Applying for a Japanese working holiday visa can be a relatively pain-free affair if you know what you need to do. The requirements and application procedures vary somewhat depending on where you’re from but they’re all pretty much the same.
What is it?
The working holiday visa for Japan allows you to to live in Japan for up to a year and work. Tourist visas will only allow you to stay for a few weeks or months and you may not work, and student visas have restrictions on how much you can work and you must stay enrolled in full-time education. The working holiday visa is designed for young people who want to travel around Japan and work part-time jobs to suppose themselves. Working-holidayers are not supposed to stay in the same place for the whole year and they shouldn’t really work full-time jobs. The visa itself is an official document pasted into your passport, as seen on the right.
The working holiday visa is a single-entry visa, which means once you can only enter Japan and leave once with it. If you want to pop over to Korea in the middle of your working holiday, tough luck; you’ll have to return to Japan with a regular tourist visa. Not a big deal really, but it just means that if you want to go to your home country, your working holiday visa is finished. However, you can get a re-entry visa if you apply for permission.
Countries
There are five English-speaking countries which have working holiday arrangements with Japan. These are Australia, the UK, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. The other non-English-speaking countries are Korea, France and Germany, but I won’t be dealing with those countries. The US does not have any arrangements with Japan or with any other countries for working holidays so any Americans will have to either move to the forementioned countries and get citizenship, or get Japanese citizenship.
Basic Requirements
There are four basic requirements in applying for the visa, which you must meet before even being considered.
- You must be a citizen of one of the forementioned countries and be living in that country.
- You must not have had a Japanese working holiday visa before.
- You must be aged 18-25 if you’re from the UK or Ireland; 18-30 if you’re from Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
- You must be of good character. That means no drug addicts, no criminals and no Hilary Duff fans.
Application Form
The application form is the first part of the process and is really quite simple; name, address, age, nationality etc. You can find this form on the internet if you’re from New Zealand, Ireland or the UK. If you’re from Canada or Australia, you will have to go to your local Japanese embassy in person.
Resume/CV
When you hand in your application form, you’ll also have to hand in a resume/CV telling a bit more about yourself, your academic history and your professional history. Try and highlight your reliability and your good character. They don’t want to give visas to people who’re going to give them a headache. Mention your work experience if you have some, and also any academic/sporting awards you’ve won.
This is also a great place to show your interest in Japan. Mention any Japan-related clubs you’ve been in and any Japanese Language Profiency Test certificates you’ve been awarded.
Outline of Planned Activities
This is perhaps the part of the application which gives most applicants trouble. The purpose of this is to show that you have a plan and that you’ve thought about your time in Japan. This outline’s purpose is to weed out three types of applicants. Make sure you’re not one of them!
- The impulse applicant. This guy hears about the visa and applies without really thinking about it. He turns up at Narita Airport and has no idea what he’s doing. He paces back and forth, faints from shock, and ends up homeless and a burden on the Japanese government.
- The immigrant. This guy wants to move to Japan but can’t find a job or get a company to sponsor him. He applies for a working holiday visa and intends on setting up shop in Tokyo, and quietly fading into obscurity as his year comes to an end. His illegal status makes him a burden on the Japanese government.
- The illegal worker. This guy knows he can’t get a working visa if he wants to transport drugs, transport sex or transport Hilary Duff CDs. He applies for a working holiday visa and once he’s in Japan he parties and works all his illegal jobs. He becomes a burden on the Japanese government.
So how do you become successful in writing your outline of planned activities? Ask yourself this; have you really thought about the implications of a working holiday in Japan? Are you planning on using this visa just as a way of immigrating to Japan? Are you a hooker? If you answered ‘no’ to these three questions, you may continue!
The thing that all these three have in common is that they’re not really interested in travelling around and seeing the country. You are, so make that known! Write about your plans to stay in a few different cities. Mention some ideas for part-time jobs you might undertake but remember that you’re not going to Japan to raise money for a deposit on a house!
The embassies don’t give any suggestions for how to format this outline, but here’s what I did and it worked for me: I made a table with three columns.
- In the first column were dates; just the months of the year to give a framework of when I will do what.
- In the second column I wrote plans for jobs; just things like teaching English, working as a waiter or working in a store. Write what you’re capable of and what you’re willing to do. Please know that under the terms of the visa you may not work in bars.
