Hello everyone I am 22M from the United States who is looking to become a ski instructor in Japan next winter. I have been skiing my whole life and easily have 8+ weeks of experience but never taken any ski instructor courses. I have been struggling to find a clear cut answer of how to go about this process as U.S. citizens seem to not be eligible for the working holiday visa. I have heard that maybe there is a ski instructor specific visa but that you already level one certification to qualify for that? I’m wondering if maybe theres a way to go to Japan and get the certification there then apply for the visa? Or get the certification elsewhere abroad and then apply for the visa, but not sure if I have to be in the states to apply. If anyone has been through this process or knows who to talk to/what resources to look at I’d really appreciate any advice.
2 comments
You’re looking at the “sport instructor” category of the skilled labour visa.
https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/shin_zairyu_nintei10_15_02.html
>(3) For sport instructors:
>Proof that the applicant has been engaged in sports coaching (including the period during which the applicant majored in a subject related to sports coaching at a foreign educational institution and the period during which the applicant was engaged in said sports for remuneration) – 1 copy
>A document certifying that the applicant has participated in the Olympic Games, world championships, or other international competitions as an athlete – 1 copy
>I have heard that maybe there is a ski instructor specific visa but that you already level one certification to qualify for that?
This is, in fact, [correct](https://www.snowcountry-instructors.com/new-instructor-visa-for-japan/). I honestly thought your only option was the Sports Instructor visa u/Benevir mentioned, but it turns out there’s a Designated Activities – Ski Instructor visa.
But you’re also correct that you need the certification.
>I’m wondering if maybe theres a way to go to Japan and get the certification there then apply for the visa?
Nope.
>Or get the certification elsewhere abroad and then apply for the visa, but not sure if I have to be in the states to apply.
You (almost) always need to be in your home country to apply. Or at least be a legal resident of the country you’re applying from.