Job Discussion Forums

[Tomcat]

This is my first posting. I am currently in a relationship with a Japanese woman( we are not in Japan ) and am considering a move to Japan, where she will continue with her job and I( hopefully ) will teach EFL. I am Canadian and have just finished 8 years of teaching in South Korea( which I have heard does not count for much in Japan ). I would like to hear from anyone who has first-hand experience with marriage to a Japanese national, as to whether it will have any influence on my visa standing ( positive or otherwise...What type of visa would I be able to get ? etc.) and employment prospects ( also pros/cons ) . Also, how would it influence my eligibility for health insurance/national pension Thanks in advance for any and all constructive replies.

[24601]

You can get a spouse visa.
While you didn't ask specifically about this, I think before anyone marries or plans to have children with a Japanese National, you should be aware of the following:
http://www.crnjapan.com/en/

You have no rights in Japan at all. I am not saying do not marry; I am saying do not go in blind.

[Glenski]

Being married to a Japanese means you can get a spouse visa, or you can just stick to a regular old work visa. After a few years with a spouse visa, you can even apply for permanent resident status (in less time than you can as a single person).

Work options on a spouse visa are almost unlimited. They are based solely on what an employer feels you are qualified for. A work visa, on the other hand, limits you to the scope of the visa. (Engineer visa holders can only do engineering jobs, for example.)

The spouse visa may be looked upon more favorably than a work visa. Depends on the employer, who may figure you are here for a longer term than the work visa holders.

I don't think the visa influences what sort of health insurance or pension plan you opt for. That depends on you and the employer.

[AndyH]

X2 what Glenski wrote. However, a spousal visa may take longer to obtain, especially if your potential wife/husband is not currently residing in Japan. Like Glenski mentioned, a work visa has limitations, but if you are in a hurry to be here and land a job, and think you can get a position with a company which can sponsor you, it MAY be your best short-term bet to opt for that.
I'm married to a Japanese woman, but am here on a work visa. If I had the intention to stay here permanently, i would not hesitate to apply for a spousal visa.

[Glenski]

[Zzonkmiles]

I'm in Japan on a spouse visa.

It certainly makes working in Japan easier. I don't have to worry about companies sponsoring my visas, letters of release, or being restricted to English-related jobs. While I'm still an English teacher, just that peace of mind knowing that I could quit this gig at will and get a job working at the Japan Times (for example) is quite refreshing.

It took me about 3 weeks to get my spouse visa as well. The hardest part was simply filling out the paperwork. It was all in Japanese and I had to explain (in Japanese) how we met, how we communicate, what we do when we have communication problems, etc.

As for employment options, I think companies look more favorably upon you if you have a spouse visa because it means less work for them. They don't have to bother with sponsorship or immigration paperwork. You're already ready to go. And it also may suggest that you are more likely to stick around long term since you have an official connection to the country.

[Brooks]

with pension I can collect after working in Japan for 25 years, but the law was changed so social security and the Japanese pension will be combined, as I am an American national.

For Canadians, I think you have to wait until you have worked for 25 years before you can collect any money.

Whether my wife is Japanese or not is not relevant.


When I applied for spouse visa, my wife wrote a letter explaining our relationship. So I didn`t have to do the explaining in Japanese.

[AndyH]

I agree with you, Glenski, that a spousal visa, and ultimately, a permanent resident visa, are worthwhile, and I've really got nothing to lose by applying for them. Also, i've been here since 2002, which is much longer than I had originally anticipated being in this country.
Last year, my wife and I left Japan for Guatemala, where we spent six months. While in Guatemala, we went to the Japanese embassy and inquired about a spousal visa for myself, to make our return to Japan less of a hassle. We were informed that my wife would first have to reestablish residency in Japan, then we could apply and wait approximately 7 months for the visa process to finalize. We came to the conclusion that it would be easier to just have my employer reapply for my work visa.
Now, I am less than four months away from returning permanently to the US. My wife's US spousal visa application is taking most of our time, and frankly speaking, as I work six days per week and have a three month old son, the Japanese spousal visa simply isn't a priority.
But, it still wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea to get one.

[Glenski]

[shuize]

Speaking of permanent residence.

Anyone know what happens to your permanent residence when you leave Japan? Suppose you'd like to keep that status. It's my understanding that U.S. greencard holders have to return at least once per year or obtain advanced permission to stay away longer -- those who fail to comply get their greencard yanked upon reentry. Is it the same for Japan?

[canuck]

[shuize]

To answer my own question.

I found this information on Debito Arudou's site: