For a lot of foreigners from certain nationalities, Japan’s working holiday visa program allows them to live, work, and experience Japan for a specified length of time without needing to get sponsorship from an institution, such as an employer or school. But what happens if your visa expires and you’re not ready to leave? Or what if, in the middle of your visit, you decided to find a job, go to a Japanese language school, or even get married and become a spouse to a Japanese resident? Is this legally allowed?

In this article, we’ll go over the ins and outs of switching from a working vacation visa to other residency statuses in Japan, as well as crucial insights and resources to help you along the route.

What is a Working Holiday Visa?

A working holiday visa is a special program that allows young people from specific countries to work part-time while enjoying an extended stay in Japan. It’s an opportunity to earn money, travel, and gain firsthand experience of Japanese culture and daily life.

However, the working holiday visa is non-renewable, with a typical duration of 6 months to 1 year, depending on the agreements between Japan and the applicant’s home country. To stay in Japan beyond this period, you’ll need to transition to another visa type.

From December 1, 2024, Japan has updated its program to allow some nationalities more flexibility. As of 1 April, 2026, Japan has introduced the programme with the following 32 countries/regions.

• Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Austria, UK can now get two-year Working Holiday stays (either a single 2‑year visa or two 1‑year visas).
• From January 1, 2025, that expanded option also applies to Germany, Ireland, and Slovakia.

This means non-renewable status is now more flexible – those eligible can potentially stay up to 24 months total on a Working Holiday Visa.

One thing to know is that Japan imposes limits on the number of working holiday visas issued to nationals of specific countries. For example, there is no cap for Australian or New Zealand nationals, and the UK has a generous quota of 6,000 per year (raised from 1,000 in 2024). In contrast, only 800 visas per year are allotted to applicants from Ireland.

Can You Change Your Working Holiday Visa to Another Visa While in Japan?

The answer depends on where you’re from. If you’re a citizen of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Germany, you’re in luck! You can apply for a visa change while you’re still in Japan. This is due to specific bilateral agreements between Japan and those countries. However, if you’re from any other country, you’ll need to return home and apply for a new visa there.

Why Can Only Certain Nationalities Apply for a Visa Change in Japan?

This is all due to agreements between Japan and specific countries. For these five countries, the rules allow for a smoother transition. For everyone else, Japan requires you to leave the country before applying for a new visa, even if your plans to return are set.

What Are Your Visa Options After a Working Holiday?

So, what’s next? Depending on your situation, there are several visas you might consider:

1. Student Visa

Are you thinking about learning Japanese or continuing your studies in Japan? A student visa allows you to enroll in a language school or other educational institution, while also allowing you to work part-time up to 28 hours per week during the school semester to support yourself (bearing in mind you have a Japanese part-time work permit).

Keep in mind that you can’t just join a random Japanese language school and automatically obtain a student visa. In general, only schools accredited by the Ministry of Education, such as the schools partnered with Coto School Finder, and those offering programs of one year or more can sponsor your student visa. If you’re only enrolled in a short-term course of one to two months, for example, chances are that institution won’t be able to help you with a student visa.

2. Work Visa

If you’ve found a job in Japan, you can apply for a work visa. Keep in mind that your job must fit specific categories, like teaching, engineering, or business.

3. Spouse or Family Visa

Are you married to a Japanese national or a permanent resident? Or maybe you’re a dependent of someone already working in Japan? These visa types allow you to stay based on your family connection.

4. Other Residency Options

• Dependent Visa: For family members of those working or studying in Japan.
• Cultural Visa: For individuals involved in traditional arts or cultural practices.
• Business Visa: For entrepreneurs establishing a business in Japan.

What happens if you need to return home to reapply?

For individuals whose nationalities do not permit in-country visa changes, things are a bit more complicated: your employer will need to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) while you’re still in Japan. Once it’s issued, you’ll return to your home country, present the COE at a Japanese embassy or consulate there, and obtain your new visa before re-entering Japan.

Yes, it may feel like a detour, but it is a regular procedure that thousands of individuals successfully complete each year.

How Long Does the Visa Change Process Take?

The timetable for applying in Japan or from overseas varies. Generally:

• Visa changes in Japan might take anywhere from two to three months.
• Applying from home: The COE takes 1-3 months to complete, followed by a few weeks for the visa.

Plan beforehand to prevent overstaying your existing visa; the consequences are not worth it.

Also, if you apply before your visa expires, your status is automatically extended for an extra 2 months while awaiting a decision juridique.jp, a useful buffer to avoid overstaying.

Tips for Smoothing Your Transition

• Start early: Begin looking into your possibilities several months before your working holiday visa expires.
• Stay organised: Keep all of your paperwork, including your passport, visa, and financial proof, in one location.
• Ask for Help: Immigration procedures can be complex. Do not hesitate to seek guidance from a Japanese language school, an immigration specialist, or internet networks.

Why a Student Visa May Be Your Best Next Step

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full-time job but want to immerse yourself in Japan, a student visa could be the right solution. By attending a language school, you can:

• Improve your Japanese language skills.
• Stay in Japan lawfully for an extended term.
• Part-time work will help you support yourself.

Platforms like School Finder can assist you in finding the best language school by guiding you through the entire process, from school selection to visa application.

Coto School Finder

With our free school finder service, you can start your language learning journey in Japan with this extra knowledge of the culture you’ll be a part of. Whether or not you’re a fresh beginner or a seasoned learner, our team will find the right Japanese language school for you, completely free of charge. You can learn more about our program and explore your options with our comprehensive school finder here.

FAQ

Can I extend my working holiday visa?

No, working holiday visas cannot be extended. You’ll need to switch to a new type of visa if you want to stay in Japan longer.

Can I apply for a spouse visa while in Japan?

Yes, if you’re married to a Japanese national or permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for a spouse visa without leaving Japan. Check with your local Immigration Bureau to confirm.

What happens if my visa expires before I apply for a new one?

If your visa expires, you must leave Japan immediately. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or even a ban on reentering Japan.

Can I work while on a student visa?

You can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week with a student visa. Make sure you get the proper work permit first.

Related article:

Tokutei Zairyu Card: What to Know About Japan’s New Residence Card

Guide to Japanese Health Insurance and Pension as Students