- In the third column I wrote my ideas for accommodation. If you’re staying anywhere for a few months, it’s probably best to check into a guest house (aka; gaijin house) where you don’t need deposits or guarantors. There are many guest houses in Japan so look around for what suits you best.
If you’re specific (names, dates) and have plans to move around a bit (about three months per city is recommended), you should be successful!
Reason
You’ll have to provide a statement saying why you want to get a working holiday visa for Japan. By now you should have the hang of showing yourself in the best light. Keep in the mind the objective of the working holiday visa programme is to give young people the opportunity to holiday in Japan for up to a year, whilst working to supporting themselves if necessary.
Remember why you want to go to Japan and write that down! It’s really so simple. Remember to write well and don’t obsess over three paragraphs devoted to your love of Ayumi Hamasaki. Try and include a little variety in your reasons as well. Your sole reason for the visa shouldn’t be to practise ikebana, and equally it shouldn’t be simply to brush up your Japanese grammar.
Proof of Adequate Funds
To apply for the visa you have to be able to prove that you’re not broke and going to need financial help from any government. For Australia you need to have AU$2500, UK you need £2500, New Zealand you need US$2500, Canada you need C$2500, and Ireland you’ll need €1600.
The UK and Ireland are particularly fussy about where this money’s from and if it’s really yours. You’ll be asked to provide bank statements for the past three months. If it’s clear someone just deposited £2500/€1600 the other day, they’ll probably ask you where it’s from and the person who deposited that money may have to write a letter saying that the money may be spent in Japan.
Letter of Recommendation
This wasn’t asked for in the UK, but I understand New Zealand asks for a letter of recommendation for someone. Obviously you can’t ask a relative to write it. Good guarantors would include teachers and priests; people who know you and would be respected in the community.
Medical Exam
Again, not something I was asked for here in the UK, but Canadian applicants are fortunate enough to be asked for this. Tips? Treat it like a date; make sure you’re wearing clean underwear, have a shower and pop in a breath mint.
Interviews
Some countries ask to personally interview applicants. Before the interview make sure you’re cool, calm and collected. Have a final look over your reasons for going to Japan and your planned itinerary so you know what you’re going to talk about. Also, please look smart; don’t wear a t-shirt and jeans. A push-up bra may help the ladies and a sweet-smelling cologne may help the men.
Finally
I’ve done my best to provide you with advice on applying for a working holiday visa. For more information and for the latest on the visas, you should consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan which will have links to specific information for you country.
I hope this advice has helped you all and I’d like to hear from you. Are you planning on applying for the visa? If you’re already applied, how were your experiences applying?
Tags: advice, Japan, working holiday
I think it’s awesome that you
have had the chance to get a Working Holiday Visa in Japan. I’m also thinking of doing the same thing but then I found out that the U.S doesn’t have that kind of agreement with Japan or any other countries… Sigh, I think that reaaly blows big time. Oh well, maybe I’ll just visit as a tourist or something.
lol. I recognize you from Youtube. Good job on that video! U kind of look mix. If so, what is it?
- jin (from Cali)
Hey, thanks for the comment. It’s a shame for so many people that the US doesn’t do working holiday visas. =( If you’re interested in Japan, you have to visit!
And thanks, I’ve a few videos on youTube and I’m just trying to upload a new one now. I’m mixed Japanese/Jewish/European. Byeee!
Hi Alec,
I’m in the process of applying for a Working Holiday Visa for japan and having a bit of trouble with my statement of reason. How long does this need to be? I’ve put in all my reasons but my statement is really short. If possible would you be able to tell me how long your statement was or let me read your statement so i can get an idea of what is required because I’m a little lost at the moment
Thanks
Andrew
Basically, it needs to be long enough for you to say what you want to say. About a paragraph (or two) should be enough. Mine was 386 words which was probably more than enough. Don’t force yourself to write something long but remember to elaborate a little on your reasons so that it’s a reasonable length and sufficiently detailed.
Dear Alec,
It has always been my dream to go to japan ever since I was a little boy of six, and that’s before I knew of Anime. I’ve always been more intrested in Japan’s history and social culture rather than the pop culture, although I do enjoy that too ;P .
I dare say that I’m learning japanese but I really don’t think I’m anywhere near good.
I was wondering if you would take the time to answer me two questions.
