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From the illuminated streets of Tokyo to the unspoiled wilderness and urban splendor of Canada, thousands of Japanese citizens apply for Canadian visas every year to live, work and study in the country. As a result, Japanese citizens and their families make the most of the fantastic economic opportunities available in Canada, graduate with world-recognized qualifications from the University of Toronto, among others, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
If you want to move to Canada from Japan, you'll be happy to know that Canada aims to welcome over 500,000 new immigrants annually by 2025. This means your chances of obtaining a permanent resident visa are bigger than ever!
In this article, we explore a few of the most popular Canadian visa options for Japanese citizens and their eligibility requirements to help you decide how you would like to come to Canada. Soon you may be celebrating Asian heritage month in Canada!
Can You Get a Canadian Visa from Japan?
First, you must understand that there are two broad categories under which Canadian visas fall. The first is permanent resident visas which you can obtain by applying through an immigration program, and the others are temporary visas.
These allow you to visit, work, or study in Canada temporarily. Each immigration or visa program's eligibility requirements may slightly differ from the conditions listed below. But more often than not, most applicants require the following documents to come to Canada successfully:
| Canadian Visa Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Description |
| Test results that prove your English or French language abilities | There are designated tests for immigration purposes and academic purposes. |
| A valid passport/travel document | Your passport must be valid during the visa application process and your stay in Canada. |
| Police certification | Proof that you do not have a criminal record. |
| Medical examination | Proof that you are in good health and, more recently, you must include a negative COVID-19 test for travel purposes. |
| Proof of funds | You must have settlement funds for immigration purposes or enough funds to pay for a flight back during a temporary stay in Canada. |
| Proof of work experience | If you are coming to Canada for work, you may have to include an up-to-date resume with contactable references. |
5 Best Canadian Visas for Japanese Citizens
Canada Work Permit
- Purpose of Canadian Visa:
- To work in Canada
- Cost of Visa:
- CAD 155 processing fee
If you have a job offer in Canada, the next step is to apply for a Canadian work permit from Japan. You can only perform paid work in the country with a work permit. However, you and your employer should know that applying for a work permit is more complex than it may seem.
If you do not have a job offer in Canada, you need one to get a Canada work permit. Here's how to apply for jobs in Canada to help you get your job offer.
Depending on the nature of your job, position, and employment circumstances, you will apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP). If you qualify for the TFWP, your employer must take another step and apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
For example, if you are a company transferee, you can apply for a work permit under the IMP. But if you are employed to fill skills or labor shortage at a Canadian company, you'll most likely have to apply through the TFWP.
Different types of Canadian work permits:
- Postgraduate Work Permit
- Open Work Permit
- Working Holiday Visa
- Employer-Specific Work Permit
- Bridging Work Permit
Find out how to apply for a Canadian work permit here.
Canada Working Holiday Visa
- Purpose of Canadian Visa:
- To work part-time and travel to Canada.
- Cost of Visa:
- CAD 161 processing fee
This is one of the more exciting Canadian visas that are exclusively available to citizens of Japan and 34 other countries. The Working Holiday Visa allows young adults between 18 - 30 to work in Canada while exploring the big, beautiful country for up to 12- months!
This is the ideal option for recent graduates looking to spend their gap year in an epic way, travel influencers who would like to document their time in Canada, and young adults who want to gain Canadian work experience through an internship or other part-time gigs or to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
Learn more about what opportunities await you on a Working Holiday in Canada and how to apply here.
Canadian Study Permit
- Purpose of Canadian Visa:
- To gain a Canadian post-secondary qualification
- Cost of Visa:
- CAD 150 processing fee
What makes Canada a fantastic choice for international students is the more affordable study programs, the option to work part-time while studying, and various postgraduate immigration possibilities! But, of course, the most popular is the Post-Graduation Work Permit which allows recent international graduates to stay in the country and gain significant Canadian work experience.
How or where to start studying in Canada? We have partnered with colleges and universities in Canada. Our dedicated team of student advisors can organize everything on your behalf, from your admission letter to your study permit; we do it all.
Canadian Start-up Visa
- Purpose of Canadian Visa:
- To immigrate to Canada as a business owner.
- Cost of Visa:
- From CAD 2, 140 including the right of permanent residence
The Canadian government likes nothing more than immigrants contributing to job creation and investing in the country. For this reason, there are incredible visa options for business-savvy residents from Japan to start their businesses in Canada or buy existing ones. In addition, Forbes Magazine named Canada the best country for companies due to the low corporate tax rates and stable banking systems.
Small-business opportunities are abundant in Canada, ranging from transportation and storage to restaurants, especially those specializing in Asian cuisine because Canadians love Sushi! For example, Alice Chung, the owner of Alive Health Centre, a chain of 29 boutique health supplement and vitamin stores in Canada, is a Malaysian immigrant who won the 2015 RBC Entrepreneur Award in Canada! This proves that success is possible in the Great North regardless of where you come from.
Permanent Residency Visa
Becoming a permanent resident may be right if you want to live and work in Canada. There are many pathways to getting a permanent residency visa in Canada. However, these are the three most popular ways.
Express Entry
- Type of Canadian Visa:
- To permanently live and work in Canada
- Cost of Visa:
- CAD 1365
Canada's Express Entry immigration system is one of the most popular ways to get a Canadian permanent resident visa if you're a skilled worker. It can only take six to eight months to process.
How does it work? By simply creating an online Express Entry profile with information about your age, language skills, education, and work experience, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your profile will then be entered into an Express Entry draw, which takes place every two weeks. If you score among the highest in your draw pool, you will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada!
The ideal Express Entry candidate would meet the following requirements:
- Be under 30 years old.
- Hold at least a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, or a Trade Certificate.
- Be able to demonstrate moderate to high English and French language proficiency.
