Work Canada gives you the chance to spend up to six
months living and working in Canada, gaining an international experience that’s
close to home, but distinctly different.
Work Canada
Work Canada gives you the opportunity to live and work
in one of Canada’s outstanding ski areas in the winter, or experience big city life
in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal year-round. Summer options might include working
in a Canadian coastal, mountain or lakeside resort. Canada has much to offer, it’s
easy to get there and participants can quickly settle into Canadian life.
BUNAC’s Work Canada program is authorized by the Canadian
Government to allow US college/university students aged 18-30 to live, work and
travel in Canada. The Canadian sponsor is SWAP, Student Work Abroad Programs. While
you are in Canada, SWAP provides on the spot backup and support.
Work Canada offers:
- Free choice of arrival date into Canada
- Pre-departure support from BUNAC
- A six month Work Authorization
- Discounted, comprehensive worldwide travel insurance (BUNAC insurance is mandatory
– view Work Canada insurance details.)
- SWAP hosting centers including job and accommodation listings plus social program
and general advice from friendly, knowledgeable staff. The offices also have online
computer facilities, telephones and a mail drop and forwarding service
- Arrival orientation with important information to prepare you for your stay, advice
on bank accounts, tax, applying for a SIN (Social Insurance Number) as well as practical
information on job and accommodation hunting
- Fast processing, no express fees
- Special phonecard including voice mail
- 24-hour emergency assistance from SWAP.
How the program works
On acceptance to the Work Canada program, BUNAC will
issue you with a SWAP Certificate of Participation. When you arrive at a Canadian port
of entry, you present this certificate to Canadian Immigration along with your US
passport. You will then be issued with your Canadian work visa - the Open Employment
Authorization document, valid for up to six months. Please note you MUST have the
Certificate of Participation from BUNAC in your hand when you enter Canada.
You choose the date you wish to enter Canada within your eligibility period and
book your own travel accordingly. Fall 2010 student status permits entry into Canada up to August 15th, 2011. Spring 2010 student status will
permit entry up to February 15th 2011.
It is strongly recommended that you attend an arrival orientation. Orientations
are held at SWAP offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, although orientations
in Montreal are limited to once per week from September to May.