Published October 25, 2026
By Sean G McKinsley and Kimberly J White
Who can apply: French citizens aged 18 to 35 with a valid French passport for the whole stay (your permit cannot outlast your passport). Only a regular national passport is accepted.
Your two participations: France’s agreement allows two. One is up to 24 months in Working Holiday, Young Professionals or Young Professionals VIE. The other is up to 12 months in International Co-op (Internship). You choose the order. If you took part once before 2015, you have one final participation of up to 24 months in any category; more than once before 2015 means you are no longer eligible. VIE stays before 2015 do not count.
Working Holiday: an open work permit for travel funded by temporary work, with no job offer needed. Up to 24 months.
Young Professionals and VIE: you need a signed letter of offer or employment contract before entering the pool. The job must develop you professionally: usually TEER 0 to 3, or TEER 4 in your field of study with your diploma. VIE participants managed by Business France must apply in the Young Professionals, with VIE, pool. Employer-specific permit, up to 24 months.
International Co-op (Internship): for enrolled post-secondary students (a training centre in France is also accepted) whose Canadian placement is part of their studies. Employer-specific permit, up to 12 months.
Before you enter a pool: you need health insurance covering medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation for your whole stay. If you will work in Quebec, the Quebec plan does not cover repatriation, so buy extra cover. You will also need police certificates and proof of funds. Confirm current amounts on the official page.
Season: the 2026 season is closed. New profiles can be created when the 2027 pools open. A participation counts only once you arrive and get your work permit.
Arrival: a port-of-entry letter does not guarantee entry. Bring your passport, letter, insurance and proof of funds, and check your printed permit before you leave the airport.