Job Discussion Forums

[thomthom]

Scenario: My 1-year instructor visa with an ALT company expires at the end of March. I wish to renew my visa with an eikaiwa company --which will require a humanities visa-- starting from the date that the previous one expires.

I'm not sure if this process will work like a 'renewal' or rather like getting a totally fresh visa.

Will I need a letter of release from my former employer? (I'm assuming this isn't necessary if my original visa/contract is coming to an end)

And can anyone advise me on far ahead I should be doing the paperwork?

Thanks!

[ZeeshanMukhtar]

Most applicants renewing their visas are only required to schedule one appointment to reapply for a nonimmigrant visa. The sole appointment will be at the Applicant Service Center (ASC) during which the applicant will be fingerprinted, a photograph for the visa will be taken, and in some cases documentation will be submitted. In some cases, a second appointment may be required at the U.S. Embassy or a consulate, during which a consular officer will interview the applicant.

[fluffyhamster]

@thomthom: I'm assuming the process is still the same as or similar to when I was working in Japan - the new employer submits (by proxy, for you) or should help provide you with (if you're the one doing all the donkey work LOL) all the necessary paperwork for the visa renewal as well as for a "change of status of residence" (i.e. they'll tell Immigration what sort of company they are and the type or work you'll be doing). A small fee is involved (about 4000 yen IIRC) and they will then put a visa renewal sticker as well as a specialist in humanities sticker in your passport. Always best to get letters of release, even if having completed the full term of the contract they seem a mere formality.

[thomthom]

I'm having trouble wrestling a release letter off my former employer, so this is the main issue. I have read some accounts of immigration being surprisingly relaxed about it, assuming the applicant has a new sponsor, has paid tax/health, and has at least TRIED to obtain the release letter. But of course there's no guarantee of this. (I suppose the worst case scenario is I leave Japan before expiry and obtain a fresh visa in the future, but I'd certainly rather not go through all that..)