Job Discussion Forums

musicmunky · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 34

I have a question. My certificate of eligibility is being processed. I am outside of Japan. If it does not come on time, can I enter Japan on a tourist visa whilst my certificate is still being processed? Or do I have to have my work visa in hand before leaving? Any responses of people who know the visa situation, or have experience would be greatly appreciated.
Also, what is the average time for a certificate of eligibility to be processed? It's been about a 5 weeks now and I haven't heard anything. Thanks

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

COE can take 2-8 weeks, depending on a million circumstances. It goes to your employer first, so as long as he knows where you are (in or outside Japan), you can enter without it (as a tourist, of course), and then take it to immigration to complete the process.

If you don't hear in 8 weeks, make a polite call to immigration. Sometimes things get mislaid.

You also lost a week or so because the office was closed for the New Year holiday.

musicmunky · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 34

thanks glenski. u've been really helpful

eslteacherlooking · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 32

adding on to this question: if you get your coe and then the visa in your passport at the embassy all without having signed a contract are you obligated to stay with the company who secured the coe for you if you don't like the terms of the contract they present when you arrive in japan?

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

You will have to show immigration a contract, as this is what they use to determine whether you are eligible for the visa in the first place. Even if you don't present a signed one at the time, they must see it.

If you arrive without a signed contract, it's up to you to decide whether to pull a runner at the airport and dodge/ditch your kind visa sponsor. Pretty crummy person who does that without a good reason. Don't perpetuate the feeling that foreigners are creeps and bums with this sort of thing, ok? Some of us are here for the long haul, and even for those who are here for shorter terms, that only makes working conditions worse.

Why do you think some employers put in so much legalese into their contracts, or try to penalize people who break contracts early?

phoenixstorm · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 24

I understand and it makes sense to do it that way. I just don't want to be caught in a situation where I arrive and not get the placement I wanted and then have lost three weeks of time that could have been spent looking for a position.