Working Holiday Visa Japan

Historically rich, and culturally vibrant, there is nowhere quite like Japan. A Working Holiday Visa Japan is all you need to discover this enchanting country. Stepabroad’s Japan Working Holiday Programs help Canadians get on the adventure of a lifetime in the Land of the Rising Sun. We’ll help you out with your Japan visa requirements and everything else to get you settled. Are you ready to step into the next chapter of your life?

KEY FACTS ABOUT JAPAN:

Capital city: Tokyo
Currency: ¥ (JPY)
Language: Japanese
Population: 123,187,792
Transportation: Efficient & Innovative
Land area: 377,970 km²
Area code: +81
Time zone: +9 GMT

JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Stepabroad Programs provide you with everything you need to start your life in Japan. While there are a number of visa options available to Canadian citizens, each visa comes with certain requirements and limitations. Whether you’re hoping to move to Japan permanently, or simply explore life in a new city, working holiday visas can be the perfect solution.

Immerse Yourself

A working holiday visa offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this country and its culture and to “test the waters” before committing to a longer-term stay. The process of getting everything set up has never been easier with the help of your dedicated companions here at Stepabroad. Our team will help you with every step of the process, to make your journey as smooth as possible! Here’s an overview of which visas are available to help you choose the most suitable for you:

 

1. Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa):

This visa is suitable for tourists planning to visit Japan for sightseeing, leisure, or visiting friends and family. The visa is typically valid for 15, 30, or 90 days. In fact, as a Canadian citizen, you can enter Japan as a tourist without obtaining a visa in advance. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a “landing permission” stamp in your passport, which allows you to stay for a specified period. However, be sure to meet the entry requirements, including having a return ticket and sufficient funds for your stay.

 

2. Working Holiday Visa Japan:

The Working Holiday Visa allows Canadian citizens aged 18 to 30 to work and travel in Japan for a specified period. This period is usually six months to one year. This visa is designed to promote cultural exchange between the two countries. However, the availability and conditions of the Working Holiday Visa can vary. For this reason, it’s important to check the latest information from the Japanese embassy or consulate. Stepaborad specializes in assisting Canadians with their Japan visa requirements.

 

3. Student Visa:

If you’re planning to study in Japan, you’ll need a Student Visa. This visa is suitable for individuals enrolled in educational institutions in Japan. To obtain a Student Visa, you usually need to be accepted by a recognized educational institution. In addition to this, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.

 

4. Other Visa Categories:

There are several other visa categories for various purposes, including work visas, cultural activities, research, journalism, and more. Additionally, each category has its own set of requirements and conditions. Alternatively, a Working Holiday Visa is a great way to test the waters if you’re thinking of moving long-term.

 

Things Can Change

 

It’s important to note that visa requirements and application processes can change. Through our partnership with International Experience Canada, Stepabroad takes great pride in assisting Canadian citizens to obtain their Japan Working Holiday visa. It is imperative to note that a visitor’s visa does not enable you to work, which makes a Japanese working holiday visa the easiest way to dive head-first into the Japanese lifestyle. It’s our mission to make that happen!

 

Why do a Working Holiday in Japan

If you’re considering applying for a Japan Working Holiday Visa, you’re about to embark on the greatest adventure. Japan offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient tradition and modern technology, awe-inspiring landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people. Maybe you’ve already had a small taste on a holiday. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of living here. Either way, doing a working holiday in Japan gives you all the time you need to soak it all in.

Witness the magic of the sakura (cherry blossom) season in the spring and revel in the lively summer matsuri (festivals). Enjoy the tranquillity at popular destinations when crowds thin out in the fall. Soar down powdery slopes of Hokkaido’s ski resorts in the winter. A Working Holiday in Japan allows you to experience life like a local, make lifelong friendships, and improve your Japanese language skills. Stepabroad guides you through the process of acquiring your visa, allowing you to pursue your dream of experiencing life in Japan.

Want to Learn More?

Interested to learn more about our Japan Working Holiday Visa Programs? Get in touch and one of our travel coordinators will get back to you to help start planning your Japan Working Holiday Adventure & obtaining your Japan Work Visa!

Stepabroad Guidance

With our guidance, you won’t have any issues dealing with Japan visa requirements or getting set up in the country. Japan is a truly inspiring place to visit. With so many breathtaking places to explore, we’re sure you’d agree that a holiday is simply not enough. So get your visa, pack your bags, and let’s plan a Japan working holiday.

