How to Apply

STEP 1: Application form

The quickest way to apply is online or, you can download an application form to submit by post. The Work Canada registration and membership fee is paid at this stage. Apply now.

STEP 2: Acceptance Pack

A visa is reserved for you.

BUNAC confirms your place on the programme and sends you the Acceptance Pack which includes the Open Work Authorisation Application Form.

STEP 3: Open Work Authorisation Application Form

Return your completed Open Work Authorisation Application Form to BUNAC by Thursday 30th September 2010.* If you cannot return your complete forms by this date then we cannot assist you in 2010. You are also required to submit a UK ACPO Police Certificate that must be dated within 12 months of when your application is submitted to the Canadian High Commission. The Canadian High Commission reserve the right to ask for overseas police checks if they feel it is necessary. This would cause a delay in processing your application. If you require a medical you must inform us at this stage. The Canadian High Commission Programme Participation fee must be paid at this stage.

* Your Work Authorisation Application must be submitted to the High Commission before your 31st birthday. If you are applying for a student visa as a recent graduate, your Work Authorisation Application must be submitted to the High Commission within 12 months of your graduation date. If you are currently on a BUNAC work permit then you must wait until this expires before you can submit your new Work Authorisation Application. If any of the above means that you cannot submit your application by 30 September 2010 then you cannot apply for a new work visa in 2010.

STEP 4: Visa application

BUNAC submits your visa application to the Canadian High Commission for processing and they reserve the right to ask for additional information if they feel it necessary. Such requests are generally made on a random basis. Processing takes 4-6 weeks on average.

STEP 5: Work Authorisation

BUNAC will let you know when your Work Authorisation Letter has been issued. You wil then have to send confirmation of your flights and insurance before we can release the letter. Once you have your Work Authorisation Letter you are ready to travel to Canada. You must enter by 31 January 2011 (or earlier if your Work Authorisation Letter has been issued in January 2010).

*Includes UK presentations, programme administration and literature including the Canada Handbook as well as BUNAC support services in the UK and Canada and visa administration to secure the Open Work Authorisation.

**To be a returner you must have previously participated on BUNAC's Work Canada programme.