Job Discussion Forums

Rakuten · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 67 Location: Japan

Hello Dave's. First of all, I'm sorry if this question has already been asked- but I was wondering if anyone had any information/experience about switching work visa from Eikaiwa to ALT work in Japan.

I recently switched from Eikaiwa to ALT work, but my Visa wasn't changed and I am still working on the Eikaiwa "Specialist in Humanities" visa.

I ask because 1) a friend of mine also switched from Eikaiwa work to ALT teaching and his company required him to switch visas.
2) I've heard from a number of different sources that you are required to switch- but when I asked my company- they gave me some vague answer to the equivalent of "ehh, it's not -really- necessary" which I found a little suspicious- considering I have heard otherwise everywhere else.

However, I cannot find an official Japanese or English document proving this switch is required. My question is:

Does anyone know where I can find a more official or direct proof of "you must change visas" that I can show my employer?

Also, if they refuse to switch it themselves, can I take my signed employment contract and some pay stubs to immigration and apply for a change on my own?

I'm thinking about taking a visit home this winter and I don't want to jeopardize my stay in Japan- working on the wrong visa. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Your company doesn't require the change; immigration does. Your company is treading on dangerous ground for you with a vague answer. If this is a full-time job for you, you need to change. If it's just supplemental work, you need to get special permission to do that kind of work on the current visa.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyuu/shikakugai.html
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/09.html

The description for visas clearly states that you need to change your visa (status of residence, actually). It doesn't say ALT or eikaiwa, but the type of employer is there.
http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail/?id=2006&vm=04&re=01

How to change is very straightforward.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/02.html
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyuu/henkou.html

Inflames · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 486

Generally speaking, smaller and less reputable ALT companies don't bother too much with this as they think they can fly under immigration. Also, some places that operate eikaiwas and send people to schools tend to be like this as well.