Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

I read online that if one makes 250,000 yen a month (via part-time jobs), he or she can self-sponsor a work visa.

What kinds of documents are needed to do this?

Many thanks.

[rtm]

[Maitoshi]

My first instinct was to reply, "What is this Google to which you refer?" Then I noticed that the OP isn't new, so he must have left off his real question. For example, "has anyone here done this successfully?" or "have you heard of anyone who accomplished this?"

[RM1983]

[dove]

I self-sponsored my last few visa renewals. It is a straight-forward process. There is not a special form for this. You just fill out the extension of stay form. I always was asked to submit proof that I paid all my taxes from the pervious year. You have to get a special form from the city hall for this. You also have to submit your income tax as proof of your income. I was also asked to submit the financial information from one of the companies I worked for. This information lists how many employees the company employs, its revenue, etc. I don't know what people who work only for themselves must submit in its place. I always brought all my pay stubs from the previous year, but they never wanted them. Also, in my experience, they only give one or three year renewals, not the five-year renewal.
I don't know if you have to make a certain amount to renew your visa this way. I always heard it was minimums 250,000 yen per month, but it's probably just a standard amount. It seems to me, the most crucial form was the one that proved taxes were paid.... I don't think you have to show that you have insurance, but I think I submitted my yearly summary of insurance payments.

[Inflames]

A few years ago (in 2009 or 2010) immigration changed the forms for renewals and it is much more difficult to self-sponsor. Basically, you have to get a company (presumably the one paying most of your salary) to fill out an immigration form - most companies simply see this and assume sponsorship. Even though I had the immigration people saying it wasn't sponsorship and was simply a formality, one place (where I was making 130k a month) refused to do it.

[Black_Beer_Man]

Thank you dove and Inflames. I really appreciate your answers. They clear things up for me.

Cheers.