Job Discussion Forums

adam102 · Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 5

Hi! First time poster, month-long lurker here. This forum is great. Glad to finally be able to post a question that hasn't been answered yet (or so I assume)!

I understand that there is a difference between a "visa" and a "status of residence," but something has me confused after a visit to my local embassy. I inquired whether it would be possible to change my status if I happen to find work while in the country as a temporary visitor. Contrary to what I've read here -- and everywhere -- they told me that this was impossible and that if I found a work sponsor in Japan, I would have no choice but to fly to a neighboring country and wait for a working visa to be issued by the corresponding embassy, only after which I may return.

What I can't figure out is why they would tell me this when I constantly read that people can change their statuses from within Japan. Are they purposely misinforming me for some reason? The only reason I can think of is that they want to deter me from starting work before the change is completed. But, is it really illegal if you make it known to immigration that you're starting work? Can you not legally work while the change is in progress?

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

adam102 · Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 5

Thanks Glenski! This does raise a couple of other questions.

1) How long does it take to get a pending visa stamp from immigration? Can I just walk up to the immigration office and get it done right there? Do I have to leave my passport with them?

2) If I was to try the above, is the CoE still necessary? If not, what do I need to show them to prove I've found a sponsor?

3) Once I receive my work visa in full, is it valid retroactive to the date my pending visa stamp was received?

4) This is maybe a bit off-topic, but I hear that if you're overseas you need to actually ship out your original college diploma to have it inspected by immigration, is this true? Mine is permanently framed and lacquered but if they really wanna see it... Also, I'd guess this means if I was in the country already, I'd need to have it with me?

Bread · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 318

1. By far the longest part is waiting on the CoE. You take that and some other stuff to immigration (I honestly don't remember, it's been a while) and they put a stamp in your passport. Then you can keep the passport while waiting. I just checked mine and it apparently took 11 days. When you apply, you'll fill out a postcard with your own address on it. Then when it's ready, they'll drop it in the post.

2. It's exactly the same from within the country, except that you get a different sticker in your passport.

3. No, from the date that they stuck the sticker in there.

4. Just order a new one. I lost my original and I got a replacement for like $30 in just 3 or 4 days. Some universities make it a lot more painful, though.

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

1) How long does it take to get a pending visa stamp from immigration? Can I just walk up to the immigration office and get it done right there? Do I have to leave my passport with them?
If you and the employer provide all the necessary documentation, you get the stamp when you apply. Yes, you can walk right up and do this, but you'll need both parties' documentation. No, you do not leave your passport with them (well, not longer than the 10 minutes it takes for them to do the paperwork. You will not leave the building without it, nor should you legally.)

2) If I was to try the above, is the CoE still necessary? If not, what do I need to show them to prove I've found a sponsor?
Ditto what Bread wrote.

3) Once I receive my work visa in full, is it valid retroactive to the date my pending visa stamp was received?
Again, ditto Bread.

4) This is maybe a bit off-topic, but I hear that if you're overseas you need to actually ship out your original college diploma to have it inspected by immigration, is this true? Mine is permanently framed and lacquered but if they really wanna see it... Also, I'd guess this means if I was in the country already, I'd need to have it with me?
There is a strong preference for seeing the original diploma/degree at immigration, but they have been known to accept a certified photocopy or scan. Providing college transcripts will help, too.

If it is lost or damaged, it is usually a small matter to replace it.

adam102 · Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 5

Ok, so since the working visa's start date would be the date it is completed, would this mean, for all intents and purposes on official matters, my start date for work would be the date I receive the visa in full? Hypothetically, if one had started work before then, the employer would use the date of receipt of the full visa as the date of hire on their records and tax info (additionally meaning they'd recoup their money on a worker's "income taxes" on time worked before this date)? That said, I can't even imagine what kind of potential problems a signed contract with an illegal start date could bring. Sorry to keep branching questions out of questions here but, like you said Glenski, it is indeed nebulous...

seklarwia · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 9:35 pm Post subject:

That is the score of it; your contract should start on or after the date you receive your visa. You are not supposed to work until you have the visa in full and so the company will likely use a false start date. But the date would have to be pretty soon because I doubt immigration will be happy with the idea of having a foreigner running around for too long without an income.

But often people will start working on the quiet before they have their stamp. What you should really be concerned about is that during this time when you are waiting on your COE you are at the mercy of the employer. If they decide to pay you partial wages and/or work you for longer hours during this time, there is nothing you can really do since you are technically working illegally.

Another thing you have to be really careful of is if the company files your COE app on your behalf that they actually do it. If the company is happy to give you the company paper work to take along to immigration with your own to file the app, then you are fine. But you if the company insists on doing it without your presence, you had better be certain that you trust the employer. There have been more than a few instances when the employer has lied about filing the COE app then they make the new recruit slave away for very little pay until their tourist status expires and they are forced to go home often minus their last pay cheque. If the newbie asks about the status of their application, the employer keeps feeding them lies such as, "It will be ready in the next few days." and then when there is still no sign of it, "There was a little problem with the paperwork resulting in a slight delay, but don't worry."