JAPAN WORKING HOLIDAY VISA UPDATED: WHAT CANADIANS NEED TO KNOW

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.

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.

• 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.

To apply for the Japan Working Holiday Visa as a Canadian, you must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. If you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can still enter Japan and complete your full visa term. With the new rules, if you’re already on the 1-year visa, extensions no longer have an age limit—so you could spend two consecutive years in Japan, even if you are 31 while you’re there.

Yes! While many Canadians choose to stay for two consecutive years, you don’t have to. If you’d prefer, you can return to Canada and apply for your second Japan Working Holiday Visa later—so long as you’re still within the age limit (18–30) when you reapply. This flexibility gives you the option to split your time in Japan across different years.

Yes. When you apply, you’ll need to show proof of sufficient funds (sometimes called reasonable funds) to demonstrate that you can support yourself while you get settled in Japan. This amount covers your living costs until you receive your first paycheck and your return travel. All Japanese consulates expect you to provide a recent bank statement showing travel funds of at least a few thousand dollars. With our Send-Off Package, we’ll make sure you know exactly how much you need and how to prepare your documents correctly.

Definitely. Many Canadians take short-term Japanese language or cultural courses during their stay—it’s a great way to get more out of your experience. If you’d like a structured start, our Kick-Start Program combines language classes with cultural activities, giving you an easy introduction to life in Japan.

Your working holiday visa is an open work permit, which means you can choose from a wide variety of jobs. Many Canadians work in hospitality, restaurants, cafés, or as English teaching assistants. Seasonal ski resort jobs are also popular—our Japan Ski Resort Program secures you a guaranteed winter position so you can earn money while enjoying Japan’s legendary powder snow. That said, participants are strictly prohibited from employment in establishments that affect public morals in Japan, such as bars or nightclubs.

You can still apply at 30, as long as your application is submitted before your 31st birthday. Once your visa is approved, you’ll be able to enter Japan and stay for the full 12 months (and extend another 12 months if eligible), even if you turn 31 during your stay. The key is to apply before you age out of the program.

Health insurance is highly recommended by the Japanese consulates. This protects you in case of illness or accidents during your time abroad. Since national healthcare in Japan is mandatory for Working Holiday visa holders, we’ll guide you through your healthcare during your time in Japan. 

You’ll need to apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate that covers your region in Canada. Applications require a valid Canadian passport, a completed visa application form, and supporting documents like proof of funds and a return ticket. 

With our Send-Off Package, we’ll walk you through the exact process for your jurisdiction to make sure your application is complete and stress-free.

The program exists as part of the mutual agreement between Japan and Canada, designed to promote cultural exchange and stronger ties between both countries. It allows young people to live, travel, and work for an extended period in each other’s countries. For Canadians, it’s a chance to gain meaningful work experience and immerse themselves in Japan’s culture through International Experience Canada.

Thanks to the recent updates, Canadians can now stay in Japan for an extended period of up to two years. The first visa is valid for 12 months, and you can extend for another year if eligible. This is a major improvement from the old system, where the maximum stay was just one year.