Canada working holiday visa for Japanese citizens

This page is for citizens of Japan interested in a working holiday in Canada. The data shows the main requirements for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 30. The program allows for a stay of up to 12 months on an open work permit, which lets you take on temporary paid work with most employers.

The cost includes an IEC fee of CAN$184.75 and an open work permit holder fee of CAN$100. You will also need to show proof of funds of at least CAN$2,500. A key condition is that you must be a resident of Japan when you apply. You cannot bring any dependants with you on this visa.

Passport

Japan

Age range

18 to 30

Stay

Up to 12 months

Fee

CAN$184.75 IEC fee + CAN$100 open work permit holder fee

Funds

CAN$2,500

Conditions for Japanese citizens

• As a Japanese citizen, you may participate in IEC twice.
• You must be a resident of Japan when you apply (a residential or mailing address there).

General rules of the program

• Usually up to 12 months; some agreements allow up to 23 or 24 months (see the table).
• Open work permit: temporary paid work for almost any employer to help pay for the trip.
• At least CAN$2,500 (or the equivalent) shown on a bank statement, plus a return ticket or money to buy one.
• Health insurance for the whole stay; you may have to show it at the border.
• IEC fee CAN$184.75 plus open work permit holder fee CAN$100.00; biometrics CAN$85.00 if you need to give them.
• You cannot be accompanied by dependants.
• IRCC's profile page said the pools for the 2026 season were closed when we checked on 21 October 2026.

What stands out

A notable feature for Japanese citizens is the ability to participate in the IEC program twice. Another key requirement that is easy to miss is that you must have a residential or mailing address in Japan at the time of your application. The data also showed that the application pools for the 2026 season were closed as of October 21, 2026. This is a temporary status that can change, so it is a critical detail to check with official sources.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check the IEC page for your country: categories, age range and how long the work permit lasts.
2. Create an IEC profile and enter the pool for your country and category.
3. If you receive an invitation to apply, accept it and submit the work permit application within 20 days.
4. Pay the IEC fee and the open work permit holder fee (and biometrics if asked).
5. Bring proof of funds, insurance and your port of entry letter when you travel.

Other programs open to Japanese citizens

From the programs in this directory. Status is shown only where the official page stated it.

Full list: working holiday visas for Japanese citizens.

All passports for this program: Canada working holiday visa (IEC) by country.