How to get a Japan WHV (Working Holiday Visa) – for all nationalities

Visa applications are never fun, but if you know what steps to anticipate, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this chapter, we will walk through 1) where to fill out the application form, 2) what supporting documents to gather, and 3) where to submit everything.

1. Fill out the application form

Download and complete the application form. Note that:

• Guarantor and inviter sections can be left blank
• If you are a student, fill in your school information instead of employment
• Arrival information – certain applicants can leave this blank. For example, Canadians are not required to have already bought airfare if they have an additional CA$1000 in savings (on top of the minimum), or French applicants who have an extra €1400. Check in step 3 to see if this applies to your nationality.

See this completed sample for reference. Though it is from the Embassy of Japan in the UK, the application form is universal for all applicants.

2. Gather supporting documents

In addition to the visa application form, you will also need to gather some supporting documents. This is the minimum standard list for applicants of all nationalities.

• Visa application form (from previous step). It must be hand signed.
• Passport. Valid for full duration of planned stay in Japan, and have at least 2 blank pages.
• ID photo 35mm x 45mm in size, taken within the previous 6 months. DO NOT STAPLE it to the application form, glue it.
• CV (resume) detailing your personal, educational and employment history.
• Motivation letter clearly stating why you want to apply for a working holiday visa, what you are interested in and what you want to achieve.
• Proof of funds. It should include your name and address. You can check the specific amount in step 3.
• Itinerary* detailing your travel plans.

*A few tips for writing your itinerary:

• See itinerary templates from Japan’s embassy to Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. If the embassy of Japan to your country doesn’t provide an example, you can refer to these as a starting point.
• The itinerary is not binding, so don’t worry if your plans change later on.
• If you need more space to detail your full itinerary, don’t limit yourself to one page.
• You should demonstrate an interest in visiting different parts of Japan. Indicating that you plan to stay 12 months straight in just one city may raise eyebrows with Japanese authorities (though they won’t actually follow you once you’re in Japan).
• Your plan should be realistic and researched. For example, don’t write that you plan to hike Mount Fuji in winter (it is not authorised).
• Even if it is not explicitly stated, consider including rough estimates of the budget required and salary that you expect to earn. This is to show that your plan is feasible.

3. Check for additional requirements and submit

Visit the Japan WHV page for your nationality to for additional requirements and specifications, as well as steps for submission. Submission steps vary by country so if you have any questions, you should contact the Japanese embassy or consulate that is responsible for your jurisdiction, or leave a comment below.

• Australians
• British
• Canadians
• French*
• Germans
• Irish
• New Zealanders
• Other nationalities

*French applicants can see additional details in Tutoriel PVT Japon : l’obtention d’un Visa Vacances-Travail.