Job Discussion Forums

jyl2011 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 33

Hello everyone,

I have a question and hopefully some people can lend a hand, thank you in advance!

OK, so I will be heading out to Korea soon and attempting to find work. (I have my personal reasons for doing so that I won't go in to in this thread)...the trouble is, things may not work out, and as such, I am thinking about the possibility of working in Japan if everything falls through.

So...let's say things do not work out as planned and my goal is to go to Japan by ferry from Korea. I understand that as a British citizen I will get 90 days. Here are my questions...

1. Is it possible to find a job when on a tourist visa in Japan? Are there many employers in Japan that are willing to employ somebody who is a tourist and convert the visa to a work visa?

2. Leading me to my second question...is it even possible to convert a tourist visa into a work visa? What are the logistics? Will it involve me doing some kind of border run to Korea again in order to get it stamped?

3. What sort of documentation would I need to bring with me? Would my original TEFL certificate and an apostiled copy of both my degree and criminal check be suffice?

I realize the sheer cost of setting up in Japan, however I do have a friend willing to let me stay with him, hence cutting costs.

Thank you for your help!

jillybean · Joined: 01 Jul 2011 Posts: 32 Location: JAPAN

1. Yes, it is possible but I think your chances are slim. What city/cities are you going to be searching for work in? Since you mentioned the ferry I am assuming around Kyushu? The big spring hiring season is over, and you would be here competing with people who already have work visas. Most employers only consider applicants that have a valid work visa.

2. Yes, that is possible. I think it has been mentioned here before. Maybe another poster can link you to a website explaining the process. I think it can now all easily be done from inside Japan, no need to leave the country for a visa stamp!

3. I don't think you'll need the criminal check. Unlike Korea, it is not a requirement here.

Good luck! Hope this helped a bit.

jyl2011 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 33

Thanks Jilly, appreciate the advice!

I haven't laid out any solid plans yet, I just wanted to come here as my first port of call to get a bit of advice...ideally I will set myself up in Korea, however just looking for back-up plans if it falls through.

Cheers

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

Answers to the visa (not VISA) process itself can be found on these two main websites:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html

1. Is it possible to find a job when on a tourist visa in Japan? Are there many employers in Japan that are willing to employ somebody who is a tourist and convert the visa to a work visa?
Yes, possible, but you don't give us much to go on. Got a degree? What type? Related work experience? Time of year you will come? Cities you will accept/not accept for placement?

2. Leading me to my second question...is it even possible to convert a tourist visa into a work visa? What are the logistics? Will it involve me doing some kind of border run to Korea again in order to get it stamped?
Yes, possible. See above links. No, border runs are not needed anymore.

3. What sort of documentation would I need to bring with me? Would my original TEFL certificate and an apostiled copy of both my degree and criminal check be suffice?
Again, see above links.

jyl2011 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 33

Thank you.

- Some additional information: I have a degree (4 years, English Lit and Italian), I have teaching experience (1 year) and I will be coming over maybe June time.

- As for cities, I'm not sure yet. My friend lives on the outskirts of Tokyo, so that is all I have to go on at the moment.

Thanks again.

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

June is a fairly quiet time. I suspect most work will be for eikaiwas, and you are qualified.

As for cities, don't limit yourself too much. Market is flooded right now. Best of luck.

jyl2011 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 33

Thanks Gelnski..

When applying for the visa, I understand that I will need to provide proof of education. Would providing a copy of my degree with apostile stamp be suffice, just like South Korea?

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 11:43 am Post subject:

Rather than locking this thread (after deleting several postings) due to the exchange of personal insults instead of staying on topic and addressing the message, I will leave it unlocked with the WARNING that a few members posting on this thread are in very choppy waters piloting a ship with a dead radio and very little fuel.... I suggest you get to port as soon as possible and take some shore leave before you capsize.

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

Cool Teacher · Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 8:19 am Post subject: