Overview
Contrary to popular belief, more people head over to Canada during the summer months, when this place really comes alive and the outdoor mad Canadians get active! The snow starts to melt, the animals come out of hibernation, and the adrenaline lovers get to experience those exciting pursuits other than skiing or boarding as temperatures soar into the 20's. The summer months are a really exciting time to live and work in Canada, and OWH can set you up with a fantastic summer job either on the mountain or a luxury five start resort close to Banff, before you leave Australia.
The summer months are synonomous with adventure, as it is possible to spend your spare time swimming in the cool lakes, hiking, biking, horseriding or camping in the mountains. There are a plethora of activities to experience, and as a seasonnaire, you will have the opportunity to try them all! Summer parties are an integral part of the season, as you will meet and work alongside like-minded individuals from all over the World living the laid back Canadian lifestyle. Check out the crazy local bars, the spectacular landscape and unique wildlife that makes Canada so incredible, as you live in the areas most can only dream of visiting.
The 2009 season sees the introduction of Whistler Mountain Park to OWH's job offerings, as well as the legendery Rimrock Hotel and stunning Lake Louise Resortand the amazing Whistler Blackcomb. OWH are able to offer a vast array of positions in these locations, most roles being offered excluisively to OWH. Interviews will be conducted across Australia in March 2009 for the season, approx May - September, so make sure you are available for the entire season before you apply. We offer staff accommodation with ALL our summer positions, details of which can be found in the resort information pages.
It is now time to take the next step and experience Canada in the Summer, you have got up to 2 years to work there, why not start during the best time of year!
The Resorts
OWH work with the following resorts/companies in Australia:
- Lake Louise
- Whistler
- Rimrock, Banff (beautiful 5 star resort)
Inclusions
- Pre-arranged job in Canada - Program fee refunded if not successful in receiving a job offer
- Staff accommodation offered with all jobs
- Pre departure orientation party - they go off!*
- On-going support and assistance from dedicated staff
- Comprehensive orientation handbook
- OWH Summer Cap
- Exclusive access to Canadian job fair in Australia
- 6 to 12 month contracts available
- International calling card with credit
- FREE 1st night accommodation in Vancouver
- FREE Arrival transfer to hostel in Vancouver
- Discounts on travel insurance
- Visa Assistance (visa not included, currently $190)
- Plus more!
OWH also offer:
- EXCLUSIVE Canada kickstart arrival packages
- Student and working holiday airfares
- Travel insurance
- Student Cards
- Tours and accommodation
- Program Fees
- from $645* AUD
**Pre-departure parties in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Conditions apply, for full details please refer to the application form. Program fee is subject to change without notice and does not include flights, insurance or working holiday visa fees. Travel insurance is compulsory.
Working Holiday Visas Canada
2008 saw some big and exciting changes to the Canadian Visa program, as of 02 January 2008, the visa program is no longer a "once in a lifetime" opportunity, rather applicants are eligible to apply for the Canadian Working Holiday visa as many times as they like from 18 - 30 years inclusive. However exciting this is, there are some rules around this, and participants must be careful to ensure they are eligible for this visa.
Eligibility Criteria:
Participants must:
- Hold an Australian passport valid for the entire period of your intended stay in Canada (three years minimum validity is recommended) and;
- Be aged 18-30 years inclusive at the time your application is received. Your application must be stamped as received by the Canadian Consulate General in Sydney on or after your 18th birthday, or before your 31st birthday, and;
- Be medically and criminally admissible to Canada under the Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
If you meet the above criteria it is possible to apply for the working holiday visa online at www.whpcanada.org.au . The visa fee is currently $190* (not included in the OWH program fees) and is payable direct to the Canadian Consulate.
Letter of introduction
Once you have applied and are successful for your working holiday visa, you will be issued with a letter of introduction (this will be mailed to you, so make sure when applying you provide an up-to-date address). This letter is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and is must be presented to the Canadian Immigration upon arrival in Canada. Make sure you DO NOT LOOSE THIS LETTER or you will have to apply for the visa again.
Arriving in Canada
Once you arrive in Canada, you present your letter of introduction and at their discretion, your 24 month visa will be issued. You will be (in addition to the letter of introduction and your passport) be asked to prove evidence of funds of minimum $4000 AUD. This proof of funds may be in the form of cash, bank statement (certified), credit card statement or travellers cheques.
Check your passport is valid for a minimum 2 years from date of departure from Australia.
