Job Discussion Forums

jeffreyt · Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Hi,
I am brand new to these boards and I have a question. I am getting pretty close to securing a teaching job in Japan but I'm a little worried about something. About two weeks ago I finished up my last University course during summer school, but I have to wait around another three months to get my actual paper diploma. My department offered to write me a letter saying that I finished all my academic requirements, but I have a feeling like when applying for a visa, I might need the actual paper diploma(no exceptions). I was wondering if anyone could confirm or deny this for me. Has anyone had a similar experience? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

fluffyhamster · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:14 am Post subject:

As you say, the impression one gets is that Immigration wants an original diploma to be submitted, without exception, and I have to admit that I have no idea if they'd accept an official letter in place of one. Why don't you ask your potential employer for advice (assuming they aren't badgering you already for all the necessary documents! And even if they aren't, I don't think you'd be able to stall them for three months!).

Anyway, perhaps the following sites will help a bit:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html
http://www.juridique.jp/visa1.html

Note that to get a work visa, you first need a COE (Certificate of Entitlement). (Apologies if you knew that already).

jeffreyt · Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks, I checked out the two links and it seems like all the documents needs to be official. For the job, I'm still in the interview stage so I am not exactly being forthcoming with the information because I don't want to give them a reason to tell me no. In any case, I want to try and go down to my university's records office and explain to them that I have a legitimate reason for needing my diploma early. I can only hope they will listen to reason and not keep me from getting a job because of some bureaucratic red tape.

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:44 am Post subject:

Just a thought:

Check to see if an official transcript would be acceptable. Universities can run these off in moments, assuming your grades are already finalised. Might be a small fee involved, but you can keep these forever and you never know when they might be useful.

Might be worth mentioning something I did a while back, for when you do get your degree:

I was hesitant about letting anyone get their hands on my degree, so I called my Uni and said I had lost my certificate. For a reasonable fee they sent me a new one. So now I have one for home and away. This may be irresponsible on the scale of things, but I think covering oneself when in foreign lands partially excuses this in my opinion. Wink

fluffyhamster · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:27 am Post subject:

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Actually, just thinking about it, I know a girl that came here without actually having the piece of paper, same situation really. So I think it can be done. If you get a knockback, because of this issue tell me and I'll find out what exactly she did. My guess is that she got an official transcript in lieu of the actual diploma.

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

Don't ask your employer. They are often ill-advised or ignorant of immigration requirements.

Get the official letter from your university PLUS official (sealed) transcripts. That will be enough. It has been done before.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:41 pm Post subject:

The Dutchess · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Kobe, Japan

I've recently been hired by AEON and they are now in the process of applying for my COE from Japanese immigration. I have never been asked to provide my diploma, nor transcripts. An official letter of graduation from the Registrar's Office at my University was all that was required. The letter however had to be dated after my actual convocation date and had to state in the past tense that I had graduated (it couldn't say will graduate/going to graduate on DD/MM/YY). Of course, I have no idea if this varies from employer to employer but I would assume not.

As for actually making the visa application at the Japanese Consulate once I have my COE in hand in Canada, I don't know what kind of documentation they will require at that point ( a la official transcripts / diploma ).

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

fluffyhamster · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject:

SaganWasHere · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:51 am Post subject: Re: Paper Diploma for Visa?