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Using an agency for your Working Holiday Visa: 5 reasons not to go alone

Home » Advice » Using an agency for your Working Holiday Visa: 5 reasons not to go alone
31/03/2026

Using an agency for their Working Holiday Visa is a question that more and more young Belgians are asking themselves before leaving for abroad. Between organizing the trip, looking for a job, and handling the administrative procedures, preparing a Working Holiday Visa can quickly become complex.

In 2026, Belgians have access to five destinations for their Working Holiday Visa : Australia , Canada , New Zealand , South Korea , and Taiwan. Australia has no quotas, allowing applications to be submitted at any time of year. For Canada, 725 places are allocated to Belgians through a lottery. As competition is less intense than for French citizens, the chances of securing a place are generally higher.

While the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is more accessible than ever, it remains a project that requires careful preparation . Once you arrive in Sydney , Toronto , or Seoul , everything is up to you. This is why some travelers prefer to organize everything themselves, while others choose to use a specialized WHV agency to ensure their project goes smoothly.

Here are 5 concrete reasons why going through an agency for your Working Holiday Visa can make all the difference.

1. Solid financial protection, from the very first euro invested

Preparing for a Working Holiday Visa often represents a significant expense. Plane tickets, accommodation upon arrival, travel insurance, on-site support… the bill can quickly reach several thousand euros. However, when booking directly with local providers or through online platforms, the risks in case of problems are not always fully considered.

Accommodation that doesn't match the listing. A service provider who cancels at the last minute. A non-refundable booking. These situations exist, and when they occur abroad, they can quickly become difficult to manage without a dedicated contact person.

Going through a PVT agency like Visavacancestravail changes this reality.

vvt work-vacation-visa logo

Visavacancestravail.be is operated by Languages ​​& Travel , a licensed travel agency headquartered at Avenue Louise 143/4, 1050 Brussels . As a licensed agency (license A 1602 ), it is subject to Belgian travel agency regulations, which impose several safeguards to protect travelers:

  • AMLIN Financial Guarantee : Company No. 0416.056.358, Contract LXX05036
  • CBC Professional Liability Insurance : Contract No. 28.580.042-0600
  • Agency's own insolvency insurance
  • Regular checks by the insurance company
Financial protection

Booking directly vs. going through an authorized agency

Book directly
No financial guarantee
There is no legal guarantee if a service provider fails. Your money is not protected.
Multiple and dispersed contracts
Each service provider has its own terms and conditions, often in English.
Limited or even nonexistent legal recourse
In case of a dispute, you handle it yourself.
Refund not guaranteed
Getting your money back may prove impossible.
You alone bear the entire financial risk
Approved agency. Visavacancestravail.be
AMLIN Financial Guarantee
Every euro paid is covered.
Professional liability insurance
Officially accredited agency.
One single contract
Clear and identified remedies.
The agency takes over
The agency handles it for you.
Every euro paid is protected

These elements are not simply marketing ploys. They are legal obligations that offer concrete protection to travelers. In practice, this means that every euro paid to the agency is covered. If a local partner were to default (whether it be accommodation, an employer, or an activity provider), the agency takes over and assumes responsibility.

This is a significant difference compared to booking directly, where you're generally on your own. And it's often something people don't think about when booking... but it can make all the difference if something unexpected happens.

2. One contract, one point of contact

Organizing your own adventure often involves multiple contracts . Each service provider applies its own terms and conditions, cancellation policy, and working language (English, Japanese, or Korean depending on the destination).

This system can quickly become complex. If you encounter a problem with one of these service providers, you have to handle the situation alone . There are no intermediaries, no direct support, and sometimes you have to take steps from the other side of the world, dealing with time differences and communication that isn't always straightforward.

Using an agency for your Working Holiday Visa allows you to centralize responsibilities . For example, with us, you sign a single contract . The agency then becomes legally responsible for all the services included in your chosen package.

