The next courses are:
14 week progamme in Banff, January 2009
11 week programme in
Big White, January 2009
Visa Information
When it comes to deciding whether to turn ski or snowboard instruction into a full time career, the issue of visas is important and often complex. At SnowSkool we have tried to make it a bit easier for you.
Tourist Visas
Most of the students who come on a SnowSkool programme do not need a visa to participate in the course. This is because the training course does not count as work and most visitors are entitled to free tourist visas when they arrive in either Canada or New Zealand.This includes students travelling on passports from Australia and New Zealand. This is not the case for everyone, however: students travelling from countries in Africa (including South Africa) and from countries in Asia and the Middle East may want to check to see if they require a temporary resident visa. The Canadian and New Zealand visa bureaux have good tables detailing these 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
Working Visas
To work abroad as a ski or snowboard instructor you may need a working visa. To work in Canada you will require a working holiday visa unless you are a Canadian citizen. In New Zealand both Australian and New Zealand citizens are able to work there without a visa but every other nationality must apply for a working holiday visa. To work in Europe you must obtain a working holiday visa unless you are a European citizen. Therefore our UK SnowSkoolers can teach in Europe without a visa yet to teach anywhere outside of Europe they will require a working holiday visa.
Some resorts will 'sponsor' visas for instructors, this effectively means their visa is sourced for them through the resort and this is extremely useful for those who having difficulty obtaining a working visa.
Obtaining a Working Visa
The Government of Canada has developed a Working Holiday Program (WHP) especially for Australian passport holders. It provides opportunities for young Australians to enjoy extended holidays in Canada and permits them to work for up to 24 months. As of 2 January 2008, this is no longer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and previous participants in the WHP (as Australian passport holders) may reapply as long as they meet the eligibility and admissibility criteria.
Check www.whpcanada.org.au for more information.
For more details on eligibility and acquisition of visas please check out the useful links below. Alternatively get in touch with Laura who will help put you on the right track!
Find out what it is like to work as a Ski or Snowboard Instructor by clicking here »
