On December 1st, the Japan working holiday visa was updated, announcing some significant changes to the visa scheme and its eligibility criteria. The Japan working holiday visa has been a popular choice for young Canadians looking to live, work, and explore in Japan. Effective from December 2024, the current program has been renewed to allow more youth to participate for longer periods. These updates provide amazing new opportunities for certain Canadians previously ineligible for the scheme!
One of the most notable changes is the fact that Canadians now participate twice in the Working Holiday Visa program, which means that they can stay up to 2 years in Japan! Previous working holiday visa holders can apply again under their jurisdiction in the same way they did the first time and must apply from Canada. The same age limit applies – they must be between 18 to 30 years old to apply for the 2nd Japan working holiday visa.
For those that apply for the Japan working holiday visa on or after December 1st, 2024, instead of a 6-month permit, they will be issued a full 1-year visa upon entry.
For those who apply for the Japan working holiday visa for the first time on or after December 1st, 2024, not only will they receive a 1-year visa upfront, but they will be able to extend their stay for another 1 year while they are in Japan!
If your first working holiday visa was issued BEFORE December 1st, 2024, this means that you will need to apply for a 2nd working holiday visa from Canada. This also applies to those who are currently on a working holiday visa in Japan – they cannot apply for the 2nd year visa from Japan. In other words, your current or previous visa that was issued before December 2024 has no changes in the extension process. If you are currently on your first 6-month permit in Japan, you can only extend your visa for another 6 months in Japan.
These updates mean that there are also changes in the way applicants must prepare their visa application. If you would like to receive the most up-to-date information to ensure that you obtain the new visa correctly, don’t hesitate to contact us!
These updates mean that there are also changes in the way applicants must prepare their visa applications. If you would like to receive the most up-to-date information to ensure that you obtain the new visa correctly, get in touch.
Yes, starting December 2024, Canadians can apply for the Japan Working Holiday Visa twice in their lifetime. This allows you to stay up to 2 years in Japan, as long as you meet the age requirements (18-30 years old) at the time of the second application.
If you are currently in Japan with a 6-month working holiday visa, you can still apply for a 6-month extension as usual. However, once your first year ends, you’ll need to apply for a second working holiday visa from Canada, as this must be done outside of Japan.
Yes! If you receive the new 1-year visa starting December 2024, you can apply for a 1-year extension while still in Japan. The best part? There is no age limit for the extension, meaning you can stay for two consecutive years even after turning 31.
If you received your first working holiday visa before December 2024, you must apply for your second visa from Canada, regardless of whether you’re currently in Japan. This is considered a new application and will need to be submitted at the consulate under your jurisdiction.
Big news for Canadians! The Japan Working Holiday Visa has been updated for 2025, offering longer stays & the chance to apply twice. With 1-year permits upfront & options for a 2nd year extension, now’s the time to start planning to Stepabroad.
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