Japan Visa Requirements (Working Holiday)

The Japanese government has a number of requirements that must be met in order to apply for a Japan Working Holiday Visa. Your personal Stepabroad travel advisor will walk you through the application steps in more detail and ensure you provide the correct documentation. The Japan visa requirements are as follows:

 

  • A Canadian citizen currently residing in Canada
  • Have a valid Canadian passport with at least 6 months remaining
  • Between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application
  • Can prove the Canadian equivalent of $3,500 CAD or more to support your trip
  • Provide round-trip flight information or sufficient funds to purchase one
  • You are in good health
  • Have no children or financially dependent relatives
  • A clean criminal record
  • Planning a trip of up to 12 months
  • Have never previously held a Japan Working Holiday Visa

 

It is worth noting that, as a Canadian citizen, it is possible to enter Japan on a 90-day tourist visa. This visa is obtainable on entry to the country, with proof of finances and exit flight or finances to buy one. However, this form of visa does not enable you to earn money or engage in business-related activities. Canadian citizens wishing to work in Japan must obtain a visa.

Japan Working Holiday Programs

Year-round

1 - 12 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.

Year-round

1 - 12 months

C$1499

Japan Kickstart Package

Start your Japan adventure experiencing living in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Fukuoka for two 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.

mid-November - April

6 months

C$1199

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!

FAQs

Can I work in Japan as a Canadian citizen?

Yes! The Working Holiday Visa for Canadian citizens allows you to live and work in Japan  for up to a whole year, under International Experience Canada (IEC).

What are the requirements for a Canadian to get a working holiday visa for Japan?

You need to be between the ages of 18 to 30 currently residing in Canada, be in good health and have no criminal record, and have never held a Japan working holiday visa before.

How long can Canadians work in Japan on a Working Holiday visa?

Canadians can work in Japan for up to one year with a Working Holiday visa. You have the flexibility to work either part-time or full-time—it’s entirely your choice!

How many Working Holiday visas are available for Canadians every year in Japan?

The Japanese Government gives out 6,500 Working Holiday visas to Canadians each year thanks to the agreement between Canada and Japan (IEC).

How much does the working holiday visa for Japan cost for Canadians?

The Japan working holiday visa application for Canadians is entirely free! You won’t be paying any fee to submit your visa application. However, there will be some fees associated with your visa documents, such as printing fees, doctor’s appointments, flights, etc. Schedule a call with our Japan travel coordinator today to discuss budgeting!

I am a Canadian overseas, can I apply for a Japanese working holiday visa from outside Canada?

No, you MUST apply for the Japan working holiday visa from Canada. This is non-negotiable, so if you are currently overseas and thinking about applying for this visa, please come back to Canada at your earliest convenience so that we can start planning!

 

How does Stepabaroad support Canadians in applying for the Japan Working Holiday visa?

We help with your visa application paperwork step by step, making sure that every single form and supporting document is completed correctly! The Japanese consulate is notorious for rejecting visa applications due to their strict requirements, so we recommend you to utilize our travel coordinator’s expertise to ensure that you’re not turned away at the consulate!

Is Japanese language proficiency required to apply for a Japan Working Holiday Visa?

No, you do not need any level of Japanese language proficiency to apply for a Japan Working Holiday Visa. However, we do recommend learning some basic Japanese to make your everyday life in Japan more enjoyable, meaningful, and fun!

Can I apply for a Japan working holiday visa without a job offer?

Yes! You do not need a job offer in order to apply for the Working Holiday Visa as a Canadian citizen. Most of our participants obtain a job in Japan after their visa has been approved. Yet, if you are interested in working upon arrival check out our Japan Ski Resort Program!.

Can I work in Japan if I don't speak Japanese as a Canadian?

Yes! There are many jobs in Japan that require English-speaking staff, such as some hotels or resorts, as well as many English tutoring and teaching positions. Most of our Japan participants successfully find a role within their first month of arrival in Japan without speaking fluent Japanese! We have placed hundreds of Canadians at ski Resorts in Japan, through our Japan Ski Resort Program, check it out here.

Can Canadians drive in Japan during their working holiday visa?

If you have a full driver’s license from Canada, you can obtain a 1-year International Driving Permit and drive in Japan with this permit. You will need to apply for the International Driving Permit before you leave for Japan.