Job Discussion Forums

travelinggirl · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 6

Like some of you, I was supposed to be leaving for Japan this week to begin working for Nova. I have decided to... not go in that direction.

I have been offered a job with another company. I have not yet set foot in japan, and have JUST picked my Visa (sponsored by Nova) up from the consulate.

My question: is it wise for me to show up in japan (with this visa) when I am working for a different company than the one that originally sponsored me? I don't want to get sent to jail or denied entry!!

Angelfish · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 131

You'll be fine. Just make sure you change your sponsor at the immigration office within a couple of months. Your visa isn't locked into the company that initially sponsors you.

skelonas · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 17

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

I really dont think that your working visa is locked into a certain company. I think that a working visa is a working visa, if you have one then you can work, I dont think that your working visa is set for working at a certain company. People change jobs all the time, dont worry...if you have that stamp in your passport you are fine...

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Since Nova is still limping along, your visa will be valid when you arrive. If you were planning to come later and Nova had previously declared bankruptcy, then it is quite probable that Immigration wouldn't grant you the work permit at the airport. It hasn't reached that stage yet so you should be okay with the visa.

Hope everything works out for you in Japan in spite of the shaky start.

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

Patros · Joined: 21 Nov 2004 Posts: 11

There may be some cause for concern if you notified Nova that you're not going to be working for them.

From the MOFA website:

tahoemud · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

I'm also supposed to leave for Japan soon (October 16th).

The Nova group in Boston also admitted that they are very much in the dark about when (or how) things will turn around -- and they too suggested I could cancel, or postpone my trip.

Quite a few uncertainties here, you know? Will Nova be able to pay me for my first few months? Will Nova downsize -- or go under? Will it become diffifcult to find work (as an inexperienced teacher) when so many ex-Nova folks are also looking for new jobs.

A friend in Tokyo says I'm worrying too much. He says, "As long as you have your work visa, you're going to be OK." He imagines one could find work within 4-6 weeks.

I have no idea.

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

tahoemud,
Your friend. Has he ever tried getting a job here from mid-October to early December? It's pretty much dead time.

The NOVA people in Boston. Are they permanent Bostonians, or did they fly in from Japan? If it's the former, they know zilch about what is going on here. If it's the latter, they may know the same or only a wee bit more, but they sure aren't going to tell new recruits. You have to figure things out for yourself. Come if they still want you (and sponsor your visa), and you will probably be given whatever assignment is open. That might mean quite a few opportunities despite downsizing, especially since NOVA hasn't paid in a couple of months or more (and people are likely leaving in droves on account of that). Not exactly the atmosphere I'd like to fly 7000 miles into...

If you still have your visa when you come... well, that's the rub, isn't it? If you do, then you are eligible for practically any entry level teaching job around, but there will be a gazillion (desperate) NOVA teachers beating the streets (if they haven't gone home), and as I mentioned above, that will be a dreary time of year to look for work. You will need a full-time sponsor for that visa if you decide to ditch NOVA (or they go under). You can't just self-sponsor with a string of PT work until you've used that visa for a year or more.

So, really think hard about this decision. And, NOVA is not the only fish in the sea.

tahoemud · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

Once you are in Japan your visa is valid for the duration. Just make sure that you are working when the time comes to renew it.

Until you are in Japan your visa is only a recommendation to the immigration officer to grant you permisiion to land. This may not be given if you appear at Narita with neither a job to go to nor a sponsor.