TLDR; Is it realistic to job hunt in a WHV if you're not from any of the 5 allowed countries that let you switch your visa status within Japan??
Hello everyone!
I've seen quite a few posts asking about the WHV to Work Visa switch. I'm aware that only citizens from New Zealand, South Korea, Germany, Canada and Australia can get that change.
I'm not from any of those countries so I can't do that switch. However, I was considering:
1. Get into a Working Holiday Visa
2. In that 1 year period, do job hunting like crazy
3. Go back to my country, fill the COE there and then return to Japan
I was thinking of sustaining myself doing baito and from my savings while I do the job hunting. The WH period could also serve as a test run to see if I see myself living in Japan long term.
Has anyone tried this before?? Does this idea make sense?? No sugar coating. Thx in advance 🙏
A bit of background about me:
– Spanish citizen, 24M
– English C2 (Cambridge certified)
– Japanese N2
– Failed N1 in December 2025 by a few points, planning to retake it in July 2026
– Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural and Food Engineering
– Currently studying for the Master's Degree in Agronomic Engineering (both Degrees from a Spanish university)
by drifo123