If you require more information, please ask your consultant or check online at www.whpcanada.org.au
*Program fee correct at time of writing, however, subject to change.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone able to work legally in Canada
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you need a Working Holiday Visa. You must be aged between 18 and 30 inclusive to apply and be an Australian or New Zealand passport holder with a minimum 36 month validity.
Visa Changes from 2 Jan 2008:
- Work permits will be issued for 24 months
- There will be no limit to the number of places available
- Participants can participate more than once, as long as they continue to meet the age criteria and all other admissibility and eligibility requirements.
Upon Arrival:
- The expiry date of the Letter of Introduction will be clearly indicated and it must be presented at a Port of Entry on or before its expiry. This date cannot be altered, extended or changed under any circumstances. You cannot transfer your Letter of Introduction to any other person or name.
- Present your Letter of Introduction and passport to the Port of Entry Officer.
- Present evidence of AU$4000 (or the foreign currency equivalent) in available funds. This may be in the form of travellers' cheques, cash, or a bank or credit card statement in your name showing a balance of at least $4000. You must carry this evidence with you or you may forfeit your chance to be issued a 24 month stay in Canada.
- If the Port of Entry Officer is satisfied that your entry is not contrary to the Immigration and Refuge Protection Act and Regulations, a work permit will be issued.
- Check your Work Permit carefully. Make sure you understand all the information on it. Check the date of expiry on the Work Permit - if you think there is a mistake, immediately ask the officer who issued it to you. It is your responsibility to check your Work Permit thoroughly at the time it is printed.
When are interviews with the Canadian resorts held?
Interviews for our summer resorts are held early to mid March 2008. You will need to be in Australia to attend the interviews. Remember, we are bringing the resorts to you!
What resorts do you work with?
We work with a variety of resorts throughout Canada, including:
- Rimrock Resort
- Whistler Blackcomb
- Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Why do I want to go through Overseas Working Holidays?
The only way to get a job in Canada with a resort is to have a face-to-face interview with the company. Remember, we bring the resort to you for the job fair, you will secure your exciting new position. You choose which resort in Canada you would like to work for and select your preference for the role you would like to apply for. We will provide you with information such as job descriptions, wages, start dates and other important information. If successful, you will be offered a job prior to leaving Australia. You won't waste time and money trying to find a job along with everyone else- you'll already have one!
I am a student, can I apply?
If you are a graduating student, then absolutely. Unfortunately all other students are not eligible. The reason is you are required to work a full season which is typically six months. Students returning to university are not able to make that commitment and therefore, are not employable.
Can I specify a particular position that I want to apply for?
Yes you can certainly tell the interviewer that you want to apply for a particular position. However, bear in mind that some positions are very popular and you may be limiting your chances of being offered a job. We recommend that you list a preference, however, flexibility is an attractive trait for employers!
What kind of people are you looking for?
We are looking for people who are outgoing, hard working, able to work the full season and who really want to be in Canada. Some jobs require a certain skill set but many do not. Customer service or hospitality experience is always a plus.
Can I go with a friend or partner?
Yes of course you can go with a friend or partner! We have a lot of success with friends/partners getting jobs at the same resort. Please be prepared though, that you may not both receive a job offer. As it is subject to the interview process we can't guarantee you will both be accepted. Be aware, the larger the group, the tougher it may be to succeed at interviews and to be offered positions at the same resort.
What happens if I am not offered a job?
You will be given a full refund of the program fee paid to OWH.
What if I am offered a position I don't want?
Unfortunately if you are offered a position and do not wish to accept it then you will forfeit your program fee.
What is the pre-departure orientation night and the orientation handbook?
The orientation night is a great opportunity to get those last minute questions about Canada answered, hear more details about what happens upon arrival, and meet others who are off to Canada as well. Your orientation handbook will give you all the information you need to know about taxes, Social Insurance Numbers, bank account, directions to your resorts and other very useful information. It is a very informative and social nights that's always lots of fun!
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What positions are available?
There is a wide variety of positions for you to choose from. The more flexible you are with your choice, the greater the likelihood of being offered a job. Jobs include but are not limited to:
- Bell Staff
- Cooks
- Food and Beverage Servers
- Front Desk Agent
- Gas station attendant
- Groundskeeper
- Guest Services
- Health Club Attendant
- Housekeeping
- Kitchen helper
- Lodge attendant
- Night auditor
- Room Service attendant
- Shuttle bus driver
- and more!
