Job Discussion Forums

aso43 · Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 9 Location: Toronto, Canada

I may have to go to Japan on a Working Holiday Visa, even though I already have a full-time job in Japan. I am planning on changing the WHV over to a regular Working Visa when I arrive.
Is there anyone who has used this method to work in Japan?
I am wondering how I should fill out the application form for the WHV. I need to have information about where I will be travelling, who I might be staying with, my monthly itinerary, etc...
I already have a job in Japan - would it be all right to lie a little and claim my job to be part-time only, or should I not even mention that I already have a job?
Any advice would be appreciated!

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

do a search about WHVs on this site and you'll find all your questions have been answered previously

april · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 83 Location: Australia

Lots of people change their WHV to working visa in Japan. It's not an issue at all.

As for what to say on the WHV application form, in my particular case I did tell them I had a job already but I have heard some people advise to lie about this and deny that you already have a job. The person who interviewed me at the consulant wasn't concerned at all that I had a job, but she did spend a lot of time emphsaising to me about not working in the entertainment industry (ie, hostessing). I really can't see why it would go against you that you have a job already, but that's just me. If you take the lying option, then I suggest that you say you have been looking into it already and might get a position with Company X. I can't lie straight to someone's face, but I can be a little evasive on details.

But anyway, prior to my interview at the consulant, I had researched what things I wanted to see and do in Japan and was really enthusiastic about it. Perhaps this came across early in the interview how keen I was to see the country-side, rather than go there to earn lots of money, so maybe that's why they weren't concerned I had a job already.

aso43 · Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 9 Location: Toronto, Canada

Thanks so much for your reply! I'm a little short on time before my departure, and I didn't want the hassle of being turned down for the WHV.
I don't like the idea of lying either, but I might claim that I'm working part-time instead of full-time.
Thanks for the advice!

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

The spirit of the working holiday visa is to work and travel. Just say that you want to work and travel. That's enough.