational accident, hospitalisation and return home coverage for 365 days(= the duration of the visa). | |
12. A return envelopeSubject: This envelope will be used to safely ship your passport and other confidential documents back to you. | No document will be posted to an address outside Canada. Please contact a courier service to verify which type of envelope is best suited. |
The Consulate General of Belgium reserves the right to ask for any further documents.
Contact point
Applications should be addressed to the Consulate General of Belgium in Montreal at least one month before your intended travel date.
You can mail your file or hand it in at the following address:
Consulate General of Belgium in Montreal
Visa Dept. / WHP
1000, rue Sherbrooke Ouest – Suite 1400
H3A 3G4 Montréal, QC
Next steps
Administrative requirements
As soon as your application has been approved, you will be allowed to stay for 12 months in Belgium as a participant in the WHP. A multiple entry visa will be issued accordingly.
You should arrive in Belgium within 3 months from the date your visa was issued.
Within 8 days after your arrival, head to the “commune” or “gemeente” (city hall / local administration) in order to get registered. Once your registration is complete, you should receive a type-A residence card, which will allow you to travel in theSchengen area
Status
Participants to the WHP cannot extend the duration of their stay, nor change their status.
Candidates can participate in the WHP Belgium/Canada only once.
Work and studies
The Working-Holiday Program provides an opportunity to spend holidays in Belgium and to work on an occasional basis. In this framework, the WHP offers an exemption from the obligation to obtain a work permit before engaging in paid work in Belgium. With regard to social security, employment conditions, minimum wages and requirements for safe and healthy working conditions, Belgian standards and legislation apply.
You may take lessons or follow study programs for a maximum of 3 months in total.
Get ready
Discover your destination: Belgium at a glance
Enjoy you stay in Belgium!
