Moving to Japan
Japan now asks for Japanese. Here's how to get ready.
Over the past year and a half, Japan has added Japanese-language requirements to several of its visas. For Canadians who want to study, work or settle in Japan, speaking Japanese has gone from a nice extra to part of the application.
What changed
| Visa | Japanese you need | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (Japanese language school) | A1 level: pass JLPT N5 (or a similar test), or show 150 hours of documented Japanese study. | Since April 2025 |
| Work visa: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services | JLPT N2 (CEFR B2) for jobs that deal with people in Japanese: sales, customer service, interpreting, translation. | Since April 15, 2026 |
| Business Manager visa (starting a company) | The applicant or a full-time employee must speak Japanese at about N2 (B2) level, on top of a much higher capital requirement. | Since October 2025 |
| Permanent residency | Japanese ability becomes part of the assessment, alongside stricter income and pension checks. Details are still being finalised. | Applications from April 2027 |
Rules change, and each application is decided case by case. Confirm the current requirements with the Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver or the school or employer sponsoring you.
The realistic path
N2 is a big step. For English speakers starting from zero it usually takes a few years of steady study. The good news is that the first step is small and clearly defined.
- Step 1 · In VancouverFrom zero to N5, or 150 hours of studyThis is the entry ticket to a Japanese language school in Japan. You can prove it by passing the JLPT N5, or with a record of 150 hours of study.
- Step 2 · In JapanLanguage school: from N5 towards N2Full-time language school on a student visa. Most students need around a year and a half to two years to reach N2.
- Step 3 · WorkN2 opens the client-facing jobsSales, customer service, hospitality and translation roles on the most common work visa now expect N2.
What about a working holiday? Canadians aged 18 to 30 can get a working holiday visa for up to two years in Japan. It's designed for travel and work, not for enrolling in a school, but it's a great year of immersion. Keep studying alongside it and you'll arrive at your next step much further ahead.
How long do 150 hours take?
It depends on how much you study each week. With two live classes plus a little practice every day, about five hours a week, 150 hours takes roughly 30 weeks. With a single weekly class and nothing in between, it takes well over a year. Daily practice is what makes the difference.
Where JP Bridge fits
Starting from zero. Our Basic course takes complete beginners to N5: reading, core grammar and everyday conversation, with a native Japanese teacher.
Going further. Our JLPT course continues from N5 to N2, paced to your exam date, with two live classes a week and daily lessons in the JP Bridge app.
In person or online. Small groups of up to 10 in downtown Vancouver, steps from Waterfront Station, or live online. The online course comes with you when you move to Japan.
Your study hours, on record. We can give you a record of your hours of study with us for your language school application.
Sources
- Go! Go! Nihon: the 150-hour study requirement for language school
- The Japan Times: Japan implements language requirements for certain visa applicants
- YSK Office: new criteria for the Engineer/Humanities visa
- EIG Law: Japan raises Business Manager visa requirements
- Nairametrics: Japan to tighten permanent residency rules from 2027
- Consulate-General of Japan in Montreal: Working Holiday visa for Canadians