Working Holiday Visas between France and Australia turn 20
France is Australia’s second-biggest source of Working Holiday visa applicants, with 21 600 visas issued last year.
The France-Australia Working Holiday Visa (PVT) is 20 years old this year, having launched in 2004. Since then more than 330 000 young French citizens aged 18-35 have enjoyed the chance to visit, live and work in Australia for up to a year.
Rather than a brief holiday, the sector-leading Working Holiday program lets travellers immerse themselves in the country while earning. Last year (July 2022 – June 2023) Australia issued 21 600 PVT visas to French applicants, making France the second-largest contributor of any nationality, accounting for 14 % of all participants.
Big economic boost for Australia
Eva Seller, Tourism Australia’s Director for Europe, highlights the programme’s outsized contribution to the Australian visitor economy. These extended-stay guests both inject longer and higher-value spending and actively seek out less-visited regions across the country.
Over two decades Australia has welcomed thousands of young French travellers who have gained life-changing experiences, enjoyed the hospitality of local communities and lived at the pace of life Down Under.
How to qualify for an Australian Working Holiday Visa
Carry a valid passport
Have no dependants you are supporting
Show you hold enough funds for the stay—around €5 000
Take out mandatory travel insurance
The Working Holiday Visa is not a work permit: holders may not remain with the same employer for more than six months. Most French participants work in agriculture or farm roles, but any sector is open. The visa is also not a student visa—any study is capped at 17 weeks.
How to apply
Apply online; application fees run about €385. You cannot apply once you are physically inside Australia. Applicants must additionally demonstrate savings close to €5 000. Under specific conditions France-based travellers may apply for a second or even a third Working Holiday Visa to extend their stay for a full year. The Australia PVT is also offered to Japan and South Korea. Apart from Australia, France has reciprocal Working-Holiday agreements with fifteen partner countries, including Canada and New Zealand.
Why choose Australia for your Working Holiday?
Iconic landscapes: from the Great Barrier Reef and sun-baked deserts to surf-lined beaches, Australia’s scenery is unrivalled.
Career-shaping experience: the programme lets you build skills across varied industries and polish professional English.
Friendly locals: Australians are famed for warmth and openness, smoothing every newcomer’s integration.
Cultural crossroads: Australia’s multicultural communities let you tap into global perspectives while exploring new cultures.
Spécialiste de la veille réglementaire et experte en contenus destinations, elle analyse quotidiennement l’évolution des formalités d’entrée pour traduire la complexité administrative en guides pratiques. Son rôle combine expertise terrain et précision technique afin de garantir la fiabilité des informations délivrées aux voyageurs.
