Job Discussion Forums

AEON2007 · Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Posts: 21

Hi,
because I'm starting training in Fukuoka and have to arrive on a set date in November, I've looked at flight prices and found that its cheaper to go via Hong Kong with two seperate flights. As I'm there anyway, Id love a couple of weeks holiday but have been told that I need to get my visa sorted 2/3 weeks before I go, something that takes three/four days. AEON seem reluctant to give solid info and say they don't want me booking flights too early but they'll be astronomically priced if I wait 2 weeks before travelling.
Has anyone either been in a similar situation or able to tell me how promptly AEON usually send out the visa documentation and how reliable the Japanese embassy grants working visas? Will I have to shelve my travelling plans?

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

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

I'm assuming that that final matter you'll have to take care of 2 to 3 weeks before departure is the act of getting your visa sticker in your passport at your local Japanese consulate. You can probably get this done with 3 weeks or more to spare before your expected arrival date in Japan. Once you get the visa put into your passport, there'll be a 3-month window in which you can land in Japan and start your 1-year stay. AEON just doesn't want you landing in Japan on that visa too early; otherwise, you'll end up finishing your allowed stay in Japan (on that visa) before your contract with AEON is finished.

Anyway, just try to get that visa into your passport 4 weeks or so out from the date you're expected in Japan. And, don't land in Japan until AEON wants you there.

Have a good time in Hong Kong.

Gypsy Rose Kim · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 151

Oops. Beat me to it.

I would add, though, that two weeks is an awfully long time to spend in Hong Kong. I love it there, but I think four days might do it.

AEON2007 · Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks for those replies- this is all new to me so I prob. didn't make myself clear enough but southofreality guessed my meaning correctly!
The main problem is that AEON say they'll only send out the final documentation needed for that final stamp '2-3 weeks' prior to my leaving date which seems very late to me. It'd be good to know whether I'll have any chance of pestering them to send it early or if anyone has heard of them being late with this documentation?
Thanks also Gypsy Rose Kim- I had actually thought of spending a few days in Hong Kong and then making my way to Shanghai to fly down to Fukuoka from there... Definately will try to do that now!

JU! · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:19 pm Post subject:

I'm in the same situation and go in November with Aeon. I think they mean just to get your stamp in your visa 3/4 weeks before. As you have not been to Japan before I'd advise waiting for Aeon, they will prob help you a lot when your there. I know you wanna get a feel for Japan but living is different to holiday so even though I have been to Japan 4 times the experience of living in Japan will be very different. Aeon will make sure you don't mess it up so don't worry.

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan