The Working Holiday Programs in Japan
Information below provided by and on behalf of –
The Minister of Foreign Affairshttp://www.mofa.go.jp
In the interest of helping to promote the program on behalf of “The Minister of Foreign Affairs”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan
(for Citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom)

Japan initiated its Working Holiday Programmes, first with Australia in December 1980, then with New Zealand in July 1985, and with Canada in March 1986 respectively. In April 1999, the Republic of Korea joined the three preceding countries to start the Programme with Japan followed by France in December that year. The programme with Germany started in December 2000, and with the United Kingdom in April 2001. Working Holiday Programmes are designed to foster young people with global perspective and enhance friendly relationship between Japan and partner countries by providing opportunities for the young people to deepen their understanding about partner countries.

The working holiday makers are allowed to engage themselves in part-time or full-time work to supplement their funds to travel and stay in partner countries.

The following is the detailed information on the Working Holiday Programmes in Japan.

Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday visa is a special visa for young people that have the following features.

Validity of Visa:
Visa recipients must enter Japan within six months (one year for U.K.) after the date of issue.
Period of Stay:
An initial stay of up to six months is granted (one year for U.K. cannot be extended.) This may be extended up to another six months by the immigration authorities. Details are available from the Immigration Bureau.
Limits on Issue:
Working Holiday visas will be issued only to persons who have never obtained one before.
Re-entry Permits:
The Working Holiday visa is a single-entry visa. If the visa holder needs to leave Japan temporarily, it is necessary to obtain a re-entry permit from the immigration authorities before leaving Japan.
Remunerative Activities:
Working Holiday visa holders can engage in any kind of job, part-time or full-time, as long as their stay is deemed to be primarily a holiday in Japan. They may not, however, work in places where business is being regulated by the Law on Control and Improvement of Amusement and Entertainment Business, such as nightclubs and dance halls.
Visa Fees:
There is no charge for a Working Holiday visa. (7 pounds for U.K.)

Conditions of the Working Holiday Programme
Since the Working Holiday programme is intended to promote greater mutual understanding, the applicant's primary aim should be to holiday in Japan. The programme is not designed for persons who mainly intend to work or study in Japan (for which purposes the appropriate visa should be sought). To ensure that the programme's objectives are met, the following requirements are to be satisfied.

The applicant

must be a citizen/national of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom currently residing in his or her country of citizenship.
must intend primarily to holiday in Japan for a specific length of time.
must be between 18 and 30 years of age (25 years in principal for the U.K. at the time of application.)
must possess a valid passport and a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket.
must possess reasonable funds for living expenses, including medical expenses, during the period of the initial stay in Japan. For a single person, the minimum is US$2000, for a married couple, US$3000 or equivalent amount of the national currency.
must be in good health and not have a criminal record.

Application for Working Holiday Visa (Requirements and Procedure)

I. Requirements

The documents required for application include the following.

Application form in duplicate.
Photographs:
Two identical photographs (45mm x 45mm), to be glued to the application form.
Curriculum vitae:
Curriculum vitae in duplicate on A4 paper, including educational background, work experience, hobbies, and other relevant information.
Outline of planned activities in Japan, in duplicate.
Statement of the reason:
Statement of the reason for applying for Working Holiday visa in duplicate on A4 paper.
Proof of travel funds:
Proof of adequate travel funds (a return ticket, proof of possession of a bank account, traveller's cheques, etc.).
Proof of sufficient funds to support the initial stay in Japan:
At least US$2000 for a single person, US$3000 for a married couple.

II. Procedure

The applicant must apply for a visa in person.
Applications submitted by agents or group will not be accepted.
Place:
All application documents must be submitted to the nearest Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan in the applicant's country of residence.
Processing time for visa application:
Application must be made at least three weeks before the anticipated departure date. Applications submitted on short notice will not be accepted.
Other documents:
Alternative and/or additional documents may be required. Particulars can be obtained from the nearest Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan.
Interview:
An interview with the visa officer by appointment may be required.

Further information on visa application procedures can be obtained from Embassies or Consulates-General of Japan.

Some views on the programme

Male from New Zealand, 21, professional skateboarder, arrived Feb. 1996
"The working holiday has been a great scheme for me. It has given me the chance to travel, work, and enjoy a different culture over my stay in Japan. I have met many interesting people and made many good friends. I have also learnt more about myself as a person. I think the working holiday programme is perfect for young people wishing to travel."
Female from Canada, 28, teacher, arrived Apr. 1996
"The Working Holiday Program is an exceptional opportunity that has enabled me to work and travel in Japan. The program opens the door of possibilities in Japan. It allows you to meet and work with the Japanese people, to participate and experience their culture. Having been here already four months, I could not imagine being here without the Working Holiday Program, because it has enabled me to do so many things that I would have not been allowed to do. Finally, since I have been in Japan, I have gained much experience both on a professional and personal level. In fact, now I begin to adjust to Japan, I am so glad that I can stay for one year, thanks to the Working Holiday Program and to all the personnel at the Working Holiday Office in Tokyo."
Male from Australia, 23, English teacher, arrived Feb. 1995
"Since I have been in Japan I have found the Japanese people to be friendly and the working holiday program to be a very worthwhile programme that gives foreigners the opportunity to experience the real Japan (e.g., its culture, hobbies, and way of life)."

1. It is recommended that insurance coverage be arranged before leaving your home country, as under the conditions of employment for the Working Holiday visa you shall not be entitled to National Health insurance cover until such time that your visa status has been changed from that of a working holiday visa to a full working visa and that all requirements have been completed in obtaining residence status.
2. Applicants will not be able to engage themselves in activities, which are considered to go against policies of the Working Holiday scheme such as working at places where businesses, which may affect public morals, operate
3. Working Holiday visas are for single entry. Therefore, if the Working Holiday maker has to leave Japan for any reason and wishes to return to Japan, it is essential that the person obtain a re-entry permit from the Immigration Authorities before leaving Japan
4. Within 90 days of arrival in Japan, Working Holiday makers must apply for alien registration at the Local Government Office near to where they are staying
5. Arriving in Japan, Working Holiday makers should register with their respective Embassy in Tokyo. This will mean that the Embassy or Consulate know the whereabouts of all international residents in Japan so that they can try to help in the case of an accident or emergency. For further information, contact the Embassy or the Consulate-General of your appropriate nationality.