Job Discussion Forums

[Meagan0813]

Im from the USA, travelling this Saturday to Japan for a job teaching English. The school will switch my tourist visa into a work visa once I arrive. I am going for 6-9 months. Do I book my flight to return within 3 months as to not raise any flags at the airport or do I book my flight for 6 months, and let the airport know that I will be getting my work visa once I am there (and obviously not a day sooner than I start working). I am trying to avoid changing my ticket more than once, if at all to not get the change fee.

Thank you so much for your help!

Meagan

[Grasshopper]

I would book for within 3 months and then change it later if you can. This is the way to least likely raise any suspicion...even though it doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong.

But this way there won't be any explaining, and it could save you a headache.

G

[Meagan0813]

Okay, thanks.

Also, I know people work on their tourist visa until they get their working visa sometimes, but what is the penalty for this in Japan? Could they be jailed? (Thinking worse case scenario).

[G Cthulhu]

If you're on a tourist visa then you're simply not allowed to work. EOS. No exceptions.

Worst case scenario is: your work visa app is denied, you are imprisoned for visa violations (6 months - 3 years, IIRC) and once out you are deported and barred from returning to Japan for ten years. Once barred from one country you will automatically be denied entry into any EU country, Aus, NZ, SA, the US and Canada, S. Korea, and most of south America - exception there for whicever is your home country, obviously.

Chance of being caught? Low. Penalty if caught? High. Seriously, it's not worth the aggravation.

[Meagan0813]

Thanks for the information. I'm glad all is on the up and up with me.
Meagan