Visa snapshot
Verified on 20 June 2026Work and study
- Work rights
- Paid work is allowed to support your holiday. Work in bars, cabarets, nightclubs, gambling venues and other businesses that affect public morals (the Entertainment Business Act) is not allowed. The visa is single entry, so you need a re-entry permit to leave and come back.
- Study rights
- Study and short courses are allowed alongside the working holiday.
Funds and health
- Funds required
- CAD 3,500 single, CAD 4,500 couple; funds must also cover medical expenses.
Extensions
- Further stay
- No extension
Quota or ballot
- Allocation
- 6,283/year (2026 annual allocation)
- No ballot
Reciprocal healthcare
- Agreement in place
- No
- Private health insurance needed
On this page
Eligibility at a glance
- Passport: This route is for Canadian citizens, so you must apply on a valid Canadian passport.
- Age: You must be aged 18 to 30 when you apply, not when you travel.
- Funds: CAD 3,500 single, CAD 4,500 couple; funds must also cover medical expenses.
- Health: Must meet Japanese health requirements
Eligibility and conditions
Who can apply
Open to Canadian citizens aged 18 to 30. The Ottawa office requires a doctor’s note confirming fitness to travel.
General conditions
The visa is free of charge and single entry. Annual caps, the length of stay and repeat-participation rules vary by nationality (see each route).
Length and stay
Stay can be extended by up to a further year, unlike New Zealand which cannot extend.
Fee
Optional accredited agencies (SWAP, Go International, Stepabroad) charge a service fee; the visa itself is free.
Health cover
A doctor’s note confirming good health is required (Ottawa), unique among these routes.
Repeat participation
Twice in a lifetime since 1 December 2024.
Annual allocation
Annual allocation of 6,283; we publish the allocation, not a live remaining count.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Japanese Government's official visa portal. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Apply Now →Get ready for Japan
Sort out the essentials before you arrive, from banking and mobile data to flights, accommodation and insurance.
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Essential setup
Banking
Open a local account soon after you arrive in Japan so you can get paid and skip foreign-card fees. Most banks let you start the application online before you land.
Mobile and connectivity
Set up a local number or eSIM in Japan for data and calls. The major networks have the widest coverage; budget MVNOs run on the same towers for less.
Plan and book your trip
Useful tools for arranging your insurance, flights and first accommodation.
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Skyscanner
Compare flights to Japan from hundreds of airlines.
Hostelworld
Book your first nights in Japan. Hostels and budget stays.
Other nationalities going to Japan
Your first-week checklist
The practical order of things for your first days. What to sort and where to go next.