Job Discussion Forums

SHO · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Chicago

HI All. My wife and I have applied with NOVA, however because my wife was born in the Phillipines, the NOVA person said that there may be troubles with the Japanese immigration. She moved to canada when she was twelve and moved to the states when she was 22. We both speak fluent english, were both taught english for more than twelve years, both have bachelor degrees. I see nothing in the laws that state anything like what this person said. Does anyone out there have any clue what this guy is talking about? We both would really like to teach in Japan, NOVA was the first and only place that we applied to, and within a couple of days were asked to come in for interviews. We figure it would be a good stepping stone. I'm Just curious as to the facts of his statement. Anything would help I'm sure. Thanks

Peace and Harmony

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

Is her nationality still Filipina? Or has she become a naturalized American or Canadian. There is a stigma in Japan that many Filipina women are only trying to get jobs in the sex industry, or they want to come here to work illegally in low paying jobs like maids. This is not the case for you, but it IS an image you will have to face.

She has enough years of English education, but another problem you may be facing is that despite her English education, she did not get it all in Canada or the USA. Some officials might consider her English education in the Phillipines NOT to come from a native English speaking country.

NOVA people are not immigration authorities. Don't rely on them 100% for information related to getting visas. Your wife has a bachelor's degree, presumably from the USA or Canada. That should suffice to get her a work visa, I believe.

If all else fails, and if YOU get a FT job in Japan, she can apply for a dependent visa and special permission to work. It will allow her only PT work, but that's better than nothing, and she can always take in private lessons to supplement that.

SHO · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Chicago

Thanks for the reply. She is a naturalized canadian citizen, married to a US citizen. I realize that there are many stereo-types about many different people in this world, and that is troublesome in my mind. But that is something that my children, and my childrens children, and so on and so forth will have to overcome, just as I.

So you're saying that if they consider her education in the phillipines as not coming from a native english speaking country, then the chances are that she will not get a Visa from the Japanese government? Even though the majority of her english education came from Canada and the United states? Or would it be a hit or miss type of thing, where it depends on the person reviewing the documentation?

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

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I don't think Filipinos are considered native English speakers. Yes, their English is excellent, but it is still a second language.

However, in my opinion, the fact her degree is from an English speaking country and she did all her HS education in Canada, I can't see immigration not granting her a work visa.

Why don't you call Japanese immigration and ask them? I would.

SHO · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Chicago

I definetly will, just wanted to get some feedback.

Thanks.

Justin Matthews · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 29

It seems like Nova is the only large company which will hire teachers without a 4 years degree in Japan. I've tried to find others with no success. Anyone know of others?