Job Discussion Forums

Kestrel · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 31 Location: Kyoto, Japan

Hi all, just some visa-related questions here. I"m currently in Kyoto, seeing the sights and browsing around for work. Thing is, I'm here on a tourist visa (as I'm American the WHV wasn't an option). I'm very interested in learning Japanese, so I"ve thought about getting a student visa and doing some work on the side. I'm also quite interested in the game Go, so I've thought about taking classes in that and going for a cultural visa and (again) doing some work onthe side. Problem is, I'm finding it difficult to find information regarding visas and changing visa status from within Japan. Is it possbile to go from tourist to student or cultural without leaving the country? Also, how much am I allowed to work on a student or cultural visa? If it makes a difference, I"m 31, American, with a BA and CELTA. Thanks loads!

Tom

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

http://www.jp.from-hanna.com/government/visa/changes.htmlhttp://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

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

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

http://www.jp.from-hanna.com/government/visa/changes.html

Sorry, those didn't post as I had planned originally.

april · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 83 Location: Australia

I can help answer a little about your questions. When my WHV visa was about to expire, I was desperate to stay in the country. I had an interview with an immigration officer and went through my options. For a cultural visa (I do karate and my dojo would have sponsored me) I was told that it is difficult to gain permission to work. For the student visa you must study at an accredited school, study a certain number of hours a week (20 I think it was), and pass all exams. I realised that my life wouldn't have been much fun going from karate training, to school, then to work, and then late at night try and get my homework finished. So I am now back in my home country and finishing my degree (I have my last exam in 3 weeks time and it's back to Japan early next year!)

I think you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on a student visa. You have to apply for the visa first, and then apply for permission to work seperately.

I hope things work out for you.

Kestrel · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 31 Location: Kyoto, Japan

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciate it. It looks as though the school thing is not an option at this point, unfortunately--you need to apply for an intensive course without a student visa already in place about 5 months in advance. D'oh. Looks like it's back to the search for a full time job that will sponsor me...

Thanks again.
Tom