Japan’s distinct culture, lifestyle, and possibilities draw thousands of visitors each year. The working holiday visa provides young explorers with a unique opportunity to live, work, and experience Japan for a specified length of time. But what happens if your visa expires and you’re not ready to leave? Transitioning to a new visa status is doable, but the procedure varies according to your nationality and plans.

A Quick Jump To…

What is a Working Holiday Visa?
Can You Change Your Working Holiday Visa to Another Visa While in Japan?
What Are Your Visa Options After a Working Holiday?
How Long Does the Visa Change Process Take?
Why a Student Visa May Be Your Best Next Step

In this article, we’ll go over the ins and outs of switching from a working vacation visa to other residency statuses in Japan, as well as crucial insights and resources to help you along the route.

What is a Working Holiday Visa?

A working holiday visa is a special program that allows young people from specific countries to work part-time while enjoying an extended stay in Japan. It’s an opportunity to earn money, travel, and gain firsthand experience of Japanese culture and daily life.

However, the working holiday visa is non-renewable, with a typical duration of 6 months to 1 year, depending on the agreements between Japan and the applicant’s home country. To stay in Japan beyond this period, you’ll need to transition to another visa type.

Can You Change Your Working Holiday Visa to Another Visa While in Japan?

The answer depends on where you’re from. If you’re a citizen of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Germany, you’re in luck! You can apply for a visa change while you’re still in Japan. However, if you’re from any other country, you’ll need to return home and apply for a new visa there.

Why Can Only Certain Nationalities Apply for a Visa Change in Japan?

This is all due to agreements between Japan and specific countries. For these five countries, the rules allow for a smoother transition. For everyone else, Japan requires you to leave the country before applying for a new visa, even if your plans to return are set.

What Are Your Visa Options After a Working Holiday?

So, what’s next? Depending on your situation, there are several visas you might consider:

a)Student Visa
Thinking about learning Japanese or continuing your studies in Japan? A student visa allows you to enrol in a language school or other educational institution. 

Bonus: You can work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) to support yourself while you study.

b)Work Visa
If you’ve found a job in Japan, you can apply for a work visa. Keep in mind that your job must fit specific categories, like teaching, engineering, or business.

c)Spouse or Family Visa
Are you married to a Japanese national or a permanent resident? Or maybe you’re a dependent of someone already working in Japan? These visa types allow you to stay based on your family connection.

d)Other Residency Options

• Dependent Visa: For family members of those working or studying in Japan.
• Cultural Visa: For individuals involved in traditional arts or cultural practices.
• Business Visa: For entrepreneurs establishing a business in Japan.

What happens if you need to return home to reapply?

For individuals whose nationalities do not permit in-country visa changes, you must follow these steps:

1. Return Home: Depart Japan before your working holiday visa expires.
2. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. This document demonstrates that you meet the criteria for your requested visa.
3. Reapply to a Japanese Embassy or Consulate: Use your COE to obtain a new visa and return to Japan.

Yes, it may feel like a detour, but it is a regular procedure that thousands of individuals successfully complete each year.

How Long Does the Visa Change Process Take?

The timetable for applying in Japan or from overseas varies. Generally:

• Visa changes in Japan might take anywhere from two to three months.
• Applying from home: The COE takes 1-3 months to complete, followed by a few weeks for the visa.

Plan beforehand to prevent overstaying your existing visa; the consequences are not worth it.

Tips for Smoothing Your Transition

• Start early: Begin looking into your possibilities several months before your working holiday visa expires.
• Stay organised: Keep all of your paperwork, including your passport, visa, and financial proof, in one location.
• Ask for Help: Immigration procedures can be complex. Do not hesitate to seek guidance from a Japanese language school, an immigration specialist, or internet networks.

Why a Student Visa May Be Your Best Next Step

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full-time job but want to immerse yourself in Japan, a student visa could be the right solution. By attending a language school, you can:

• Improve your Japanese language skills.
• Stay in Japan lawfully for an extended term.
• Part-time work will help you support yourself.

Platforms like School Finder can assist you in finding the best language school by guiding you through the entire process, from school selection to visa application.

Extra Tip !
Check out Ultimate Guide to Getting a Student Visa in Japan

Coto School Finder

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