Job Discussion Forums

Industrial Helix · Joined: 16 Apr 2011 Posts: 12

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge regarding this?

Here's my situation. I received an offer for a job in Tokyo but one of the requirements was that they needed me to come sooner, rather than later.... like within one month of the offer. However, I learned that it takes 1-3 months to obtain a visa before you enter the country.

So I'm entertaining a few options, one, asking if the company would wait until the visa is cleared before entering. The other is, going in and switching visas once there.

Is switching visas difficult? Do I need to think about booking a re-entry into Japan?

sabina · Joined: 11 Nov 2010 Posts: 75

I think it's illegal to work while on a tourist visa. Do you want to work for a company that is asking you to break the law?
Maybe I am the exception and not the rule but it took me just 2 weeks from start to finish to have my visa processed and slapped into my passport. (That includes waiting to receive my COE and everything.) On the other hand.....I think I read somewhere that you don't actually have to leave Japan now to switch your visa status but I'm not sure about that....

Industrial Helix · Joined: 16 Apr 2011 Posts: 12

Well, waiting it out would be my preferred solution. They haven't asked me to come on a tourist visa just yet though.

It only took you two weeks to get a work visa? Was this the Certificate of Eligibility route or the direct application (I think I recall reading something like that).

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

Getting the visa/COE can take 2-8 weeks. Depends on how busy immigration is. April is a very busy time. It also depends on any mistakes or incomplete paperwork submitted.

Be aware and beware that some disreputable employers try to hurry teachers here, then lie about mistakes or delays in visa processing. They keep the teacher on a tight leash with low pay, then when you have overstayed your tourist time, they fire you with no last paycheck, and you are in big trouble with immigration for having overstayed and worked as a tourist.

There are legitimate reasons to rush people here, but you should find out what your circumstances are. You can apply for the COE/visa and get it without having to leave Japan.

Get the COE, and it takes about 15-30 minutes to return to immigration and finalize the processing. Don't forget to get a reentry permit then, too.