Tourists and Other Pleasure Visitors
Entering Canada either as a tourist or to visit friends or family requires that you meet all of the legal requirements for entry to the country. You will need a valid Japanese passport for all travelers including minors who are accompanying you to Canada. All visitors to Canada must satisfy the Border officials of the intent of their stay in Canada as well as their intent to return home after visiting. They must also be able to prove that they are in good health and have enough money to pay for both their stay and return home.
Japanese visitors for pleasure purposes can remain in Canada for up to six months without needing a visa. Visits of longer than this duration will require the appropriate permits or visas.
Japanese Citizens Visiting Canada to Study
As a visa-exempt citizen of Japan, you can enter Canada and pursue studies there for up to six months without having a study permit. However, if your studies go beyond the six month mark, you will require a study permit to pursue them. It is best to apply for a permit before you leave Japan even if you are not certain that your studies will continue beyond six months. This way the permit will be ready if and when you need it.
Before applying for the permit, you must be accepted to study at a Canadian school. The application must be processed at the Canadian visa office prior to departing Japan and all fees must be paid. You must submit your application form along with proof of acceptance, proof of identity, proof of sufficient funds and biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
Note: a study permit is typically valid for the entire term of the study program, plus an added 90 days.
Business Visitors from Japan to Canada
Canada enjoys a strong business relationship with Japan and Japanese business people are welcome to enter Canada for business purposes without a visa. Business visitors must meet all of the entry requirements and must also be able to prove that their income is paid outside of Canada and their business headquarters is outside of Canada. In order to actually be employed in Canada, Japanese citizens will be required to obtain a temporary work permit (see below).
Working in Canada
Japanese visiting Canada who would like to seek employment during their stay must apply for a work permit. This permit must be obtained in advance from the Canadian visa Office in Japan. Anyone seeking to work in Canada will have to complete the application and meet all of the requirements. This includes having an existing job offer from a Canadian employer and proof of certification or qualification to do the job in question. The applicant must also submit his or her biometrics to obtain the permit.
Where to Apply for a Permit
Japanese citizens who wish to apply for a Canadian study or work permit can obtain the necessary application documents from the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website. All applications must be completed in full, accompanied by fees and supporting documents, and submitted to the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in Tokyo.
