Job Discussion Forums

[drdo]

Hi! I am certain this question has been asked. I went looking for the answers, but didn't get what I needed.

My family and I arrived in early Feb. on a visitor's visa. I was offered a high school teaching job this week. I start the job in April. The company hiring said they will assist with my change of statis but could not answer the following questions:
1. Do I need to leave the country to change my visa? My visitor's one will expire in May. Is there anyway to change statis while in Japan?
2. Can I apply at the same time for a dependant visa(s), one for a toddler and the other, my husband?
3. I live in Chiba-ken but will work in Tokyo. Does it matter which Immigration Dept, I go to? My company said to use their office as my address and use the Tokyo one. But what about my family?
4. Can I get any forms on-line or do I need to go to the office itself?

I may have more questions, but for now that's about it.

Thanks for your help.
drdo

[Glenski]

1. Do I need to leave the country to change my visa? My visitor's one will expire in May. Is there anyway to change statis while in Japan?


You might and you might not have to leave the country. There is no standard rule. Be prepared financially.

2. Can I apply at the same time for a dependant visa(s), one for a toddler and the other, my husband?

I don't know, but I would think it's doubtful, since the dependent visa depends on the spouse having a FT job and a work visa first.

3. I live in Chiba-ken but will work in Tokyo. Does it matter which Immigration Dept, I go to? My company said to use their office as my address and use the Tokyo one. But what about my family?

Where do you LIVE? That will be on your alien registration card and should be on your visas. Which immigration office you go to may not matter.

4. Can I get any forms on-line or do I need to go to the office itself?
You cannot do this online. In fact, you will likely have to make at least 2 trips to immigration to complete the process.

[drdo]

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated!

I ended up finding a phone number for an English speaking immigration agent in Tokyo (Immigration Information Center). She was wonderfully helpful and guided me through each question.

For future reference: 03-5796-7112

Thanks again.

[Gordon]

What did the agent tell you? Just curious and could be helpful for others at some point.

[drdo]

Good idea!

She started by telling me to go to the Tokyo Immigration office as all other offices (like the one in Chiba) send all their visa applications to the one near Shinagawa Station. She said this would save time, in the long run (even though the Tokyo office will possibly be busier for me...waiting in line).

Her other info was this:
1. Apply with the "Instructor" form-as I'll be teaching at a high school (not with the "Humanities" form).

2. Apply for your dependents together with your visa application (saves time and confusion. The Chiba office said this to my husband as well when he went there today). My 2-page document will have "Instructor" on the top of page 2; my family will have "Dependent" on their page 2.

3. I will first need a "certificate of eligibility". I apply for this initially.

IF...if I receive this before my Visitor's Visa expires, then she said their office will "probably accept your change of statis without needing to leave the country."

4. If I do not receive this certificate of eligibilty before my temp. visitor's visa expires, then I must leave (she said "return to the US and wait for the certificate").

But isn't it true, we can go to So. Korea and return after 2-3 days? Or has that changed?

I plan to go to the Tokyo Immigration office tomorrow. I hope I can ask this question straight to them. We'll see.

Hope this is helpful. I can repsond again after my day tomorrow.

[Gordon]

Thanks drdo. I can't see any reason why you would have to go to the US when S. Korea is much more convenient. They probably assumed you would like to visit the US and throw your money around unnecessarily.

[drdo]

I went to Shinagawa today. Thankfully at the East Exit of the station there were signs in English guiding us to Bus Stop #8, taking loads of foreigners to the Regional Immigration Office(s).

If/when you are filing for a visa and dependent visa(s) at the same time, bring: 1. birth certificate of child(ren)
2. marriage certificate for you and spouse
They will not take any forms (even the work visa info) without those 2 documents.

We had everything in order. The women at the "eligilbility" desk were pleasant and helpful (although surprisingly, they spoke a lot in Japanese...yikes...even though it was apparent we weren't understanding completely).

We were told I should receive news BEFORE my visa expires, so that was GREAT news for us. Possibly no leaving the country!

Thanks again for your help on this.

[Gordon]

In case you don't know, dependents can earn up to 1.2 million yen/year without paying taxes. Any questions you might have about families, just ask. Oh and register your child with the prefectural office and you will qualify for 5,000 yen/month for your child (if they are under 9 yrs old). Your child will also be able to receive free health care (but again requires an additional registration at the prefecture office). I wish I had known this when I first got to Japan.

[drdo]

Gordon-thank you!

We did go to City Hall and got our daughter (2 yrs old) an alien card when we applied for our. She was given hers immediatley and we are to pick ours up next week.

When you say the Prefecture Office, are you referring to somewhere else? I am unaware of such a place. Can I find this information on-line or do you know where it is for Chiba-ken?

Do I need to ask about such services (especially the Health Insurance) or will they sign her up once I register her?

Thank you again for your shared knowledge.

[Gordon]

[David W]

[earthmonkey]

Personal story:
When I went to the Tokyo Immigration Office to change status from a tourist to working visa, they told me "You need to go to the Embassy in your country." Having heard that this was not true, I told them that I couldn't do that. "Oh. You can't? Then go to the second floor." (This was at the old office in Otemachi.) It was no problem to change without leaving Japan, but they didn't offer this information. They didn't even ask me for a reason why I couldn't leave the country. So, if they tell you that you need to leave, just tell them it's impossible.

[drdo]

Earthmonkey:

Ahhh, that is so funny! You must've stood there stunned. What a classic story to remind oneself that things in Japan are not always what you expect! And what a relief for you-in the long run!

The people at the new office in Shinagawa seemed sincerely helpful and empathetic to our situation. But it was one of the "top dogs" (in another office away from the crowds) who made the final okay. We'll know more after we get that post card in the mail asking us to return.

But what is it about not offering information...most seem so good at this!

[earthmonkey]

That happened three years ago. I've had nothing but good experiences since then at the new Shinagawa office. But I feel sorry for people who've spent their hard earned yen to leave the country when it's not actually necessary.

[drdo]

3 years ago, uh?

I suspect in the past few years, they've become more aggressive in their pursuit to legalize the foreigners. I know the US has been tougher on Japanese (and others) coming over.

I worked for 2 different US universities in the past 7 years and after September 11, the hoops most students had to go through to get to the States was long and painful.

Many that initally apply, informed Admissions they decided on Australia. We think the agents handleing their cases possibly did't want to do the extra work and found it easier to send them elsewhere.

Anyway, we hope we won't have to leave but we are preparing for a short trip to So. Korea. Thankfully, we know people there, so it'll be more enjoyable.