Job Discussion Forums

[Itsme]

I am planning a trip from Shanghai, China to anywhere in Japan.

I promise to use the search function after asking these questions which may bring the "search fanatics" on my tail; however, if you know how topics digress in the Chinese forums you might cut me some slack.

1) From what I understand, I can go to Japan without a visa for 90 days, but if I want to change that visa to a working visa I would have to leave and re-enter. Is this true? If so, then is it more economical to get a visa from Shanghai, if possible?

2) To get any type of working/business visa in Japan, are you required to provide working contracts/business papers before getting a visa? In China there are visa companies which help the process.... What about Japan?

2) The reulations also state that an entry AND proof of exit ticket be provided. This is also the WRITTEN case in China. If I plan on staying in Japan longer than 90 days, should I just try getting in on a one way ticket?
Is one provided the opportunity of buying a ticket at the airport in Japan if necessary?

3) Anyone heard of the boat from Shanghai to Japan? Is this the cheapest way to?

I understand the value of learning by doing but I'd much rather save time and money from some foresight and help from yall.

Thank you

[canuck]

[stillnosheep]

You can't get into Japan without any visa. You will need a tourist visa.

If (and only if) you can get a sponser that can (usually) be exchanged for a 1 or 3 year work visa in Japan (you have to be a graduate to get the specialist in humanities/international services visa necc. to work in eikawa)

2 ferry companies operate out of Shanghai going to Osaka/Kobe. The crossing is cheaper than flying, takes about 48 hrs, boat can be almost empty out of season. Buy a cheap ticket. You will be upgraded anyway as it is easier for the staff if all the passengers are in the same corridor) Food is OK(ish), journey is relaxing. sailing thru the inland sea prior to docking in Japan can be spectacular.

[Apsara]

The tourist visa mentioned above is actually a visa waiver, not something you have to apply for in advance like the tourist visa for China. Basically you will get a stamp in your passport on arrival that lets you stay 90 days.

[stillnosheep]

Yes, but the crucial point is that, essentially, you first have to line up a job then (and only then) can you get a Work Visa. You cannot get the work visa without a sponser, which, in practice, means no job offer, no visa.

The good news is that if you come in ona Tourist Visa you can often exchange this for a work visa in country, once you find a sponser (i.e. a prospective employer). The bad news is that you cannot enter ona TV (or waiver) without an onward ticket.

[Glenski]

1) From what I understand, I can go to Japan without a visa for 90 days, but if I want to change that visa to a working visa I would have to leave and re-enter. Is this true? If so, then is it more economical to get a visa from Shanghai, if possible? As far as I know, you don't have to leave. If you find a willing employer, and you have the credentials for a work visa, you can then apply for it and get a temporary "visa pending" stamp in your passport and work on that legally until the final approval comes, at which time you just return to the immigration office.

canuck (or anyone else, for that matter),
When was the last time you heard of anyone having to leave Japan in order to finalize visa paperwork? Please describe the circumstances (ie, was it a demand of the employer or immigration?).

2) To get any type of working/business visa in Japan, are you required to provide working contracts/business papers before getting a visa? In China there are visa companies which help the process.... What about Japan?You need to supply a resume, proof of a degree (or 3 years experience), a passport, and photos. Your proposed employer needs to supply a contract and tax records proving he is a legitimate company and that he will pay you a certain salary. Either you or your employer can bring these documents to immigration. There is no middleman.

2) The reulations also state that an entry AND proof of exit ticket be provided. This is also the WRITTEN case in China. If I plan on staying in Japan longer than 90 days, should I just try getting in on a one way ticket?
Is one provided the opportunity of buying a ticket at the airport in Japan if necessary? If you are a tourist, that means you will leave here in 90 days or less, so you need to show some proof of having an exit plan. That can be as simple as your roundtrip ticket.

[canuck]

[Itsme]

Has anyone ever booked a roundtrip ticket on one of the boats and been able to cancel the return, or would I kiss the return bye bye?

Can I get some feedback on how long it took you all to find a good employer in Japan?

I'll be planning on a tight budget so I will need a job fast.
On the other hand, I'd like to get a decent job and not work as a sweatshop "dancing clown" as we like to call them in the China forums.

I have the chance to hold out quite a long time in China for a good job but perhaps not the case in Japan.

[Glenski]

Thanks, canuck. That's about the same time frame I had in mind. Two years ago.

[stillnosheep]

The ferry companies are both Chinese, so you could contact them direct but i strongly suspect that you can just kiss the return ticket goodbye.

Good employer? In Japan? Quickly?!!

Your best (only??) bet if you are determined to attempt Japan on little cash is to fix up as many interviews as you can before you arrive.

BUT Japan is a relatively (tho' not compared with China of course) big place and transport and hotels are expensive. If you haven't a job lined up people bandy about figures such as $3-4000 as being needed in savings. This seems slightly excessive to me. Nonetheless you will not only need money for food, accomodation and travelling expenses until you get a job but will need cash for rent and living expenses until your first full month's pay. It really isn't a country that you want to be in with no job and limited funds.