Legal framework
Two choices, two very different realities
Organizing your Working Holiday Visa alone
Accommodation
Terms and conditions often in English, cancellation policy specific to the service provider.
Direct contract
Travel insurance
Finding, comparing and subscribing on your own, sometimes from abroad.
Direct contract
Employer
Local contract, limited recourse in case of dispute, time difference.
Direct contract
On-site activities
Local service providers with no legal obligation towards you.
Direct contract
4 separate contracts: 0 recourse guaranteed
VS
Go through Visavacancestravail.be
Accommodation
Organized and supervised by the agency
Insurance
Travel Zen recommended
Employer
Partners verified by the agency
Activities
Included in your plan
Languages ​​& Travel srl
1 contract. Av. Louise 143/4, Brussels.
License A 1602. Sole legal representative
Belgian & European law: Clear and identified remedies in case of problems.
French-speaking contact person: A dedicated person, reachable from Brussels.
legal financial guarantee no. 0416.056.358 — every euro covered.
The agency will manage things on your behalf in case of failure of a local partner.
1 contract: Belgian rights guaranteed

In practical terms, this simplifies everything: a single interlocutor, a single point of contact .

3. Human support at every stage of the stay

At Visavacancestravail , the team is made up of people who have themselves experienced the Working Holiday Visa.

Maëlle , an advisor for Belgium, notably completed a Working Holiday Visa in Australia before continuing her travels in Southeast Asia, studying in Scotland, and spending several months in Canada and Latin America. Maelis , also an advisor, embarked on her Working Holiday Visa adventure in Australia in 2024. As for Pascal Carré , founder of Languages ​​& Travel, he has been assisting prospective travelers for over 30 years.

They are not simply advisors. They are people who know the realities on the ground and what the first few weeks abroad are like .

Structured preparation from the very first steps

Support begins as soon as you register, with:

  • A complete file outlining the essential steps
  • A personalized information session tailored to your destination
  • Advice tailored to your profile and departure period
  • Your file will be monitored until the day of departure.

The goal is to start with a clear vision, without wondering if you have forgotten an important step.

A dedicated contact person throughout your stay

Once there, you will have a dedicated contact person available should you need assistance . This is not an automated service, but a person who understands your situation and can react quickly if necessary.

It's been a month now since I arrived in Australia, and what an adventure! I sincerely thank the agency that helped me with all the paperwork. It took a huge weight off my shoulders at the beginning of the trip. They provided excellent support throughout my entire stay.

J
John B.
PVT Australia — Basic Pack, Visavacancestravail.be client

I arrived safely last night. First of all, I want to thank you for your work. The organization was absolutely top-notch, and I would recommend you 100%. I can't wait to get to my apartment; the neighborhood is great.

M
Marie R.
Working Holiday Visa Melbourne — Complete Package, Visavacancestravail.be client

Follow-up even after your return

The support doesn't end when your stay is over. The agency remains available for your residency certificate, certain tax procedures, or administrative questions after your return.

4. Finding a job more easily during your Working Holiday Visa

The first concern before leaving on a Working Holiday Visa is often: how to find a job quickly once there? Where to start? How to adapt your CV to local standards? And above all, how long can it take?

in the most popular destinations for Belgian Working Holiday Visa holders (such as Australia and Canada ) . However, it's essential to know where to look, how to present yourself, and have the right tools upon arrival.

That is precisely the objective of the Job Assistance that we offer.

Job Assistance: Getting your Working Holiday Visa off to a good start in your country

Upon your arrival, you will be assisted to facilitate your initial steps:

Everything included
Job Assistance: A smooth start from day one
Available with partner office on site · Australia · Canada · New Zealand
1
Job offers database
Continuous updates + CV assistance tailored to local standards + appointment with a job advisor
2
Home address
Receiving official mail and packages throughout the stay
3
Orientation session
Local job market, housing, transport, practical tips
4
Local SIM card
Preferential rates for calls and internet upon arrival
5
Local bank account
Easy access: essential for receiving your salaries
6
Internet access
At partner offices, Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm
7
Social Security Number
Required to work legally — assistance with obtaining it locally
8
Tourism discounts
Public transport, tours and activities at preferential rates
9
Valid for 1 year
Access to all these services is guaranteed for the entire duration of your stay

Available in Australia , Canada and New Zealand , this assistance allows you to start more serenely and save valuable time in the first few weeks.

The Packs+ Experience

For those who wish to go even further, Visavacancestravail also offers Experience Packs+ . These packages allow you to leave with a pre-structured project, combining work, language immersion, and professional experience.