How well did you speak Japanese before you went there
And
I’m a british citizen but I was born in Germany and also lived there untill recently and by ther time i go on the working holiday I will have lived here only for two years, is that a problem.
I’d be ever so delighted if you would answer me. I look forwad to more videos. Good luck for further along the way
All my support and “Ra-Ra-Ra Alec Ra-Ra-Ra’s”
Jim
Hi Jim and thanks for the comment. Before I went to Japan I spoke Japanese pretty well or at least well enough to have a conversation. I was a little bit below what would be required of a store person, but with a little practice and after learning some key phrases I was ready.
With respect to your living in the UK for two years, it really doesn’t matter. You won’t be asked about that. I know one NZ citizen living overseas who flew back to NZ to get her working holiday visa; she didn’t live in NZ but she’s a NZ citizen and they didn’t ask where she lived. As long as the address with which you communicate with the embassy is a British address, no problemo.
Hope that helps and best of luck with your trip to Japan! I’m sure you’ll have a brilliant time and keep studying Japanese to make the most of your time here. =D
If I live in the USA, and the working holiday visa is perfect for me, but I cannot attain it because USA doesnt like working holiday visas, what do I do? I want all of the things in the working holiday visa. Can I do such a thing as a custom visa? Maybe I can get more than one visa?
If you can’t get a working holiday visa, I think the next best thing is to get a student visa. Sign up for a language course in Japan (I think it has to be full-time to quality - full-time being at least a few hours everyday) and then you get the visa. Once you have the visa, you can ask the government for permission to work. I think that might be the best deal if you don’t want to get a proper job and a work visa.
I’m not a professional visa-consultant so don’t go flying to Japan just yet until you’ve checked that with a Japanese embassy. =) Good luck!
Alec,
I am a Kiwi gal from NZ..!
I was getting the paperwork ready for my Japan holiday and got STUCK with the Outline of planned activities!
Thanks alot for helping me out here! It helped me out.
I am planning to apply next week.
I can’t wait to go to Japan! ^____^
Hey, really glad to hear that! Hope you get the visa and have a great time in Japan. (^_^)
Hello! I’m from Canada and am applying for my working holiday visa to Japan tomorrow. I just wanted to let you know, that a medical examination is not required in Canada, simply a doctor’s note. All you have to do is go to your doctor and ask him to review your medical history. He may ask you questions such as, “Do you have a history of the following: asthma, diabetes, etc?” and other questions, but it really is a simple thing. Just thought I’d share.
Hey, Iris. Thanks a lot for the comment. I’m sure it’ll help some other Canadians out there =)
Hey Alec..i just watched one of your you tube video’s on “Top Ten Half Japanese Celebrities,” and have now been checking out your blog..i must say hun, you seem to have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Japan and great tv personality! I love love love that you have a blog. I’m coming to Japan in early May and really appreciate people who can speak fluent English, that have experienced advise to share..
SO..thanks for taking the time to do all this..your efforts are much appreciated!
Thank you so much for your comment! (^_^) When you come to Japan you should come eat at the Japanese restaurant I work at!
Hey Alex, thanks for setting this website up. Appreciate it. Just a quick simple question. I’m an Australian permanent resident but having a Malaysian citizenship. So, can I still apply for working holiday visa? I have been trying to ask around a few Japanese friends and they can’t seem to give me a direct answer. Cheers
I don’t think you can apply for a working holiday visa because you’re not citizen of Australia. I’m not 100% sure so you should check with a Japanese embassy near you.
Why would your Japanese friends know about the intricacies of Japanese immigration law? They would never have tried to get a working holiday visa to Japan and I’d be surprised if you could answer their more difficult questions about Malaysian/Australian visa policies (^_-)
“The US does not have any arrangements with Japan or with any other countries for working holidays so any Americans will have to either move to the forementioned countries and get citizenship, or get Japanese citizenship.”
This isn’t completely true. While Japan may not offer a “working holiday” visa to US citizens, they can still apply for a regular working visa. The only restriction I know of is that the applicant must have a 4-year University degree and a job already lined up.
It’s not that hard really. Many companies in Japan are always looking for English speakers.(Sometimes not even native ones)
Basically, If your from the US, speak English and have a University degree in ANYTHING;
You have a job waiting for you in Japan. You just need to find a company that recruits overseas and apply.
