Single-entry visa for Australian citizens aged 18 to 30 who want an extended holiday in Japan with incidental work. It can be issued once per person and allows an initial six-month stay.
Where to apply in Australia
Embassy in Canberra (ACT) and Consulates-General in Sydney (NSW and NT), Melbourne (VIC, TAS and SA), Brisbane (QLD, plus a consular office in Cairns) and Perth (WA), each for its own area.
Online application is not available for Australian residents; apply at the post for your area. Brisbane: online booking only (brisbane.rsvsys.jp), one booking per person, up to 35 days ahead; required for Japanese passport applications and collections, residence and signature certificates, and visas; police certificate and family registrations by email booking; no appointment for visa or police-certificate collection, My Number card collection or voting processes. Cairns consular office (North and Far North Queensland): in-person visa applications need no booking, 9:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00. Perth: online booking required for passports, police certificates, family-register and nationality notifications and visa applications (WA residents only); no booking to collect documents. Melbourne: online reservation for passport, police certificate and certificates (visas only through accredited agencies since 2019 for most applicants); Japanese election card registration without booking.
Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of Japan.
How to apply
Lodge in person at the Embassy in Canberra (walk-in) or through the consulate for your area
Documents you need
- Valid Australian passport and photo page copy
- Application form
- 45x35 mm photo within 6 months
- Flight details to and from Japan
- Resume
- Proposed schedule on official template (first 6 months planned)
- Statement of purpose of at least one A4 page
- Three-month bank statement showing funds of AUD 2,500 (single) or 3,500 (couple)
Fees and processing time
- Official fee: free
Processing time: Minimum one week; no priority service.
Good to know
Appointment rule given for Canberra; other posts may differ.
Official sources
- au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa_workingholiday_en.html
- au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa.html
- brisbane.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa.applications.html
- brisbane.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_cairns.html
- perth.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00751.html
- melbourne.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/reservation-en.html
Check before you apply
This page summarises information published by Japan's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.
Spotted a change? Let us know.
More services of Japan in Australia
- Birth, marriage, divorce and family-register certificates (in English)
- Certificate of capacity to marry
- Certificate of residence (zairyu shomei)
- Driving licence translation / licence extract
- Emergency travel document (travel document for return)
- Family register notifications (birth, marriage, divorce, death, nationality)
- Overseas residence report (zairyu todoke)
- Overseas voting registration
- Passport (new, renewal, replacement)
- Police certificate (Japan National Police Agency)
- Short-term visa (temporary visitor)
- Signature certificate (substitute for seal certificate)