How long are you expected to work?
You are expected to work the entire season which generally begins in May 2008 and runs through October 2008. Some jobs will have later start dates but the length of the positions are generally 5-6 months. If you are not available to work the entire season then unfortunately you will not be considered for this program.
What about accommodation?
Our resorts provide staff accommodation - which is an enormous benefit as it can be very expensive and extremely difficult to find. Your first night's accommodation is free as part of the program so that's a great start!
If I live in staff housing, what is provided and what will I need to bring?
What is typically provided
- Single bed with mattress cover
- Pillow
- Chair
- Dresser
You will need to bring:
- Bedding
- Alarm Clock
- Bath Towel
- Toothpaste, razor - the usual toiletries
What is the average wage?
Wages vary according to job type and resort. In general, pay rates average between CAD$7 to CAD$14 per hour.
How many hours a week will I work?
This will depend upon the time of season, some periods are very busy and you will work more, while the start and end of the season is quieter and the hours may be reduced. Generally you will work 30-40 hours per week during high season. We recommend that you take savings with you to cover expenses in those quieter times.
What uniform is required?
Generally, you will need to bring black pants and work shoes. The rest of the uniform will be provided. Some resorts will ask for a deposit to ensure the uniform is returned in good condition. If you are in a job that requires you to work outside you will be provided with the appropriate uniform.
Will I get free-time?
Yes, you'll definitely get free-time. It is important to remember that you are there to work and you will work hard. However, there will be lots of time to play hard!
Will I have access to the resort facilities?
Absolutely! Depending upon the resort, you could be enjoying the pool, tennis courts, resort spa, golf course and more!
What is the policy of the resorts towards piercings, dyed hair, dreadlocks, etc?
Hair must be neat. For females, hair must be tied back when it's a safety issue. For males, hair must be above the collar and cut to mid-ear length at the sides. Jewellery should be worn in moderation. Women may wear one earring of the same size in each ear. Men may wear one small stud or ring. Other facial jewellery or exposed body piercings must be removed while at work, such as tongue rings or studs. Personal hygiene is important and aftershave and perfume should be kept to a minimum. Also hand and visible tatoos will not be accepted.
What temperatures can I expect during the season?
Canadian summers are typically rather mild. Temperatures may reach 30 degrees Celsius but on average, it is generally about 25 degrees Celsius in most of our resort locations.
Will I need to buy a car?
No. Some staff may chip in and buy a car together, but in most instances you will not need one.
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What about flights and travel insurance and tours?
We have access to the cheapest deals available, with special working holiday options valid for 12 months; we can book everything for you! Whether you want to head straight to Canada or travel around the world first, we're able to make it happen for you.
When should I apply for the program if I am traveling in 2008?
Register your interest now! Space on the program is limited and already filling fast so the earlier the better as we don't want you to miss out.
Will I need to take out travel insurance?
It is compulsory for to purchase travel insurance covering you for the duration of your employment with the resorts, regardless of whether or not you think you may be eligible for Company Benefits. OWH has very affordable and comprehensive travel insurance available.
Should I book my flights with Overseas Working Holidays?
Absolutely! We have negotiated special working holiday airfares for people on our programs that are not available to the general public. This will save you heaps of money. We are also part of Flight Centre Limited, so we have access to all of their airfares as well.
How about tours and accommodation?
Absolutely again! We have great deals on tour packages and accommodation options, just let us know what we can do for you.
Do I need my Canada Working Holiday Visa to Register?
No, you don't need to have your visa to register. You do need to have applied for your visa at the time of your interview in March 2008.
What is a "pre-screen" and when are they scheduled for?
OWH wants to ensure you have the best possible chance to be successful in your interview with our resorts. Therefore we give you a brief "pre-screen" to make sure the resort and job you select is the right fit for you, as well as to prepare you for your
actual interview. Pre-screens begin December 1, 2007. All candidates must have paid the program fee in full to be eligible for a pre-screen. Keep in mind there are a limited number of jobs available so the sooner you have your completed application,
program fee and pre-screen completed, the sooner you will be scheduled for your interview.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Summer Work and Play 2008 Canada program is February 20, 2008.
How do I get started?
Complete a Summer Work and Play 2008 registration form and send it along with your $200 registration fee to Overseas Working Holidays.
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"Megan and I would like to really express our thanks for the help you and Mel have shown us through applying for this program your patience, guidance and suggestions have been greatly appreciated..." 