Thanks for the comment. What I meant to say was that if you want to do a working holiday as a US citizen, you can’t. Thanks for the clarification for other readers though =)
Hey Alex
My girlfriend is intending to come to Japan to find work for a working visa, but wants alot longer than what the tourist visa provides for which is 90 days. Once she finds work, she’ll go to the Hong Kong embassy and get the visa, then come back. in her outline of planned activities, should she say that she intends to stay with me as a base to travel or would that be considered stating in the same place? any advice would be great
jeff
If a 90 day tourist visa isn’t enough for finding a job, I would suggest she simply take a short plane/ferry trip over to Korea and back on the 89th day. This would give her another 90 days and the trip there and back is very cheap.
Numbers for working holiday visas are limited so I think it would be a shame for your girlfriend to use up a place when she’s just planning to use it for a few months for job searching. Let the visa go to someone who really wants it, and just keep renewing your tourist visa until you get the job.
Best of luck to her in her search!
Ah sorry Alec (spelt your name wrong, sorry about that!)
If she were to get part time work for a while then, and then after 6months or a year find full time empoyment, then would this still be advisable? Would you mention anything about staying with a partner or friend on the itenerary?
Thanks for all your advice
Jeff
If your girlfriend wanted to get part-time work and maybe improve her Japanese for a few months first, then I suppose a working holiday visa would be a good idea. She shouldn’t lie on her application, but I think it might hurt her if she says she’s got a partner/friend who she’s staying with, because it suggests she’s just going to stay with him and not planning on getting out and exploring Japan so much. Just my thoughts.
Does that mean that tourist visa may be extended just like that? You dont have to wait e.g. 2 months to come to jp again?
i like to applay for a job in japan so i wish i can get some one help me for that
I was wondering what should I write about my plans to work as I travel around Japan, when I apply for the Working Holiday Visa. I’m just worried that my statement of purpose might sound too unrealistic. Did you just say that you planned to travel to different cities and find some casual English-teaching jobs? I appreciate your advise…
Thanks for the comment, Nicholas. I said I was going to spend the first few months in one city, and then after a few months move to another. I can’t remember what I said about jobs but I doubt I said I wanted to find casual English-teaching jobs for a few weeks/months at a time, because I think that probably is too unrealistic. Everyone who applies takes different approaches though based on what they’re doing. I think you need to take the spirit of my video and think about you think the embassy wants to hear.
Thank you!
I decided to apply for German citizenship in order to apply for working holiday visa.
You wrote:
“With respect to your living in the UK for two years, it really doesn’t matter. You won’t be asked about that. I know one NZ citizen living overseas who flew back to NZ to get her working holiday visa; she didn’t live in NZ but she’s a NZ citizen and they didn’t ask where she lived. As long as the address with which you communicate with the embassy is a British address, no problemo.”
So do I have to have German address when applying for whv in jp embassy in German? I must say getting german citizenship is easier then leaving in germany as i dont speak any german…
You’re applying for German citizenship? And you know you’ll probably only be able to get it if you’ve lived in Germany for a number of years? And you might have to give up your other citizenship. I’m sure you’ve researched this though.
Yes, you have you show the German embassy that you live in Germany. German citizens who live outside of Germany are NOT eligible for the visa. Likewise, British citizens living in Germany are NOT eligible for the visa. As I understand you must be living in the country of your citizenship to be eligible.
i dont have to live in germany to get german citizenship nor give up my current citizenship. my ancestors were germans so i have the right to get it. just didnt need it before.
so i cant send application to japanese embassy in germany with my current address? and could i send application to jp embassy with german address but only as a correspondence address? i mean i wouldnt be registered there… or is contemporary registration enough?
As far as the Japanese government is concerned, you’re a German citizen living in German. I can’t say it any simpler.
Hey alec
Me again, sorry to harrass your happy time in Japan! Just a quick question! My girlfriend is just filling out the visa application form and its asking her for a guarantor…she has no job yet, she’ll find one while she’s out there. Also its asking for occupation, rank held etc but she has none of this. Such a stupid question I know, but I’m guessing you just leave that blank?!
Take care dude
I don’t remember getting asked for a guarantor when I applied so your application must be different from mine. Your girlfriend is applying for a working visa right? I know nothing about them, sorry.