Among the possibilities:

Packs+ Experience
Leave with a plan already organized before departure
Verified employers • Total language immersion • Multi-destination
👶
Half pair
Homestay accommodation + English lessons, minimum 3 months
Australia Canada
🐎
Ranch / farm
Training and guaranteed job in Australia, cultural experience in Canada
Australia ✓ guaranteed Canada
⛷️
Ski resort
Guaranteed job at the resort — skiing in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer
Canada ✓ guaranteed
🍽️
Hospitality / HORECA
Contract arranged before departure in the restaurant or accommodation
Australia ✓ Canada ✓ South Korea
💼
Company internship
Professional experience abroad, minimum 3 months
Australia Canada New Zealand
🌿
Environmental volunteering
Sea turtle protection, diving and nature conservation projects
Australia New Zealand

These programs allow you to arrive with some initial experience already organized. This can be reassuring, especially for a first trip abroad.

I just got all the permits to work for Uber Eats. My roommates helped me, so I got started. I also have another job for 10 days that Job Assistance helped me find. The country is really great.

T
Thomas F.
Working Holiday Visa Australia — Job Assistance, Visavacancestravail.be

5. Five packages and exclusive services for Belgian Working Holiday Visa holders

Going through an agency for your Working Holiday Visa doesn't necessarily mean opting for a comprehensive package. The goal is rather to choose the level of support that best suits your project, budget, and profile . Whether you've just finished your studies, are looking for a job, or are simply ready to take the plunge before you turn 30, we offer several flexible packages.

The main packages

Our Working Holiday Visa packages
Find the formula that suits your project and budget
🎒
Basic Pack
The essentials for getting started
Starting from €1,599
Round-trip flights with a scheduled airline
Airport transfer + 2–4 nights in a hostel
Job Assistance 1 year
Google Drive folder + remote monitoring
Australian Visa included
Discover the Basic Pack →
🌏
Activity Pack
To get off to a good start in a group
Everything from the Basic Pack
7 days of organized group activities
3 additional nights
Excursions + city discovery
Australia & New Zealand only
Discover the Activities Pack →
Experience Pack+
Work arranged before departure
Ranch, skiing, HORECA, half-pair…
Contract secured before departure
Employers verified by the agency
Multi-destination options available
Total language immersion
Discover the Pack+ →
👥
Friends Pack
The offer that rewards friends
Starting from €1,599
-€100 per person
Departure for 2 or more people on the same dates
Return flights included
Shared memories, reduced budget
Moral support guaranteed!
Discover the Friends Pack →
Not sure which option to choose? Attend a free information session : the team will guide you according to your profile and budget.

Exclusive services for Belgian Working Holiday Visa holders

Only on Visavacancestravail.be
Additional services designed for Belgian Working Holiday Visa holders
🛡️
WHV Travel Insurance
Travel Zen recommended
Comprehensive coverage tailored for Working Holiday Visa holders, mandatory in some countries and highly recommended everywhere.
Medical expenses up to €200,000
Repatriation assistance + personal liability insurance
24/7 medical teleconsultation in French
Reimbursement within 48 hours (for amounts less than €500)
Worldwide coverage + GAPI app
Learn more →
💶
Working Holiday Visa travel loan
In partnership with Topcompare.be
Don't have the necessary budget yet? Finance your trip and repay it through your work there.
Minimum amount: €5,000
Repayment in 24, 30 or 36 months
Comparison across 40+ financial institutions
Topcompare.be is FSMA certified (0643.988.146)
Reserved for residents domiciled in Belgium
Learn more →
💸
International money transfer
In partnership with Wise
Send money from Belgium to Australia, Canada or New Zealand simply and at a lower cost.
1st transfer free
Real market exchange rate
Fees significantly lower than traditional banks
Fast and seamless transfers
A popular solution among Belgian mountain bikers
Learn more →
🎓
Studies after Working Holiday Visa
Via Study Experience
Do you wish to extend your adventure there? The agency will support you for the rest of your trip through its partner Study Experience.
Long-term English course with student visa
Professional training courses (marketing, business, tourism…)
University registration (Bachelor's, Master's)
Destinations: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland…
Prepare at least 6 months before the end of your VVT
Learn more →
📋
Teachers' Area
Languages ​​& Travel
Languages ​​& Travel recognizes the work of teachers and offers them concrete benefits as well as resources for their students.
Discount on stays for children of teachers
Presentation by a former mountain biker in class (FR or EN)
Information session at your school (Wednesday or evening)
PDF and printed brochures available upon request
Objective presentation: language stays, working holiday visas and studies
Learn more →

Without forgetting

Saving time , particularly on administrative procedures, is one of the most tangible advantages for Working Holiday Visa holders of using an agency. The procedures associated with a project abroad (visa, insurance, official forms, deadlines, specific supporting documents) can quickly become complex and time-consuming, especially for those lacking experience. An agency understands these processes, anticipates common mistakes, and guides each step methodically. This avoids unnecessary back-and-forth, application rejections, or critical oversights, while significantly reducing the mental burden. Instead of spending hours searching for sometimes contradictory information, the applicant can focus on preparing their Working Holiday Visa project and their departure.