- Have at least three years of skilled work experience.
If you go the Express Entry route, you can check your CRS score using our CRS Calculator tool.
If you want to increase your CRS score to boost your chances of receiving an ITA, you can do the following:
- Higher language proficiency in English and French
- A Master's degree or Ph.D. education
- Canadian work or educational experience
- The family is currently residing in Canada.
- An arranged employment offer from a Canadian company.
- A nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program
Learn more about increasing your CRS score to improve your chances of getting an ITA here.
Provincial Nominee Programs
- Type of Canadian Visa:
- To permanently live and work in a specific Canadian province
- Cost of Visa:
- CAD 1365
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are government programs that allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants for permanent residency in Canada. Each province and territory has unique criteria and different streams with its occupation list. If you meet the PNP's requirements, you will receive a nomination certificate, improving your chances of getting an ITA from the Canada Express Entry system.
Family Sponsorship Programs
- Type of Canadian Visa:
- To move to Canada to live with your loved ones.
- Cost of Visa:
- It depends on your relationship with your sponsor, but you will likely have to pay CAD 1080.
Do you have a spouse, common-law partner, or close family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? If so, they can sponsor you for permanent residence in Canada. Your sponsor must be:
- Over 18
- A permanent resident or citizen of Canada
- Possesses sufficient funds to support you once you arrive in Canada.
However, each family sponsorship program has specific requirements and conditions and is subject to annual caps on numbers.
Find out if you can be sponsored in Canada here.
Finding your way to a Canadian visa can be confusing. With so many options, you must be certain you have chosen the best visa. One of the best ways to do this is to have a full immigration evaluation by a certified immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can help you find the right visa program and help you put together an effective strategy to maximize your chances of getting a Canadian visa from Japan.
Why Moving To Canada From Japan Could be Right for You
Canada is a great country to consider if you want to move from Japan. Here are a few reasons why:
Cost of Living
Canada's living cost is generally lower than in Japan. According to a 2021 study, the cost of living in Tokyo is 28.35% higher than in Toronto and 35.98% higher than in Vancouver. This means that your money can go further in Canada, allowing you to enjoy a higher standard of living without breaking the bank.
Here's a breakdown of the cost of living in Canada to give you the whole picture.
A Welcoming, Diverse Community
Canada has a long history of welcoming immigrants worldwide and is known for its socially liberal values. This means you can expect to find a welcoming and inclusive society that embraces diversity and celebrates multiculturalism. Canada is a great place to live if you value tolerance, acceptance, and diversity.
Learn more about Canada's multiculturalism here.
Happiness Levels
According to the World Happiness Report in 2022, Canada is the 15th happiest country compared to Japan, which sits at 54th. This is partly due to the country's high standard of living, excellent health care system, and a strong sense of community. Canadians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, which can make it easy to feel at home in your new country.
Work/Life Balance
Canada is known for having a good work/life balance, emphasizing work-life balance and employee rights. Canada has some of the most progressive labor laws in the world, with a minimum of 10 paid vacation days per year, as well as paid sick leave and parental leave. This means you can expect a good balance between work and personal life, allowing you to enjoy all Canada offers.
Learn more about working in Canada here.
Canada's Japanese Community
As of 2022, 129,425 Japanese Canadians live in Canada, most of whom live in and around Vancouver. The Japanese community in Canada is mainly concentrated in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta.
Japanese Canadians have contributed to every aspect of Canadian society. Several organizations across Canada promote Japanese heritage and Japanese Canadian community life, such as Toronto’s Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC).
Founded in 1963, the JCCC offers programs ranging from tea ceremony initiation and the art of calligraphy to martial arts and Japanese culture. Several martial arts, kendo clubs, and taiko groups operate nationwide.
FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Get a Canadian Visa as a Japanese Citizen?
Some Canadian visas take two weeks to process, and others can run for months; it just depends on the type of visa you want to apply for from Japan. The application process and eligibility requirements differ for each visa category; some have additional criteria. For example, if you're going to immigrate to Canada from Japan as a business owner, you must include a business proposal in your application.
Here's a full breakdown of Canadian Visa processing times to give you a better idea.
What Can Stop Japanese Citizens From Being Allowed Into Canada?
There are no specific reasons why Japanese people may be denied entry to Canada. However, there are several reasons why someone may be denied entry to Canada. One of the main reasons is inadmissibility, which can be due to various issues such as a criminal record, health reasons, or previous immigration violations. For example, attempting to enter Canada while considered inadmissible due to criminality can result in being denied entry to Canada.
- Other reasons for being denied entry to Canada include the following:
- Providing false information.
- Not meeting the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Being a security risk.
If someone is found inadmissible, they may be denied a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), refused entry to, or removed from, Canada.
Discover a New World as a Japanese Citizen in Canada
Canada can offer you a lower cost of living, socially liberal values, high happiness levels, and a good work/life balance. In addition, it is a welcoming and inclusive country that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism, making it a great place to call home.
With so many incredible ways to come to Canada, narrowing down which route is correct for achieving your goals can take time and effort. Luckily, you don't have to go at it alone. Instead, put your Canadian visa application in our certified consultants' professional and trusted hands. Apply today for a Canadian visa from Japan with our help.
Our RCICs can provide various services related to your immigration needs. They will offer you the most up-to-date and accurate information about what Canadian visas are available and how to apply for one. With their assistance, you can ensure that your visa application is as thorough and complete as possible before submitting it, thus avoiding any complications while dealing with Canadian immigration authorities.
An RCIC can also help guide specific requirements or documents required for your application. With all these benefits, hiring an RCIC helps make applying for a Canadian visa from Japan much easier and faster. So start your journey now and reach out to an authorized RCIC for assistance in applying for a Canadian visa from Japan today.
