Visa Guides

Navigate visa requirements for UK citizens planning ski instructor gap years abroad. Understand working holiday schemes, seasonal work permits, and application processes.

Important: Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official embassy or consulate websites before applying. Information provided is for guidance only and was last updated in February 2026.

Canada
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Duration

Up to 24 months

Cost

£180 approx

Processing

8-12 weeks

Requirements

  • UK citizen aged 18-35
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of funds (£1,900+)
  • Medical insurance

Working Holiday visa allows full-time work. Apply early as places are limited and allocated via lottery system.

France
Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)
Duration

Up to 12 months

Cost

£80 approx

Processing

2-4 weeks

Requirements

  • Job offer or training contract
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Financial means (€1,200/month)

Post-Brexit, UK citizens need work visas. Seasonal worker permits available for ski instructors with qualifications.

Austria
Red-White-Red Card (Seasonal Worker)
Duration

Up to 6 months

Cost

€150 approx

Processing

6-8 weeks

Requirements

  • Employment contract from Austrian employer
  • Recognised ski instructor qualification
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance

Seasonal work permits for qualified instructors. Employer must prove no suitable Austrian/EU candidates available.

Switzerland
L Permit (Short-term Work)
Duration

Up to 12 months

Cost

CHF 100 approx

Processing

4-8 weeks

Requirements

  • Employment contract
  • Recognised qualifications
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance

Highly competitive. Employers must demonstrate need for non-Swiss workers. High qualification standards required.

Japan
Instructor Visa or Working Holiday
Duration

6-12 months

Cost

£25 approx

Processing

5-10 working days

Requirements

  • UK citizen aged 18-30 (WHV)
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of funds (£2,500+)
  • Return flight ticket

Working Holiday visa is easiest route. Instructor visa requires sponsorship from Japanese ski school.

New Zealand
Working Holiday Visa
Duration

Up to 23 months

Cost

NZ$280 approx

Processing

2-4 weeks

Requirements

  • UK citizen aged 18-30
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of funds (NZ$4,200)
  • Return ticket or funds

Excellent option for UK citizens. Can work for up to 12 months with same employer. Extension available.

USA
J-1 Exchange Visitor (via sponsor)
Duration

Season length (4-6 months)

Cost

£300-500 (via sponsor)

Processing

4-8 weeks

Requirements

  • Sponsorship from approved organisation
  • Job offer from US resort
  • Proof of funds
  • DS-2019 form from sponsor

Must apply through approved J-1 sponsor organisations. Popular programmes include InterExchange and BUNAC.

Italy
Seasonal Work Permit
Duration

Up to 9 months

Cost

€116 approx

Processing

30-90 days

Requirements

  • Employment contract
  • Recognised ski instructor qualification
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance

Post-Brexit requirements. Employer must apply for work permit quota. Earlier application recommended.

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