Job Discussion Forums

[CMurphy3639]

This is the email conversation I've had with someone at their school

[Appletreesrtall]

(*if I'm wrong, please correct me!!!)

I don't think this is them just thinking "whatever". It would be -very- difficult, or maybe impossible, for them to start processing your COE (certificate of eligibility) without your diploma. I'm trying to think of when my friend graduated college.... she graduated in May and went to Japan in August. This gives the company enough time to receive your information, take it to the immigration office to be processed (usual a month, sometimes can go up to 3), pick up the COE, send it to you, and have you process that into a working visa in your home country. Even if you tried to have your COE processed to a work visa in the country, I've been told BY THE EMBASSY (in Chicago) that to have it processed in Japan and have you NOT leave the country & return is "varied by the situation". An example he gave me was "if you were injured and traveling would be a physical strain on you". So not having enough money really isn't gonna help. HOWEVER I have seen some posts here that having the COE changed into a working visa isn't a problem at all. Basically, it can depend from each office.

Even if you came to Japan right after you graduate on a tourist visa and tried to train with your company, that is very very VERY illegal. You need to have a work visa to work in Japan.

The school has an opening for July 1st. If they can get someone who has all the required materials, and fits their standard/liking, they are going to hire them first. If they do not find anyone by July 1st, they can look back at your file and try to work something out. Don't take it offensively. Your desire and drive may of really put a reminder in this guy's head to contact you if things don't work sooner with other possible candidates. However, they are going to leave their door open for a concrete, solid candidate, and not one who "maybe" can work and will cause them more stress/grief. Just gotta look at it from their perspective too.

As for the other companies you contacted, when are the start dates? If it is before you graduate, you will probably get the same reaction as this IMO.

Good luck with everything!! Don't give up. You can always try to keep your eyes open for companies that are wanting start dates after you have graduated.

[iverin]

I've been corresponding with Kathleen as well but haven't really been receiving full answers. For example,

"Hi Kathleen,

Thank you again very much for answering my questions. I have one further question about the Visa application process. I technically already have a Visa since I worked for Aeon. It was issued in October of last year and I taught with Aeon from November 28 2008 until January 24 2009. My visa is still valid until 2011. I didn't get a re-entry permit when I left Japan though. Would having a visa already make the process easier or more difficult. Also, what does a typical teaching day at JES look like? Thank you again."

To which she replied

"Dear ____,

In answer to your questions - 1) Please check with the Japanese Consulate about your visa/re-entry. 2) A typical day might be adults' classes, children's class, and a company class.

Sincerely,
Kathleen
James English School"


So I still don't know any more then when I emailed. Anyone else have any ideas? I also asked about a specific city placement and was told "I'm not sure what will be available this year. I generally know about three months before I need to hire someone. At this time, I don't know about (city you specified)" so I don't know anything more about the company or job

[Glenski]

CMurphy,
They are not jerking you around, but they are a bit misinformed (or immigration has changed).

You should still be able to submit your visa application with a letter from the university attesting to the fact that you will graduate. Of course, that hinges on whether the university wants to do that at this point, since you have not completed your courses, exams, etc. It's entirely up to them. I'd also see if they'd help to submit a tentative set of course transcripts.

Your timing is just too thin, so don't be discouraged if your school won't comply.

As for a different sort of visa, forget it. There is none for you.



iverin,
Since you left Japan with no reentry permit, your visa is invalid. You will have to apply all over again.

[iverin]

thanks Glenski. If I end up just going back for a couple weeks vacation do i need to talk to the consulate too? or just if I need another work visa?

[Glenski]

iverin,
No need to talk to anybody if you are coming only as a tourist. Don't know if immigration will say anything when you arrive, perhaps just notify you that your visa is not valid anymore, and you should just nod, say you know, and hope there is no further hassles. Technically, you should have handed in your alien card, but who knows if they'll ask you for it? If so, either you have it, or you say you have lost it.

If you want to get another work visa, you need an employer first. You can get hired in or outside Japan, as you probably know, and the process for getting a visa is slightly different in either case. Do NOT tell immigration you are coming as a tourist to do job hunting! They will politely put you back on the plane.

[wayne432]

If you still have an alien card, just don't bring it out.
Basically immigration was supposed to collect it last time, so if you show it to immigration or city offices, they'll freak out and it could lead to a lot of paperwork for no reason.

I wonder, if you told immigration that you were coming as a tourist to find work... would they just laugh at you and tell you to go home?

[iverin]

Thanks for the info guys. I don't think I'd come as a tourist to find work as I'd hate to have to lean on the friend I have there until I found work. I'd be more comfortable finding work from home, especially since I need a new work Visa, and then heading over. I don't have my ARC anymore as I had to return it at the airport when I left.

[CMurphy3639]

[iverin]

when I applied for the job with Aeon I got the job about three months earlier than I actually received my diploma. I was told that I could get my registar to write a letter that I had the requirements of the degree just not the diploma. It had to be worded in the present tense (no future tense at all) and say that I met all requirements. I had my registrar do it but they worded it all in the future tense so the letter was useless. I ended up waiting until I got my diploma before getting a placement.

[Glenski]

[seklarwia]

[drum]

Best you can do is figure out on your own what the Japanese immigration will/won't accept. Get in touch with your nearest Japanese consulate. You can always call and ask questions or schedule an appointment to meet someone in person maybe. If you get some good news, get in touch with someone at James and let them know what you found out to see if you can continue the application process from there.

[gwynnie86]

I'm having a similar problem re: my degree. My final exam is 10th June, and I don't know when I'll actually have my degree and certificate of graduation. However, they want to see them before my interview on 27th May... I've tried to explain that this won't be possible as I won't have graduated by then, but they don't seem to answer. I would be flying out in August. Do you think there'll be time to process it or should I forget it?

[iverin]

Since you guys have interview dates and I received a mere "Thank you for your application" then I guess they're not interested? I was hoping for at least an interview seeing as I could hope on a plane as soon as they sponsored the visa