visa and green card information
UK residents, as well as participants from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, do not require a visa to take part on a ski or snowboard instructor course in Canada or New Zealand with the International Academy. The training course does not count as work and visitors are entitled to enter on free tourist visas (visa waiver programme) when they arrive in either Canada or New Zealand.
However if you are from countries in Africa (including South Africa) or from countries in Asia and the Middle East you may want to check to see if you require a temporary resident visa. The Canadian and New Zealand visa bureaux have tables detailing the relevant countries and information on how to obtain these visas.
Who requires a visa for Canada?
www.visabureau.com/canada/canadian-visitor-visa.aspx
Who is exempt from obtaining a visa for NZ?
www.visabureau.com/newzealand/holiday-visa.aspx
work visas
To work abroad as a ski or snowboard instructor you may need to obtain a work permit visa prior to travel. For UK residents, it is essential that you leave the UK with a work visa in order to work abroad in Canada for example.
UK student and non-student work visas are available through BUNAC from January each year for the winter season the year after. There are only a limited number of working visas available which operate on a first come first serve basis. If you do intend to work during the season, we strongly advise that you apply for your visa early to avoid any potential disappointment.
Useful links for obtaining a work visa and for general visa information include:
www.bunac.org
www.gapyearcanada.com
www.canada.org.uk
www.nzembassy.com
www.visabureau.com/canada
www.visabureau.com/newzealand
