Going to be moving to Japan for 2 months for a work abroad/ volunteer program. Need help in figuring out what visa to get and COE based on short term stay.

Hi all!

So I’m going to be living in Japan for about 2 1/2 months starting mid January 2023 to mid March 2023. I’m using the world packers program. For those unaware, this program allows you to work hours and in exchange you get free housing and sometimes meals. For this program I will be working around 10 hours a week. For this program I’ll primarily be helping take care of a guest house so cleaning and cooking. Important to note I do have a bachelors degree in culinary arts.

I’m a US citizen so I’m applying for a work and long term stay visa. My problem is figuring out how to fill out the certification of eligibly as I don’t know what to mark my purpose of entry. I am technically working, but without financial compensation, so I’m a bit confused and want all my paperwork to be in order. The person- for lack of a better term sponsoring me, also isn’t apart of a company. More so, it seems these visas are for stays longer than 90 days-which mine isn’t.

I know other countries allow a working holiday visa, but this is not applicable in the US. However, seeing as my stay is only for 2 months I’m still left with some confusion on what to do.

For the certification of eligibility these are the options:

1. Go under cultural activities (ie artistic or academic activities, research/ training in traditional Japanese culture, or art which are not financially compensated

2. Go under designated activities (long-term stay for tourism). This is defined as residing in Japan for a period not exceeding one year for the purpose of sightseeing, recreation, etc.

3. Go under specified skilled worker as a housekeeper.

I did read the wiki and I’m still confused. I want to make sure all my paperwork is correct and in order but I’m unsure of which document I should fill out, so any help would be appreciated.

1 comment
  1. You won’t be able to get any of the visas you listed for what you want to do. The only way to do it is a working holiday visa which you are not eligible for. A lot of these programs exist by people coming on tourist visas and working illegally in exchange for room and board.

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