Job Discussion Forums

tokyo9297 · Joined: 10 Sep 2005 Posts: 3

I've heard that now you don't need to leave Japan in order to process a work visa; is this true? Wouldn't it still take 3 months for the certificate of eligibility to go through? In the mean time, do most people just start work anyway....unofficially?

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

I've been in Japan over 7 years. When I came, it was somewhat commonplace for people to need to leave to finalize visa processing. Things have evolved since then, and although many people have reported that they didn't have to do it, I have not seen any formal declaration from the Japanese Ministry/immigration which says this is a hard and fast rule for every immigration office in the country. To be on the safe side, I'd still prepare for it financially.

If you are fortunate and don't have to leave, I believe that as long as you have a "pending" stamp of approval for a visa that is still undergoing processing, you CAN work legally. Not sure if that means you can get full wages or if you must accept lesser pay, though.

konyoku · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:00 am Post subject:

Yes, it is true. I did it just one year ago. I arrived in Tokyo; found a job; applied for a visa; started work with full benefits and received my working visa approximately two months later.

kylemory · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 12:54 am Post subject:

i also got my visa without leaving the country.. for me, it took one month to get my visa though, maybe because i am out in the sticks?
i believe it is pretty common place to not have to leave the country.