Networking network facilitates integration, accelerates opportunities (employment, housing, local advice), and helps prevent isolation upon arrival. In some cases, this network even makes the difference between a negative experience and a successful one, by offering opportunities that would be difficult to access alone.

Using an agency for your Working Holiday Visa: What you really gain

The Working Holiday Visa remains, above all, a personal adventure . Going alone, without an agency, is therefore a perfectly valid option, and many young Belgians make this choice successfully every year.

Going through an agency like Visavacancestravail for your Working Holiday Visa is simply choosing a different approach . Financial protection from the very first euro paid. A single, legally responsible point of contact. A team that has been through it themselves and understands the realities on the ground. And concrete services (travel loans, money transfers, insurance, and job placement support) that can make all the difference, especially during your first few weeks abroad.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to discover one or more countries on a reasonable budget, while being able to self-finance your stay. After 30, it will be too late.

P
Pascal Carré
Founder of Languages ​​& Travel — +30 years of experience

The setting changes. The adventure, however, remains entirely yours.

FAQ: Using an agency for your Working Holiday Visa

Is the Working Holiday Visa accessible to all young Belgians?

The Working Holiday Program is open to Belgians aged 18 to 30. Several destinations are available, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan.
There is no annual quota for Australia and New Zealand. However, for Canada, the number of places is limited and allocated by lottery.

Is it possible to finance your Working Holiday Visa without having all the necessary savings?

Yes, it's possible to finance your Working Holiday Visa without having all the necessary savings immediately. Visavacancestravail.be, in partnership with Topcompare.be, offers a travel loan for Belgian residents. This solution allows you to finance your trip and repay it gradually through work while you're there.

Do you need to go through an agency for your Working Holiday Visa?

Using an agency for your Working Holiday Visa is not mandatory. Many young people organize their departure independently. However, using an agency can offer personalized support, financial security, and practical assistance with the initial steps. This option can be particularly reassuring for a first trip abroad.

What is the difference between Job Assistance and the Guaranteed Work +Pack?

Job Assistance provides on-site support to help you find employment quickly: access to a job database, employment advisor, CV assistance, and help with administrative procedures. The Guaranteed Job Package goes even further: you leave with a job arranged before your departure, in the sector of your choice.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Working Holiday Visa?

In most cases, yes. For some destinations, such as Canada, the visa duration may depend on the length of the insurance purchased. It is therefore strongly recommended to purchase insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay.

Can you stay after your Working Holiday Visa?

Yes, several options exist to extend your experience after a Working Holiday Visa: student visa, vocational training, or university enrollment. Visavacancestravail.be also assists candidates wishing to continue their project abroad.

How much does a Working Holiday Visa cost when booked through an agency?

The price of a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) through an agency depends on the destination and the services included. Generally, packages start around €1,599 for a basic package that includes departure arrangements, on-site assistance, and initial paperwork. More comprehensive packages may include language courses, accommodation, activities, or even a guaranteed job before departure. The price therefore varies depending on the level of support chosen.

Is it safer to go through an agency for a Working Holiday Visa?

Using an agency for your Working Holiday Visa can offer greater security, particularly through pre-departure support and on-site assistance. An agency can also provide vetted partners, help in case of problems, and a more structured framework for the start of your stay.

Cover photo: Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash

Author

  • "After a childhood spent between mountain getaways and European explorations, it was a life-changing trip to India at 16 that sparked my love of travel. My studies in literature and geography led me to Cambodia for a field research project on marginalized children. I then completed a year of civic service in Montreal, punctuated by trips to Canada and the United States. Next, I headed to Australia for another Working Holiday Visa adventure. Brisbane, Byron Bay, Tasmania… ten months crisscrossing this country of a thousand contrasts. Today, I continue to explore the world on a Working Holiday Visa in Japan. I've settled in Tokyo, the city that never sleeps, the immense urban anthill where, nevertheless, one feels a profound serenity. Through my stories, I share these experiences with particular expertise on Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea."

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All our destinations

Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

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