Job Discussion Forums

whatthefunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 130 Location: Japan

Hi all,
I came to Japan about 7 years ago on a tourist visa, found a job, and changed my status without too much trouble. The whole thing took about a month. Is it still that easy? I entered Japan yesterday on another tourist visa and it seems much more strict these days. Immigration had a LOT of questions to ask me. Is my lying to immigration about the purpose of my visit going to have an effect on anything?

Also, I didn't pay my last phone bill in Japan. Will this effect anything? Is there anything that can be done about it...like paying it and being very very sorry for being such an irresponsible twit?

Thanks

Great Teacher Umikun · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 63 Location: Back in Japan

I don�t think immigration keeps track of your bills. I think their main concern is that you�re not a terrorist and that you don�t overstay your welcome. What sort of questions did they ask you, may I ask? Did you come in on a one-way ticket without an outbound ticket?

whatthefunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 130 Location: Japan

I have an outgoing ticket back to Korea. I told them that I was traveling around Japan for 2 months to make sure that I got the full 3 month visa. They asked me where I was going (I told them all the typical places), how much money I had on me, whether or not I had a credit card, whether I could speak Japanese or not (my last Japan adventure was on my old passport but she must have seen the record of that on the computer), whether I had a job in Korea (I took the boat over from Busan), she asked where my visa was for Korea, etc... Freaked me out. I wonder if I'm on some sort of a list somewhere....

Great Teacher Umikun · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 63 Location: Back in Japan

the4th2001 · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 130 Location: Tokyo

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

There was either something that tipped off their suspicions about you, or you just got unlucky enough to be in on a quota of questions asked every Nth person.

Phone bills won't keep you out of the country or stop a visa from being issued. (It's still a poor thing to do to a country that you leave. I won't ask why you did it.)

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

whatthefunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 130 Location: Japan

Much less worried now. Thanks guys.

Great Teacher Umikun · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 63 Location: Back in Japan

wayne432 · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 255

For someone going sightseeing? That's a bit suspicious.
Just go casual style and bring your suit in your bag.

I don't think anyone likes to fly in suits if they don't have to.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Who wears a suit and tie when they are going somewhere for sightseeing? Wear tidy casual clothes and keep your suit right at the bottom of the suitcase where they are less likely to find it if they decide to have a look at your luggage. If they do see it say you'll be attending a wedding.

If you do wear a suit and tie be prepared to be asked what kind of business you are coming to Japan on.

Great Teacher Umikun · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 63 Location: Back in Japan

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I suspect that most of the people who get refused a tourist permit would have stayed in Japan close to 90 days, done a quick run to Korea or similar, and then tried to come back into Japan again. You shouldn't have any problems.