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?
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
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.
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:
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.
The Working Holiday Visa allows Canadian citizens aged 18 to 30 to work and travel in Japan for a specified period. This period can be up to 2 full years. 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
We Can Submit Your Visa Application For You!
As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on to any of our Japan Working Holiday Programs if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not from these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!
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:
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.
Yes! The Working Holiday Visa for Canadians allows you to live and work in Japan for up to a whole year, under International Experience Canada (IEC).
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 or only once previously and not extended your stay longer than 1 year under the Working Holiday Program.
The preparation of the documentation can take anywhere from 1 -3 months. Once you submit your working holiday visa application at the Japanese Consulate/Embassy, the processing times vary from 7-15 business days.
Yes! As of December 1, 2024, the Working Holiday Visa can be granted twice in a lifetime. Recent changes allow you to stay in Japan for up to 2 consecutive years—perfect for experiencing back-to-back ski seasons. Imagine making the most of Niseko’s world-renowned powder two years in a row! Learn everything about the new process here
We can help with plenty! Your personal travel coordinator will walk you through the visa application process step by step and review all of your documents to ensure they meet standards. Then, we provide a complete one-on-one pre-departure orientation reviewing everything from how to set up a bank account, transport, travel, and more. What’s more, we can connect you with reliable accommodations, and arrange language classes – just ask!
The initial costs of getting set up in Japan will be an investment in your future. The cost of living is around $1,500 – $4,300 (123,200 JPY – 347,000 JPY) Per Month. Moreover, the average salary across Japan is just over $3,500 per month, so you can rest assured that you’ll be living comfortably. Moving abroad will always require some initial investment, but it is definitely worth it. With the right guidance, living and working in Japan should be a sustainable financial investment and a memorable chapter in your life.
As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not From these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!
The Working Holiday Visa Japan allows Canadian youth aged 18-30 to stay in Japan for up to one year to experience its culture while being allowed to work to fund their travels.
As a Canadian, you’ll apply through the International Experience Canada (IEC) agreement. To apply, you’ll prepare your completed visa application and supporting documents, then attend an in-person appointment at your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. In some cases, you might even be able to submit via mail. We make navigating these essential steps clear and straightforward!
As a Canadian citizen, you’ll qualify for the Japan Working Holiday Visa if you’re aged 18 to 30 and currently living in Canada. This visa is designed for you to primarily explore and immerse yourself in Japanese culture, with work serving as a fantastic way to fund your journey. Just ensure you have a valid Canadian passport, a return ticket (or funds for one), enough money for your initial stay, and meet the good health and character requirements.
Canadians can now embark on an incredible Working Holiday for up to two years! Your initial visa grants you one full year from arrival, with the option to extend for a second. This allows extra time to explore, work, and truly immerse yourself in Japanese culture, thanks to the latest Canada-Japan IEC agreement updates!
You must show proof of travel funds—at least $4,500 CAD if you don’t have a return ticket, or $3,500 CAD if you do. Funds must be in your bank account.
The visa itself is free for Canadians applying under the Working Holiday Japan agreement.
You can engage in remunerative activities like hospitality, teaching English, seasonal roles or farm work and more. Jobs in bars, gambling establishments, or those that affect public morals are strictly prohibited.
No, speaking Japanese is not a requirement for your Working Holiday Visa approval! However, imagine how much richer your experience could be if you learn the language! At Stepabroad, we offer our Kick Start program designed to help you quickly pick up the essentials, making every interaction and exploration in Japan even more rewarding.
Absolutely! You can level up your Japan experience! Working Holiday Visa holders can join Japanese classes. With our Kick Start program, we partner you with a highly-rated language school with centers in different cities to help you confidently master essential Japanese, transforming your daily life in Japan into truly unforgettable moments by interacting with locals!
Once your Working Holiday visa application is submitted, the Japanese Working Holiday Visa is typically processed within a speedy 7 to 10 business days! However, that’s just the final step. Remember to allow ample time to meticulously prepare and gather all your supporting documents beforehand. This will take time. Starting well in advance makes all the difference.
The visa is a single entry, but if you plan to leave and return, you must apply for a re-entry permit before departure and carry your residence card. Stepabroad will guide you through every step, ensuring seamless re-entry for all your adventures!
The best time to apply for a Japan Working Holiday visa is whenever! We cannot say with absolute certainty when the best time is for you to go to Japan as it is entirely up to you. You can apply up to 3 months before your planned arrival, and then once you are approved you have one whole year to activate the visa.
Navigating visa requirements, understanding cultural differences, and knowing job limitations (like prohibited industries) can feel overwhelming. That’s where Stepabroad steps in! We simplify the entire process, ensuring all your documents are perfectly in order and providing you with crucial insights into Japanese workplace culture. That way you can confidently immerse yourself in Japanese life from day one and enjoy a truly seamless transition.
1 - 24 months
C$499
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.
1 - 24 months
C$1499
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.
6 months
C$1199
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!