Job Discussion Forums

dielederhosen · Joined: 10 Aug 2003 Posts: 4

I'm an American planning on returning to Japan to teach this coming January. I have a 3-year visa that I recieved in August of 2001, so it's valid until August 2004.

So I went this morning to the Japanese Consulate in Seattle to confirm whether or not the visa is still OK. I talked with a nice woman at the counter who, after I briefly expained my situation, told me I would need to work with the same company as before (I worked at one of the large eikaiwa). I questioned why this was, as I've known at least one person who has gone back with the same visa and worked for a different school.

At this point, she said that she'd have the "visa officer" come and talk to me. I sat down in one of the lobby chairs and five minutes later the rudest Japanese person I've ever encountered came out to talk to me. He sat in a chair next to me, and our conversation was as follows:

Visa guy: "Hello. So you want to know why your visa is no good. That's just the way it is."

I haven't even said a word. Me: "Uh, well...I have a visa that's good until 2004."

Visa guy: "That does not matter. You have to go back to your company you worked at before or you can't get in." I'm offering my passport at this point, and his eyes flick towards it just once, then return to staring angrily at me. "If you go and don't work for your old school, if you LIE, then you will be exported and your name goes on a list and you can never go back to Japan."

That was the extent of it, more or less, BUT he revealed a lot to me with his statements. As in, he was trying to scare me away from something that I could easily do, sneak into the country with the visa I've got.

So my thought is, I can fly to Narita, simply tell the customs agent that I've got a job with my old employer--that is, lie--and I'm in. BTW, I'm planning on moving into a gaijin house and find a teaching job once I get there.

So will this work? Has anyone been in this or a similar situtation? What papers does customs ask for other than a visa? I don't remember having any documentation from my old school that I showed the customs officer when I landed the first time.

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

You dont say whether there is a valid reentry stamp in your passport. If there isnt, the visa automatically became invalid when you left Japan. Assuming you do have that reentry visa, things fall into a grey area. The intent of that reentry visa is to allow people go go on holiday and return to work at the same place.

You dont say how long it is since you were last in Japan. It is possible (though unlikely) that your previous employer has contacted immigration to say you no longer work how them. In this case, you may be stopped at the airport, as they would have invalidated your work visa.

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

lajzar,

While I agree that it is important to know whether he has a re-entry permit, it's also important to know on what kind of terms he left his last job. Did he complete a contract, or terminate it early, for example?

I don't know if it's true whether the re-entry permit is for returning to your sponsoring employer. It's my impression that is merely ensures that you have promised to return for work on your existing visa. Period. As we know, in Japan the visa follows you instead of remaining with the employer like it does in Korea.

So, I think he is ok as long as he has a valid re-entry permit. I was shocked at the response he cited from the Japanese consulate and find it hard to understand why that happened.

dielederhosen · Joined: 10 Aug 2003 Posts: 4

Lajzar:

Thanks for the replies. Yes, And I have the re-entry permit valid as long as my visa. I left on good terms with my last employer, but it's been a full year since I've left Japan...it will have been more like 18 months when I go back. think this gap makes a difference? I'm more concerned with a lack of documentation other than my visa.

And Glenski, I, too, am still baffled by the Consulate's reaction to my question--I must've touched a nerve somehow. Wink

chixdiggit · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 60 Location: ROK

Quite simply, yes. If your visa is valid until August 2004, and re-entry permit is also valid, you will be able to enter the country. I've just gone through every possible scenario in the visa renewal/ status change arena.
Just make sure you have a sponsor when it comes time to renew next year. The guy at the consulate was just doing his job, what he told you is in fact the rule but it is never enforced in the manner in which he led y9ou to believe. You will not be kicked out and blacklisted. I know this because I did exactly what you want to do with no problems AT ALL.

dielederhosen · Joined: 10 Aug 2003 Posts: 4

chixdiggit:

So there's no documentation other than the visa and reentry permit? I've been reading about a "DOE", which I'm guessing is documentation of employment....know anything about this?

and thanks!

chixdiggit · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 60 Location: ROK

DOE? Yes I just checked and such documentation exists but the chances of you being asked for it are practically NIL. You're fine mate. As you mentioned in your initial post, lying will do you just fine at Narita. However, keep in mind, once you need to renew next year you will need solid documentation. Come on in man!

CoCo · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 2 Location: United States

Hello GUYS,

I read your posts and I have a question.

I am about to resign from my school. We are leaving on friendly terms. I have a 3 year visa.

Can I get another job in Japan? What will happen to my current gaijin card?

I already went to immigration and got a re-entry permit....in case I have to leave the country because my apartment is tied to the school.....

My school is giving me a letter of recommendation but nothing was said about a letter of release. Should I ask for one?

Please email me at [email protected]. I am eagerly looking forward to your email.

Thanks a lot!
Colleen

chixdiggit · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 60 Location: ROK

Hi Colleen,

Assuming there is still time left on your visa, it's fine. The visa is yours, not the company's who sponsored you initially. I would recommend getting a letter of release if you're planning on staying past the 3years. Immigration may ask for it when you renew your visa, depending on what office you go to. Your gaikokujin card is also yours, although if you move make sure you go to the city office and have your address updated on the back. Other than that, you're fine.....assuming you have a new job and a place to live. Good Luck.