Working holiday? THE BEST GUIDE!
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What do you do next!??
Alternatively, you could go for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) or a Working Visa (WV).
What's the difference i hear you ask?
What you will need.. Check list
| Useful linksWhat they are looking for?As far as i have read, and discussed, you will be judged on criteria like this: ☆ Commitment - Basically, you aren't going to chicken out. Your documentation is well thought out and you have money as backing. ☆ Understanding the program - Your not planning a 6 month working bonanza You intend to gain skills or experience and have thought about the means to gain these. *not real criteria |
You will need:
Passport (valid)
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/8/0/14803768/133416432.jpg)
Important Notes:
- Make note of your signature on your passport!! You will have to use THIS SIGNATURE on ALL of your documents!!
Application Form
Important Notes:
- Make sure you do not leave any blanks on the form. Fill every blank space with a "N/A" otherwise you will have to fill the form out again (like i did).
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
visa_application_form.pdf |
(unflattering) Passport photo 2"x2"
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/8/0/14803768/9815018.png)
Declaration of Intent Form
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
declaration_of_intent.pdf |
Declaration of Intent letter
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/rtf.png)
declaration_of_intent_letter.docx |
Cv (tailored to your trip in japan)
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/rtf.png)
example_visa_cv.docx |
Proposed schedule form + alternative proposed schedule
There are many formats to do this, one of my friends made a calendar on Excel and did a day to day plan. However, you need to account for 6 months and this would become very tedious. The purpose of the proposed schedule is to show that you have put thought into the places you intend to visit on your travels (yes that's right! you have to travel! you cant just sit in Tokyo for 6 months). Also to show you have thought about accommodation and work in these areas.
I picked 6 cities/ prefectures i would like to visit and researched what things i thought would be interesting to see in each, then i linked this information to my deceleration of intent letter. I doubt the embassy will check you are following your schedule, however researching takes ALLOT OF TIME. So i would advise following your schedule and visiting all those interesting places you spent AGES researching. Attached below is my proposed Schedule in Japan.
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
l_schedule.pdf |
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/rtf.png)
proposed_plan_in_japan.docx |
Proof of funds
- This $2500 does not include your ticket, travel insurance or other expenses that might occur. This is a "non budging" sum of money in your account.
- If the amount magical appears in your account you may need to justify the money by sending them a letter explaining where it came from and proving it is yours.
Ticket
If everything goes well...
Things to think about after you have sent off your doc's
Q: Do i need travel insurance? A: I would strongly advise it! Although japan is a pretty safe place (besides earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes), you will PROBABLY get sick. To top it off, PROBABLY within the first month of being over there! THATS RIGHT! your body is susceptible to foreign bugs! Do yourself a favour and insure yourself! Q: Do i need any vaccinations? A: If you are thinking about going anytime CLOSE to winter i would STRONGLY advise getting the flu shot! Japanese go to work even when there sick, hence public places are flu traps! As mentioned above your body is not used to Asian strains of the flu and you WILL GET SICK! i got sick on my 2nd day and i was bed ridden so weak i could not climb a flight of stairs for a week. | Q: Am i at risk of catching Japanese Encephalitis? A: Japanese Encephalitis (日本脳炎 Nihon-nouen), is a rare mosquito born disease with a horrible list of symptoms. The vaccination is 3 shots over a 1 month period costing ~$150 each. The two areas you are at risk of needing to pay this much for a vaccination are working on pig farms and rice paddies at dusk. For all you city dwellers, it does not pose a serious enough threat to be necessary. However, if your still looking out for some advice there are some general steps to avoiding any mosquito attacks: wear long sleeve, loose, light coloured clothing and applying a DEET (ディート) containing mosquito replant especially around dusk. Also keep away from areas where there is swamp or lots of livestock at these times. |
I highly advise looking at the Smart traveler website (Australians) and registering (free) if you intend to go over there. The website includes general information on japan, Risk factors you may want/need to consider, Phone numbers and Addresses for your local Embassy. (See Above in "Useful Links")
Want to stay longer?
I know! as soon as you saw my visa you saw 6 months and thought to yourself "But i want to stay longer than that!!". Unfortunately you can only apply for 6 months at a time, to stay longer you have to re-apply in country. The maximum is 1 year for Australians, however i heard it can be extended an extra 6 months on top of this (not sure though! don't quote me!).
International Drivers Licence
Many schools require you to have the ability to drive in Japan to get to work (especially outside major cities). For Australian NSW residents this is as easy as bringing in a Normal (Australian) sized passport photo, your current licence (P's still count) and $40 and they will make it for you on the spot.
You will need to get in contact with your local government agency to get your "Alien registration card" (外国人登録証 Gaikokujin Tourokushou). Without this you will not be able to do many things in Japan, like set up a bank account, or get a Japanese phone (which you will need to keep in contact with people! believe me!).
Consulate general Sydney
Postal address: Visa Section GPO Box 4125 Sydney, Nsw, 2001 | Correct Phone Number: 02 9850 1000 (As the phone number on website was incorrect) |