Post-Working Holiday Residence Strategy
Strategy for securing employment during the working holiday and switching to a work visa
The Working Holiday visa (Designated Activities) allows work and stay for 1 year (up to 2 years for some countries), but generally cannot be renewed. For those wishing to stay long-term in Japan, the most realistic strategy is to find employment during the working holiday and switch to a work visa such as Engineer/Humanities.
Who this is for: Foreign nationals currently on or planning to use a Working Holiday visa in Japan who are considering long-term residence or employment in Japan.
Case-by-Case Review Points & Strategies
Case 1: Finding a Company Job During Working Holiday and Switching to Engineer/Humanities
Low RiskSituation
Australian national on a Working Holiday visa in Japan. Has been accepted by an IT company
Strategy
After receiving the offer, prepare the job offer letter (with work conditions), educational qualifications, and application for status change to Engineer/Humanities. Improving Japanese during the working holiday and getting used to Japanese job-hunting culture (resume, interview manners) are key to success. Submit the status change application within the residence period.
Key Point: Changing from a Working Holiday to Engineer/Humanities is subject to screening. Reviewers particularly focus on the connection between major and job duties, and Japanese language ability. Having JLPT N3 or above is a positive factor.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
When working on a Working Holiday visa, being conscious of choosing work (IT, trade, translation, etc.) that can be used as work history for a future Engineer/Humanities application — not just service industry jobs — will be advantageous for later applications.
Free Consultation with an Immigration Specialist
Residence status applications involve complex procedures including document preparation and communication with immigration authorities. Our specialized immigration consultants offer free consultations.