Visa Information
Working Holiday Programme
-
Overview
The Working Holiday Programme is an initiative by the Irish and Japanese Governments which allows young Japanese people to take extended holidays in Ireland for up to a year, and to work in employment as an incidental aspect of this holiday. The aim of the scheme is to introduce young Japanese people to the culture, landscape and people of Ireland and to allow them to work and study English there
The first step is to check that you’re eligible. The Working Holiday Programme is open to Japanese nationals who meet the following criteria:
i. is ordinarily resident in Japan at the time of application.
ii. intends primarily to holiday in Ireland for a period of up to one (1) year from the date of entry.
iii. is aged between 18 and 30 years inclusive at the time of application.
iv. is not accompanied by a spouse unless the spouse is also in possession of a Working Holiday Authorization.
v. possesses a valid Japanese passport and a return travel ticket OR sufficient funds with which to purchase such a ticket.
vi. possesses not less than 500,000 yen in savings to cover costs during the period of initial stay in Ireland.
vii. has not previously travelled to Ireland on a Working Holiday Program;
viii. has good health, a sound background and no criminal record; and
ix. has adequate medical insurance for the full duration of their stay in Ireland.
Once you have established that you are eligible, the next step is to check when applications can be submitted.
-
Visa Fees
Application fee for Working Holiday Programme is 16200 yen (115 euro) and it is required to all working holiday applicants. The payment method is bank transfer only.
Please refer to following steps to pay for the application fee.
1. Transfer the amount of the application fee (16200 yen) into the bank account of Ireland Working Holiday Application Programme Centre(VFS Services Japan LCC. Please find the bank details in the guidance sent with the application e-mail from us.
If you opt for any of additional services, please send the fee/s together at this stage.
Required information for bank transfer confirmation
1. The name of the applicant
2. Applicant’s date of birth
*In case the name of the remitter is different from the applicant’s name, please enter the applicant’s name under comment section.
*If you cannot enter the name of the applicant or applicant’s date of birth, please handwrite them on a bank receipt copy.
Please note that any charging fee must be covered by applicant.
2. Enclose the bank remittance receipt or printed screen of the payment complete page
The receipt / screenshot must include following information;
1. Your full name (registered name on the application form)
2. Remittance date
3. Remittance amount
4. The name of the bank facility
Please note the fees can only be paid by bank transfer in Japanese yen.
-
Documents Required
Once you receive the email granting provisional approval, you will need to send the following supporting documents to VFS Services Japan LLC by registered post.
1. The email granting provisional approval (as mentioned under Step four here).
2. The application form completed (as mentioned under Step two here), together with two recent passport photographs (one photograph should be attached on application form).
3. Passport (original only). Your passport should be valid to a date at least six months from the date you enter Ireland.
4. A photocopy of the photograph page and all stamped pages in your passport only.
5. A short curriculum vitae in English (one page only).
6. A diploma in English (originals only).
7. A bank statement in English stating your name which shows you have access to at least JPY 500,000.
8. A certificate of medical insurance valid for the duration of your stay in Ireland.
9. An airline ticket (one way OR return).
10. A supplementary form and receipt of bank transfer
11. A letter pack (i.e., stamped self-addressed special envelope)
12. SMS service form and/or Courier service form if you have opted and paid for any of those additional services(optional).
-
Processing Time
The Working Holiday Authorisation will be issued upon submission of the documents specified
Your application will be assessed by the Ireland Embassy. In case more information or another document is required, you will be informed further instruction.
-
Download Forms
