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France Working Holiday Visa: PVT requirements
This guide explains the rules and requirements for French citizens applying for a Working Holiday Visa.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 12 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-aux-francaises-et-aux-francais/preparer-son-expatriation/programme-vacances-travail-pvt
Who can apply
To apply for a Working Holiday Visa (PVT), you must be between 18 and 30 years old when you submit your application. If you are applying for Australia, Canada, or Argentina, the age limit is 35 years old.[1]
You cannot bring dependent children with you on this trip.[2]
You must not have participated in this program in the target country before.[3]
Your stay is limited to a maximum of one year. You cannot extend your stay unless there is a special arrangement in place.[4]
What you need to show
You must hold a valid French passport.[5]
You must have enough money to support yourself when you first arrive.[6]
You must have a return ticket. If you do not have one, you must prove you have enough money to buy one.[7]
You must get private insurance. This insurance must cover illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, and repatriation for your entire stay.[8]
Depending on the destination, you may need to provide a cover letter or a CV.[9]
You may also need to present a medical certificate and a clean criminal record.[10]
How to apply
You must apply for your visa at the embassy or consulate of your destination country in France. If you are going to Australia, you must apply online instead.[11]
If you are applying for Chile, you must submit your application online through the Chilean Migration Service website.[12]
Checklist
- A valid French passport[5]
- Proof of financial resources for the start of your stay[6]
- A return ticket or proof of funds to buy one[7]
- Private insurance covering illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, and repatriation[8]
- A cover letter or CV if required[9]
- A medical certificate and clean criminal record if required[10]
Questions people ask
How old do I need to be to apply for a PVT?
You must be between 18 and 30 years old when you apply. The age limit is 35 years old if you are applying for Australia, Canada, or Argentina.[1]
Can I bring my children with me?
No, you cannot bring dependent children with you.[2]
How long can I stay on a Working Holiday Visa?
Your stay cannot exceed one year and cannot be extended, unless there is a special arrangement.[4]
Do I need to buy a return ticket before I go?
You must either have a return ticket or prove you have enough money to buy one.[7]
What kind of health insurance do I need?
You must have private insurance that covers illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, and repatriation for your entire stay.[8]
Can I apply for a PVT in a country where I have already done one?
No, you must not have already participated in this program in the country you are applying to.[3]
Where do I submit my visa application?
You must apply at the destination country's embassy or consulate in France. However, you must apply online if you are going to Australia, or use the Chilean Migration Service website if you are going to Chile.[11][12]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.