Japanese (日本語)

Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto
在トロント日本国総領事館

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  Working Holiday Visa for Canadian Citizens
　
       For the purpose of promoting greater mutual understanding between Japan and Canada, the governments of these two countries have agreed to start a Working-Holiday scheme to help encourage the exchange of young people. The scheme will make it possible for citizens of one country to enter the other primarily for a holiday over an extended period, and also to engage in employment as an incidental aspect of their trip in order to supplement their travel funds.

   

      This programme is not designed for persons who mainly intend to work. The applicants’ primary purpose of stay should be “holiday" in Japan.   The applicants who intend to work primarily cannot apply for this visa.    Working Holiday participants are strictly prohibited from working at places affecting public morals such as bars, cabarets, nightclubs and etc.

       Please apply for this visa after understanding the purpose of this programme.

 

       Beginning March 1, 1986, on a reciprocal basis, the Government of Japan will issue, free of charge, a single entry visa for the Working-Holiday to a person who satisfies each of the following requirements (effective January 1, 1997).

 

       Our jurisdiction is the Province of Ontario. You may apply for a visa at this Consulate if you live, work, or attend school in Ontario.

       If you are not located within our jurisdiction, please contact the Japanese Consulate or Embassy that handles visas for your area. 
       We may decline visa applications from areas outside our jurisdiction.

Prerequisites  |  Procedure  |  Other Information  |
Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers  |  Location and application hours

Prerequisites for Working Holiday Visa applicants


Applicants for the Working Holiday Visa:

  1. must be a Canadian citizen currently residing in Canada;

  2. must intend primarily to holiday in Japan for a specific length of time;

  3. must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application;

  4. must possess a valid Canadian passport and a return travel ticket;

  5. must possess reasonable funds for their maintenance, including medical expenses, during the period of their initial stay in Japan;

  6. must be in good health and not have a criminal record;

  7. have never obtained the Working-Holiday visa before.

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Procedure for applying for a Working Holiday Visa


Applicants for the Working Holiday Visa are required to submit the following:

  1. valid Canadian passport;

  2. application form (included in information package);

  3. one photograph (approx. 45mm x 45mm);

  4. personal history (included in information package);

  5. detailed itinerary in Japan proposed by applicant (included in information package);

  6. letter explaining your motive for a Working-Holiday visa (typed on letter-size paper);

  7. note from physician stating that you are in good health.

Download the Information Package (55KB)
Information Package is stored in Adobe® Acrobat PDF format. You need the Acrobat Reader (version 4.0 or later), available at no charge on Adobe's web site, to view and print this file.


The applicant must apply for a visa in person. Applications submitted by agents or group will not be accepted. Application must be made at least three weeks before the anticipated departure date. Applications submitted on short notice will not be accepted.
If you satisfy the requirements, you'll be informed that your visa will be processed.

When you come to pick up your validated passport, you must bring the following:

1) actual return Airline ticket back to Canada;

2) minimum $2,500 ($3,500 for married couple) in TRAVELERS CHEQUE (or equivalent amount of other foreign currency travelers cheque) or a BANK ACCOUNT STATEMENT with your name.

Processing time of visa application:

* Minimum one week.

Application must be made at least three weeks before the anticipated departure date. Applications submitted on short notice will not be accepted.

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Other Information
 
  1. Life and Health Insurance

It is recommended that insurance coverage should be arranged before leaving Canada as under the conditions of employment for the Working Holiday Visa. The period of employment is usually not long enough to qualify for coverage undertaken by the employers or companies.

  1. Validity of the Visa

Applicants may enter Japan within twelve months after the date of issue of the visa; the visa is valid for twelve months.

  1. Period of Stay

A period of stay of up to six months can be initially granted at the port of entry. This may be extended up to another six months by the Immigration Authorities in Japan.

  1. Re-entry Permits

Working Holiday visas are single entry. Therefore, if Working Holiday participants have to leave Japan for any reason and wish to return, it is essential that they obtain a re-entry permit from the Immigration Authorities before leaving Japan.

  1. Alien Registration

Within 90 days of arrival in Japan, Working Holiday participants must apply for alien registration at a nearby Local Government Office where they are staying.

  1. Tax Implications

You should ask for a statement of earnings in English while in Japan and call Revenue Canada for the appropriate information when you return to Canada.

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Location and application hours

VISA SECTION
Consulate General of Japan
Suite 3300
77 King St. West, Toronto, Ontario
Tel: (416)363-7038

VISA HOURS
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
1:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
(Monday - Friday except holidays)