The Working Holiday Visa is a visa that combines travel and work experiences abroad, mainly for students and young people. Commonly abbreviated as "working holiday," this visa is issued to young people aged 18 to 30 based on agreements between Japan and specific countries or regions.
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
A Working Holiday Visa allows young people, especially students, to combine travel and work experiences abroad. Commonly abbreviated as "working holiday," this visa is issued to young people aged 18 to 30 based on agreements between Japan and specific countries or regions. The visa is valid for one year, during which multiple entries and exits are allowed. During the validity period, part-time work is permitted for up to six months, although employment restrictions may vary depending on the issuing country, so it's essential to check in advance.
To obtain a Working Holiday Visa, applicants must meet the application conditions and procedures of each country. In Japan, applications can be made through travel agencies such as JTB and Nippon Travel Agency. Required documents include a passport, photo, application form, visa application fee, and proof of accommodation. Detailed information on required documents and procedures can be obtained from the embassies or consulates of each country.
Effective Use and Recruitment with the Working Holiday Visa Employing or accepting foreigners requires obtaining a residence status, which involves matching positions with the candidate's background and the company's procedures, making it more complicated than hiring Japanese nationals. However, using the Working Holiday Visa allows foreigners to obtain residence status. Often associated with vacations or leisure, this visa actually permits a wide range of activities, including travel, study, and work, earning it the nickname "magic visa."
The Working Holiday Visa can be an effective means of recruiting foreigners. When hiring foreigners residing in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa, it is crucial to understand the benefits and usage of the visa and build an appropriate recruitment process. Utilizing overseas recruitment activities and connections with international students is also essential. For companies hiring foreign talent, the Working Holiday Visa is a valuable recruitment tool.
A Great System for Cultural Understanding! According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Working Holiday system is based on agreements between countries or regions, allowing young people from partner countries to enter and stay for vacation purposes while permitting incidental work to supplement travel and living expenses. This system aims to deepen mutual understanding by providing opportunities to understand each other's culture and general lifestyle.
As of April 1, 2019, Japan has agreements with 23 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, the UK (England), Ireland, Denmark, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Iceland, Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Lithuania, one of the Baltic states, is the most recent addition, and there have been discussions about Estonia joining the program. The Netherlands also entered negotiations for a Working Holiday agreement with Japan in 2018.
Requirements for Utilizing the Working Holiday Visa System Key requirements for obtaining a Working Holiday Visa include:
- Being a national of a partner country with a Working Holiday agreement (for Japanese, being a Japanese national)
- Being aged 18 to 30 at the time of application (age limits may vary by country)
- Having the primary intention of spending a vacation
- Not accompanying children or dependents
- Not having previously obtained a Working Holiday Visa for the same country
- Holding a valid passport, a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one, and enough funds to support initial stay
- Being in good health
Australia’s Model for Addressing Labor Shortages In November 2018, the Australian government extended the maximum stay for Working Holiday Visa holders from two to three years. The reason behind this is similar to Japan's—addressing labor shortages, particularly in agriculture and other sectors like ranching, forestry, fisheries, mining, and construction. Restaurants, plumbing, electrical, automotive, and IT sectors also face labor shortages. The Australian government requires those applying for the second and third-year extensions to work in designated areas and jobs, mainly seasonal farm work.
Personal Experience with the Working Holiday Visa The Working Holiday Visa is essentially an "open work permit," allowing freedom to choose jobs and change employers without the need for the company to sponsor a work visa. The author shares a personal experience of working in Canada with this visa, noting the flexibility and opportunities it provided.
In summary, the Working Holiday Visa is a unique and valuable tool for young people seeking to work abroad and for companies looking to address labor shortages and enhance cultural understanding.