Job Discussion Forums

Longing for Nippon · Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Posts: 49

I have a 3 year work visa courtesy of when I worked at NOVA. I now live back home and wondered if I were to return would my 3 year visa still be valid? It runs out in October 2005. It doesnt require you to stay with the same employer or to remain in the country does it? Thanks for your help!

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

If you still have your original single entry visa it became invalid as soon as you left Japan. If you had changed it to a multiple entry visa whilst in Japan you could still use it. The visa belongs to you, not your employer, and remains valid when you no longer work for the company that originally sponsered your visa application.

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

In addition to what stillnosheep wrote, I'll ask if you retained your alien registration card when you left the country. This could pose a problem if you gave it up.

Also, if you were on national health insurance while you were here, you may be asked to make all of the back payments that you normally would have paid in your absence.

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

Akula the shark · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 103 Location: NZ

So long as the visa is valid you can come back on the same visa.
No problems.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

Yup. I see how my post could be misleading. I didn't make clear that I was referring to the possibility of someone no longer working for their original employer (and visa sponser) whilst remaining in Japan. In such a case the visa remains valid. I assumed from the OPs post that he had a single-entry visa which wouldn't entitle him to re-enter Japan anyway.

In the light of Canuck's comments does anybody know what the position is if you leave your original employer, fix up a new job, and wish to leave, and re-enter, Japan on a multiple entry visa before starting work with the new employer? Could this be a problem?

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

I think you just have to prove you have employment. Yes, the visa is yours, however they can take it away too. If I had a job, quit and wanted to leave the country, I would keep my fingers crossed and not volunteer any information.

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

I would think that as long as you have your reentry permit, and it is within its expiration date (the same as your work visa), you will be let in with no questions asked. Of course, I have not done this, but I don't think it really matters if you have started working for a new employer or not. Immigration is not going to ask, "Ok, sir, how many days have you actually taught for ABC Eikaiwa with your current visa?"

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

I left Japan some time back without really intending to return. But I decided to get a re-entry permit and hang on to my gaijin card. When I did come back to Japan I entered the line for registered foreigners and showed my gaijin card along with my passport. They stamped the (single) re-entry permit "USED" and I was on my way. Granted, I had secured employment overseas before returning, but the immigration officer didn't even ask about that.

Longing for Nippon · Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Posts: 49

Thanks for the advice. I still have my Alien registration card and have a multiple re-entry in my passport. Its always good to know I can return without waiting for a work visa.

BradS · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 173 Location: Tokyo, Japan

How did you get a 3 year visa? I just got a one year one. Is there a choice we get?