Japan Working Holiday Visa Updated: What Canadians Need to Know for 2025

Japan Working Holiday Visa Updated: What Canadians Need to Know for 2025

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!

What did the previous agreement between Canada and Japan look like?

  1. Canadians could be granted the Japan Working Holiday Visa just once in their lifetime.
  2. The initial permit was only 6 months, with the option to extend from Japan for another 6 months (a maximum of 1 year total).

KEY JAPAN WORKING HOLIDAY VISA CHANGES ANNOUNCED:

 

1. CANADIANS CAN NOW BE GRANTED THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA TWICE IN THEIR LIFETIME

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. 

 

2. THE INITIAL PERMIT IS NOW 1 YEAR

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. 

 

3. PARTICIPANTS MAY BE ABLE TO STAY IN JAPAN FOR 2 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

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!

 

4. PREVIOUS WORKING HOLIDAY VISA HOLDERS MUST APPLY FOR THE 2ND WHV FROM CANADA

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.

Please note*

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!

Additional Details About the Japan Working Holiday Visa Changes

 

For Current or Previous Visa Holders (Before December 2024):

  • First-Time 6-Month Visa Holders in Japan:
    If you are currently in Japan with your first working holiday visa with a 6-month permit, you can still only apply for another 6-month extension from Japan as usual. You CANNOT apply for the 2nd working holiday visa from Japan.
  • Applying for a 2nd Visa:
    If you previously held a working holiday visa from Japan and did not overstay your visa (maximum 1 year), if you are still under the age limit, you can apply for the 2nd working holiday visa at the consulate under your jurisdiction in Canada. The 2nd WHV will be treated as a new application and therefore must be applied from Canada.

 

 

For current or future Japan working holiday visa holders on or after December 2024:

  • If you have received the new 1-year Japan working holiday visa on or after December 1st, 2024, you can apply for an extension of stay for 1 year from Japan. As this is an extension, the age limit no longer applies! For example, if you are currently 30 years old and apply for a new 1-year visa, you will still be eligible to stay for the 2nd year consecutively after you turn 31 years old in Japan.
  • Alternatively, you can separate the two years to NOT be done consecutively, as long as you apply for the 2nd WHV from Canada while you are still within the age limit.

 

Want to Stepabroad to Japan?

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.

Return to Japan on a Working Holiday

All year round

1-24 months

C$499

Japan Send-Off Package

Our Send-Off Package provides Canadians with step-by-step working holiday visa application support and a one-on-one pre-departure orientation (via video call) with all the information you need to know for living, working, and travelling in Japan.

Nov-Dec

6 Months

C$1,199

Japan Ski Resort

Imagine spending your days off work gliding through Japan’s legendary powder at the country’s top ski destination. On our Japan Ski Resort Program, land a guaranteed ski resort job in Japan and enjoy the famous Japow every day!

All year round

1-24 months

C$1,499

Japan Kickstart Package

Start your Japan adventure experiencing living in Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka or Okinawa for 2 or 4 weeks! Take Japanese language and cultural courses to gain a deeper understanding of Japan and participate in fun organized social events to get into the swing of Japan-life.

Japan Working Holiday Visa Update: FAQs

Can Canadians apply for the Japan Working Holiday Visa more than once?

Yes, starting December 2024, Canadians can now 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.

What happens if I already have a 6-month working holiday visa in Japan?

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.

Can I extend my stay in Japan if I already have the new 1-year working holiday visa?

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.

How do I apply for the 2nd working holiday visa from Canada?

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.

I never had a working holiday for Japan as a Canadian, what do I need to know before applying?

Not much, if you have never had a working holiday visa for Japan as a Canadian, the good news is that this new agreement between Canada & Japan includes 2 big changes:
  • Now, you can get a 12-month working holiday visa in Japan upfront (before you would only get a six-month visa, with the requirement to renew in Japan for another six months)
  • Furthermore, you can apply for a Working Holiday in Japan as a Canadian for a second time, again for up to 12 months! In total, you can stay in Japan for potentially up to 2 full years.

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