Job Discussion Forums

bluewatertraveller · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Hi! I have a question about working holiday visa's in Japan. I have been here for 6 months on a working holiday visa and my company (who recruited me) has decided to ask me to extend my visa for another 6 months rather than sponsor me. They say that they will sponsor me after the 6 months is up. Does anyone have any idea why they would choose to do this and if it will cause me problems in the future? Thanks!

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

angrysoba · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 446 Location: Kansai, Japan

There is also the possibility that they have an arrangement with the Working Holiday Visa Association who assign those with Working Holiday Visas to employers. In my experience I have known employers to offer work to WHV holders over those that hold full working visas due to having some kind of quota.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/programme.html

But as Paul said above it could be that they cannot offer contracts which would enable them to sponsor a full working visa.

Either way be careful that they aren't stringing you along. What are you going to do at the end of your second WHV if they don't sponsor you for the working visa?[/quote]

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

Simple answer. Procrastination.

As you have the right to extend a WHV once for an additional six months (up to a one year maximum) there is NO paperwork involved for your employer in you getting this extension... You just go to immigration by yourself and fill out a form, pay the money. Your employer doesn't need to do squat.

Only when your second 6-month term is about to expire will the company start worrying about arranging for a work visa for you -- which is MUCH more paperwork-intensive on their part.

I worked for a similar outfit. Had nothing to do with ANYTHING except laziness and not wanting to be bothered doing visa paperwork until absolutely necessary. That's all...

angrysoba · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 446 Location: Kansai, Japan

Bluewatertraveller:

What percentage of employees at your work are on WHVs and were you referred to your current job by the JAWHM?

bluewatertraveller · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

I am unsure of the percentage of other employees on WHV's because I'm teaching corporate business english and rarely get the chance to meet other teachers.

Thanks for the info!

bluewatertraveller · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

No I wasn't referred by them. I was recruited- I have met several other teachers who are on regular (humanities) work visas.

Synne · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 269 Location: Tohoku

Thats pretty unfortunate and rather inconsiderate on your employers behalf.

The 20% tax tagged with a WHV should be more than enough of a hardship for them to get you on a work visa asap especially if you are eligible for one.

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