Job Discussion Forums

uticsperkins2004 · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Moriya, Ibaraki-ken

Hey Everyone!

I'm a Canadian currently teaching in Japan on a working holiday visa which is valid for 6 months and renewable for another 6 months. I understand that after the extension of my WHV I must obtain a work visa. I do not have a university degree, but do have a 2 year college diploma and a TESOL diploma. Is it Japanese law that you MUST have a BA to obtain a work visa or is this is myth? Do I stand a chance being able to get a work visa with the education I have? Any insight into the regulations or visa law would be greatly appreciated. I have a really good job and hope to stay in Japan working at it for longer than 1 year. I look forward to your posts! Thank you!

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

You need a degree. You can stay for the year, but then it's hit or miss..and up to immigration. A friend was in the same situation, had a two year diploma in environmental studies. He worked part-time for 2 small schools, brought his finanical details, the correct paper work and letters from his employers that they would continue to hire him. He also had his original certificate and applied. He got his visa. However, I don't know if he tried to pass it off as a degree or not. He might have ticked the box saying it was a degree and hoped for the best. Worked for him.

Another guy I knew was working one job, applied and it wasn't renewed. He left.

If you work for a large company like Nova, ECC and the likes, you're probably screwed because they won't go through the hassle hoping you can stay. They'll just hire the next person.

Basically, plan on being here for a year and if you want to stay, try your luck, but you're probably screwed.

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

Unless you are extremely lucky like canuck's friend, I wouldn't count on getting a work visa with your credentials. Look at the MOFA web site for details.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Yeah... "Hit & miss" is probably the best way to describe it. By the ministry's own admission and wording, they deal with each application (that doesn't have a 4 year university degree) on a "case by case" basis. Which means.... Maybe. I'd give it a try, but be prepared to high-tail it back home unless you get lucky.

Don't burn your bridges though and over-stay or something like that... If you already hav 2 years under yr belt, getting transfer credit and completing a 4 yr program of some kind may not take so long or be so difficult. Then, having already been to Japan once, may be easier to find work here the 2nd time around... I know that's not what you want to hear.

Sorry, I wish I could give more good news....