IEP's Work & Ski Canada Job Fair

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I travel before my job starts?

Yes, as long as you’re at your job ready for your start date, you’re free to do whatever up until then!

Do I have to apply for a particular job?

IEP encourages you to be as flexible as possible in terms of what sort of job you want to do – remember, it’s all about how you spend your time off! You’re welcome to apply for a particular job, or if you have a specific employer in mind and you don’t care what you do for them, that’s fine too.

Will IEP help prepare me for the interviews?

Yes, IEP is happy to provide you with interview advice and expert assistance in preparing your resume in a Canadian format – so getting your dream job is even easier!

But I’m not a ski bunny!

No problems - no snow experience is required - and you’ll be surprised how quickly your skiing/snowboarding will improve when you’re living and working around some of the best mountains in the world.

How long do I need to commit to my employer for?

The employers all have different start dates and contract lengths (ranging from 4-6 months), so check out our employer profiles to see which ones suit you.

What if I don’t want to come home after my job?

Your working holiday visa will allow you to live and work in Canada for up to 24 months and we encourage you to make the most of it. IEP’s Canadian partner SWAP can provide you with support after your job finishes, including employment and accommodation assistance for the duration of your stay in Canada. Find out more about SWAP membership here.

Where will I live?

Most of the job fair employers can provide you with staff accommodation and we strongly recommend you organise this with them. Accommodation in ski resort towns can be expensive and hard to come by so staff housing is an excellent option. Alternatively, you’re welcome to find your own place to stay.

What sort of benefits/perks do the employers offer?

Perks will vary between employers, but most will offer free or discounted ski passes and equipment, subsidised accommodation, reciprocal benefits at other hotels/resorts, and even staff parties and events. IEP has chosen these employers because they have an excellent track record in keeping their staff happy - rest assured you will be taken care of!

What if the job's not for me?

IEP/SWAP will provide ongoing support and advice whilst you are away. However, what is negotiated and signed on the contract is between the employer and the participant – always approach them first.

I am a university student returning to classes around March. Are there any 3 month positions available through the job fairs?

Unfortunately, no. The winter season runs November to April and employers require staff for the full 5-6 months. Hiring university students in the past has left employers understaffed before the season is over. You may want to consider our Work USA Old School program or the Work Canada Fully Loaded program for other job opportunities in Canada.

I live in Western Australia, can I organise a phone interview instead?

Our Canadian employers are flying to Australia to meet our applicants face to face and will not be able to conduct phone interviews. As much as IEP would love to hold job fairs in every State, the employers’ travel plans and time restrictions mean it is not possible. You do need to travel to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to attend an interview in person, but IEP will review your application and resume prior to your interview, to ensure you have the best chance of getting a job and making your trip worthwhile! Employers will be aware that you have made the trip especially to attend your Work & Ski Canada interview, which demonstrates your commitment and keen interest in getting a job!

If you are not able to attend one of the Job Fairs, you may want to consider IEP’s Work Canada Fully Loaded program instead.

More questions? Contact IEP via 1300 300 912 or email us at info@iep.org.au to get your questions answered!

Travelling to Canada:

Want to know more about the Visa Waiver Program and the B1/B2 Visitor Visa for the USA?

ARE YOU:

• Transiting through the US on your way to or from Canada?
• Thinking of border hopping during your Canada stay?
• Just not sure of your travel plans?

In order to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible it is vital that you read this section to find out about your US entry options and requirements.

What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

Under the VWP, Australians and nationals of 26 other countries, including the UK and New Zealand, can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business stays of less than 90 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met. You cannot extend the time on the VWP. The 90 days also includes any time spent in Canada, Mexico and adjacent Islands. If for instance, you are transiting the U.S. on a 6 month trip to Canada, you cannot travel on the VWP, as your total stay in the U.S, Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands exceeds 90 days. In this case it is strongly recommended that you apply for a B-1/B-2 'visitor' visa. Also you cannot cross the border into these areas and then return for another 90 days. You can however ask for re-entry on the VWP if you have left the Continent.

How does the Visa Waiver Program work (VWP)?

Beginning 12 January, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including Australia, will need authorization to travel to the United States prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

There is no charge to complete the application, which can be completed at any time in advance of travel. Once approved, it is valid for two years.

Now that the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) has become mandatory as of 12 January, 2009, VWP travelers need to provide basic biographic, travel, and eligibility information online to receive advance authorization prior to their departure for the United States. Most travelers can expect to receive authorization within a few minutes; however, travelers are advised to complete an ESTA as soon as they begin to plan their travel, and at least 72 hours in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.

The system does not affect travelers who have obtained a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.

What is the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa?

If you do not meet the requirements of the VWP, you may be eligible for a “visitor” visa which is a non-immigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) and for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). As examples, if the purpose of your planned travel includes tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel.

Even if your flight plans do not involve transiting the USA, yet you intend to visit the USA at some stage during your stay in Canada, it is strongly advised that you obtain a B-1/B-2 Visitor visa prior to your departure from Australia. 
For further advice contact your nearest US consulate http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/contact.html/

The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa Cost

A standard B1/B2 Visitor Visa currently costs US$131.  It is a multiple entry visa allowing any number of visits to the US and is valid for entry into the US for up to one year from the date of issue.  For an additional fee (currently AU$32.50**) this can be increased to 5 years.  The validity of the visa has no bearing on the length of stay. Each time you enter, the Immigration Officials at the port of entry will determine how long you may stay.

**The visa fee is adjusted regularly in line with exchange rate variations please go to http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/niv/fees.html to confirm the prices prior to paying them at Australia Post.

Getting the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

You will be required to attend a personal interview at your designated US Consulate as part of the application process (This is at your own expense and may involve interstate travel). To schedule an interview and access the visa application documents go to http://aus.us-visaservices.com/forms/default.aspx

Whilst working closely with industry and government bodies for the betterment of participant experiences, IEP can not guarantee visas or act as an authority in visa issuance. Visa rejection and visa rulings are at the discretion of the appropriate consulate or embassy and not the jurisdiction of IEP

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