For the purpose of promoting greater mutual understanding between Japan and New Zealand, the governments of these two countries agreed in 1985 to start a WorkingHoliday to encourage the exchange of young people. This scheme makes it possible for citizens of one country to enter the other primarily for a holiday over an extended period and to engage in employment as an incidental aspect of their trip in order to supplement their travel funds.
With this visa, New Zealand citizens need not obtain further permission to engage in remunerative activities while in Japan, provided these activities do not contravene Japanese law regulating businesses offering food and entertainment as well as any other regulations in force which affect public order and good morals.
The Working Holiday visa will be issued only once to the same New Zealand citizen. The Government of Japan will issue, on a reciprocal basis and free of charge, a Working Holiday visa to applicants who satisfy all of the following prerequisites.
The Working Holiday visa is not appropriate for those wishing to enter Japan to engage in full-time employment or to enrol in academic institutions.
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Applicant Prerequisites
Applicants must be citizens of New Zealand (New Zealand passport holders), residing in New Zealand. Applications from New Zealand passport holders living overseas cannot be accepted.
Applicants should be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application for the visa.
The purpose of the visit must be travelling on vacation within Japan, visiting relatives and friends, and thereby learning about Japanese culture and general way of Japanese life.
The main purpose should not be to be engaged in activities for income or remuneration. Casual temporary work to supplement the travel and sojourn expenses may be allowed to be undertaken.
Applicants must not be accompanied by a child or children.
Applicants must be in good health and have no criminal record.
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Application Procedure
Applicants must submit the following
documentation on application:
Valid Passport
One completed visa application
form
One. Every line on the form to be completed. Where not applicable,
please insert "none" or "N/A". Signature must be the same as
that in passport.
One photograph approx. 35mm x 45mm in size
Taken within the last six months. It should be attached to the
application form with glue, not sellotape or staples.
Curriculum Vitae (Personal History): To be typed
on A4 paper. To include school/educational background; work
history; hobbies and other relevant information. Must be up-to-date.
Please do not submit original certificates.
Itinerary of Stay in Japan: Use the attached
form.
Letter stating the reasons for applying for
a Working Holiday Visa: To be typed on A4 paper.
Letter of Recommendation, e.g. from your employer,
supervisor or lecturer. If none of then is available, a personal
reference from someone who has known the applicant for several
years is acceptable. To be typed on A4 paper.
In some cases, additional documents may be required.
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Explanatory Material
Upon the advice of the embassy, consulate-general
or consular office that the visa is to be granted, Applicants
must produce, in person, or by courier/registered post, the following
documents:
Proof of pre-paid air tickets: stating dates, flight numbers,
and receipt of pre-payment is also acceptable. Return ticket
may be open-dated.
Proof of funds to support initial stay in Japan: Proof of
purchase of traveller's cheques to the value of at least the
equivalent of US$2,000 for a single person or US$3,000 for a
married couple. Or, a letter stating that the above amount has
been purchased in traveller's cheques ie actual T/C, if bringing
in person; a letter issued by an authority; or certified copy
of receipt showing amount purchased and applicant's name.
Embassy of Japan Visa & Consular Section
----------------------------------Wellington
Embassy of Japan
Podium 1, The Majestic Centre,
100 Willis StreetPO Box 6340, Wellington
Tel: (04) 473-1540
URL: http://www.nz.emb-japan.go.jp/
Consulate-General of Japan
----------------------------------Auckland
Consulate-General of Japan
Level 12, ASB Bank Centre,
135 Albert Street,PO Box 3959, Auckland
Tel: (09) 303-4106
URL: http://www.nz.emb-japan.go.jp/auckland/
Consulate-General of Japan
----------------------------------Christchurch
Consulate-General of Japan
5th Floor Forsyth Barr House,
764 Colombo Street,PO Box 13-748, Armagh, Christchurch
Tel: (03) 366-5680 / (03) 366-9030
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Other Information
It is recommended that insurance coverage be arranged before leaving New Zealand as under the conditions of employment for the Working-Holiday visa the period of employment is usually not long enough to qualify for coverage provided by employers or companies.
Applicants must enter Japan within three months after the date of issue of the visa.
A period of stay of up to six months will be initially granted at the port of entry. This may be extended up to another six months by the Immigration Authorities in Japan.
Working-Holiday visas are single entry. Therefore, if the Working-Holiday maker has to leave Japan for any reason and wishes to return, it is essential that the person obtain a re-entry permit from the Immigration Authorities before leaving Japan.
Within 90 days of arrival in Japan, Working-Holiday makers must apply for alien registration at the Local Government Office near to where they are staying.
Information of WorkingHoliday Visa
