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Work Permit Visa Programs

Work permit visa programs offer participants the opportunity to legally work (and earn money) in another country for a temporary period of time.

These programs generally work in one of two ways:

  1. They enable you to get a work permit in advance and then look for a job on site, and in some cases may also help you locate a job or
  2. They provide you with a work permit after you secure a position.

These programs are unique, as it can otherwise be very challenging (if not impossible) to gain a work authorization in another country.

Considerations

  • Keep in mind that even work permit programs require up-front costs, such as program fees, airfare, and initial spending money.
  • There are generally age limits for participation. 
  • These programs do not provide job placement. You need to find your own job. Typical jobs include restaurant work, temping, working at a resort, childcare (au pair) and farm work. Programs are available for students or recent graduates. 
  • The typical duration of these programs ranges from a summer up to a year.
  • Locations are limited and tend to be in select European countries as well as Australia, Canada and New Zealand.  
  • Eligibility is limited to certain passport holders. Review criteria on program website’s carefully.

Examples of Work Permit Visa Programs

  • JENZA
    JENZA offers working holiday visas in New Zealand and Australia, as well as UK visa sponsorship for internships.
  • IENA
    IENA offers work permit services for current students or recent college graduates in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This program is available to U.S. citizens only.
  • U.S.-Ireland Working Holiday Visa
    This program allows U.S. students and recent graduates (within 12 months) to spend up to 12 months working and traveling in Ireland. Applications should be submitted to the Irish Embassy or consulate
  • Cultural Vistas: Independent Work Authorization Services in Switzerland (IWACH)
    Provides Swiss work authorization for up to 18 months for college graduates who are between 18-35 years old. This program is available for U.S. citizens only.
  • French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC)
    The FACC offers work permit services for students or recent graduates (ages 18-35) who have secured a short-term job offer in France. Permits are valid for up to 18 months. The program is restricted to U.S. citizens.
  • SWAP Working Holidays
    SWAP offers Canadian citizens (current students and recent graduates) short term work permits for Australia, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and the UK.
  • High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa (United Kingdom)
    This visa offers recent graduates from select universities the ability to work in the United Kingdom for two years.
  • Australian Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) 
    This visa allows 18-30 year olds holding certain passports the opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months.
  • New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
    This visa allows 18-30 year olds holding certain passports the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months (Note that Canadian and UK passport holders can stay for up to 23 and 36 months, respectively). 
  • Working Holiday in Korea
    This visa allows 18-30 year olds holding certain passports the opportunity to work up to 25 hours a week for up to one year.