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What is the procedure for changing a Working Holiday Visa while staying in Japan?
I am an Australian currently living in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa. At present I am working as a part-timer at an English language school. A foreigner from Britain is also working here with the same visa. We have been offered regular positions at the school. Is it possible for us to change our visas to normal working visas?
The working holiday system is implemented between two countries. At present, Japan has working holiday agreements with the following nine countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Korea, France, Germany, Britain, Ireland and Denmark.
Regarding requirements for utilizing the working holiday system, there are many rules in common, but for your sake, it is best to read them carefully since some points do differ depending on the country.
In your case, if you have fulfilled the requirement for a Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa, it is possible for you to change your Designated Activities visa to it.
However, British people who are staying on a Working Holiday Visa are not permitted to change their visa status during the time. Therefore, please tell your British colleague to apply for a certificate of eligibility.
Advisor: KUROKAWA Koji (Immigration Lawyer)
