Q: Will a criminal record affect my application?
A: Yes. All applicants that have a criminal record should notify Go4Less before proceeding with their application. Note you may also require additional processing on your Police Certificate(s) and require extra documentation to be submitted.
Q: Can I extend my working status or program?
A: There is no visa extension under the Working Holiday program.
Q: What kind of people are the Canadian Employers looking for?
A: They 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 most do not. Customer service experience is always a plus.
Q: Can I go with a friend or partner?
A: 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 do be prepared, though, that you may not both receive a job offer as it is subject to the interview process and 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.
Q: Can I specify a particular position that I want to apply for?
A: 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 state a preference, however, flexibility is an attractive trait for employers and if you are not flexible you may not get a job!
Q: Will I have to do an interview with the employer?
A: Employers will want to talk with you by phone or in person to ask more questions and have the chance to tell you more about their job, before hiring you. Some employers will be traveling overseas to conduct face-to-face interviews with candidates. If you are interviewed by phone, your job offer may be conditional on you having a successful face to face interview before your job starts.
Q: What if I am offered a position I don't want?
A: Unfortunately, if you are offered a position and do not wish to accept it then you forfeit your work placement fee. The Work and Study team has taken in to consideration your previous work experience and job preference and have assigned you to a host company that best suites your profile. Once a student has been placed Go4less is under no obligation to find a secondary job placement.
Q: Can I use the same Social Insurance number for different employers?
A: Yes. Once you are issued a Social Insurance number, it is your number for life.
Q: What are the participant's tax responsibilities?
A: Participants with paid jobs must pay all federal and provincial taxes. All participants are required to file a tax declaration by the Canada tax-filing deadline (April 30). Tax filing is required by the Canadian government and necessary for the participant to recover some of the taxes he/she may have overpaid to Revenue Canada on his/her paycheck. The Federal tax form -- T1 Non-Resident TAX RETURN FOR CERTAIN NON-RESIDENT ALIENS -- may be downloaded from the Revenue Canada website:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/formspubs/request-e.html . You can also utilize a tax preparation company. You will find detailed tax information in the Manual you will receive on arrival and in your first day orientation with GO International.
Q: What is the average wage?
A: Wages vary according to job type and location. In general, pay rates average between CAD$5.50 per hour, to CAD$14 an hour.
Q: How much does it cost to live in Canada?
A:That depends on you. Most participants quickly find cheap shared accommodation and by sharing meals they can also keep their food costs low. Posters for shared accommodation are always up in GO International's offices and the staff can assist you in finding advertisements for shared accommodation in the local papers. Some resorts provide staff housing. How you spend your free time will determine a lot what you spend. In Canada, especially in Vancouver, there are a lot of fun things you can do for free or almost nothing. You will get some ideas from The Essential Guide to Canada that you will receive on your arrival.
Q: How do I get to the Hostel when I arrive at the airport?
A: Vancouver now offers a light rail train service from the airport to the city centre. The trips takes only 26 minutes and costs less than $5. You alight from the train at the Vancouver Centre station and exit onto Granville Street. The hostel is located on Granville Street, just a short 3 blocks south of the station. (5 minute walk). Alternatively you can take a taxi to the hostel from the airport and that will cost approximately $30.
Q: How do I book extra nights at the Hostel?
A: We suggest you book your extra nights before you arrive, especially if you are coming in the summer. In fall, winter and spring it should not be difficult to extend your stay at the hostel once you are there. You can book with the hostel directly by contacting them through their web site. The web site is www.vancouverhostel.com
Q: When should I apply for the program
A: Register your interest now! Space on the program is already filling fast so the earlier the better. Visas for Canada are limited. We would not want you to miss out.
Q: What happens if I leave my job?
A: If you decided to leave your job or get fired before your predetermined end date, no other position will be offered or sourced by Go4less
Q: How much will I work?
A: Most jobs are full time and guarantee 30 hours a week but usually people can get up to 40 hours a week.
Q: Where will I live when I am working?
A: You may be offered a spot to live in your employer's staff housing. If not, you will get information during your orientation on how to find cheap shared accommodation. Most young people choose to share a house with other young people who are also working. You can share your accommodation with roommates from around the world!
Q: How do I travel to my job if I am not working in Vancouver?
A: It is easy to organize transport to the resorts and other locations where we offer work placements. From Vancouver most resorts are 2-10 hours by bus or you can take the train or fly. Transportation is not included in our fees - this is at your own cost. We discuss travel options in our program orientation.
Q: Will I need a uniform?
A: Some jobs require staff to wear black pants, a white shirt and black work shoes so we suggest you bring these with you from home. Also, some resorts require beige shorts or pants so you have these we suggest you bring them with you. However, if you don't, these can be purchased in Vancouver or the resort location very cheaply. For some jobs you will be given a uniform. We suggest you bring warm boots, a coat, hat and gloves for the winter months and sandals for the summer.
Q: How big are the resorts where I might work and what can I do there?
A: Most of the resorts where we place students for jobs are ski resorts that are also offer tourist attractions in the summer. Some of the resorts are small and very friendly. The population of resorts like Whistler can swell to 40,000 during peak months. Most of the additional residents are young people, ages 20-30, who come to work in the resort for the high season. The community in each resort represents a mix of residents from athletes and entrepreneurs to artists. The resort lifestyle is a unique balance of recreational 20 pursuits, artistic endeavors, business development and environmental sustainability creating a vibrant energy for residents and visitors alike.
Q:Is Travel Insurance Compulsory?
A: Yes. The Go4less Insurance is an excellent policy as it is specifically designed with young travellers in mind. Medical care can be very expensive so we want to ensure that you are adequately covered. If you have a pre-existing condition please call the office for advice as you may require additional cover.