Japan extends working holiday visas for UK and Canada

[thomas]

Japan is extending its working holiday visa program. Previously, young foreigners could only obtain this visa once. Now, they can renew their status, allowing them to stay longer and contribute to the tourism industry in Japan. This change initially applies to five countries, including the UK and Canada. The government plans to expand this program to approximately ten countries by March.

The working holiday visa program enables 18-to 30-year-olds to live and work for an extended period in another country. Japan has agreements with 30 countries and regions for this program, and many Japanese citizens also participate in these programs abroad.

By allowing visa renewals, Japan hopes to secure workers. With the rise of inbound tourism, demand is rising for English-speaking ski instructors, for example. Related industries have called on the government to expand the program to allow visa renewal. Under reciprocal arrangements, those from the U.K. and Canada can obtain working holiday visas twice or for two consecutive years, and vice versa. With Austria, Denmark and New Zealand, only the Japanese side will issue visas twice. Japan plans to increase the list further toward the new year and hopes to negotiate deals with Taiwan and South Korea. Countries and regions that have working holiday agreements with Japan are increasing. Since the first agreement was struck with Australia in 1980, 30 countries and regions have taken part, with Luxembourg the latest to join in June this year. Japan has already reached agreements with Italy and Israel, with programs expected to start soon.

Paywall alert:

Japan to grant working holiday visa renewals for Brits and Canadians

Young people from 10 countries and regions will be eligible for extension

asia.nikkei.com

 

[mdchachi]

I always wondered why this was never open to Americans.

 

[salyavin]

I always wondered why this was never open to Americans.

Simple, it is because the US does not offer working holidays to anyone. Japan does reciprocal agreements on these kinds of things.