Job Discussion Forums

ken · Joined: 16 Jan 2004 Posts: 14

Interesting discussion people! Very Happy

Ok, so now I have gathered a lot of insight from people on this board as well as outside. Although April's "immigration search procedure" did alarm me a little, I understand that she as making a point about the status of a Tourist Visa vs. a Working Holiday Visa.

BenJ - what do you mean about the plane ticket lasting only a maximum of one year and I'll have to get another? Don't I have to present my departure date from Japan to the Consulate upon the application of the Working Holiday Visa? I have a good feeling that I'd like to stay more than one year, (will change to a work visa), so how do I explain myself for my return date? Not specifying a return date? I thought this was a requirement. I understand much more now about the visas, thanks to you all, it's just I'm a little confused and concerned about presenting my return date...which really, I can't be sure I want to depart Japan in one year. Has anyone not specified a return date?

Celeste · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:58 am Post subject:

After one year the plane ticket is not good for travel. If you have changed your visa to a work visa, then you will have until the end of the new visa to leave Japan. (for example, if your working holiday visa is good for one year, but 6 months into your stay in Japan you change it to a regular work visa, then you will have one year to three years more in Japan. Work visas can be issued for up to 3 years, although the amount of time you get is at the discretion of the issuing officer. You will not have to replace your return ticket for the immigration people, but it is annoying to have paid for a ticket that you never had the opportunity to use.)

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I fyou get a one year open return ticket, you don't need to have a dated specified on your return ticket (hence the term OPEN). Japanese immigration won't care about seeing a date. If they ask then say you don't know when you're leaving. This is not something you need to worry about.

VanKen · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 139 Location: Calgary, AB Canada

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

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

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Go to the link below for info on C of E

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/03.html#c

VanKen · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 139 Location: Calgary, AB Canada

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

[quote="PAULH"]

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Seeing as I have never come to Japan on a tourist visa, here is what a recent post on gaijinpot advises to the nervous newbie;

�
�Re: Working Visa Question - So Confused - Please help!
Author:�macrojapan�(---.9.111.219.st.bbexcite.jp)
Date:��01-06-04 10:32

Hi you have a few options based on the level of acceptible risk:

How much money do you have saved? If the answer is less than 3000.00 US then you will need to look at suggestion number three(3). Without enough income, numbers 1 and 2 will not work for you. 3000.00 is just enough, but if you are stupid with your money it will not be enough.

The below suggestions are strategies I have done or my co-workers have done that seemed to work well. BUT, before you come to Japan find a one month ESL Certification Program and complete it. Small language schools try and sell students on teacher qualifications. My school only hires TEFL or ESL certified teachers--but the courses can be done in 2-4 weeks. Not a big deal.

1. Wondering Gaijin

Basically, you get your money and a small bag with essentials and come to Japan.
Before you come you use the internet to target cities where there are JOBS and where you might want to live.

You also get a list of places you can stay --no hotels--like guest houses (you cannot get an apartment or anything like that) . If at all possible, apply to HOMESTAY with a family. There are some online sites with this information.

NOW, you`re in Japan. You have 3 months to find a Job. Some schools will sponsor your visa. Read as much as you can about teaching in japan before you come. Do not take a "sucker" deal. Make sure you act like you are looking for a job but are not desperate. Before you tallk to anyone you have to have a clear idea of what your standards are.

If your lucky --and most people I know have been-- you will find a Job that will let you start working while they apply for your visa. The company will most likely give you a place to live. If you do not get your Visa before the 90 days, you will have to fly to Thailand or Korea and then come back to Japan. Keep 400.00 - 600.00 for the possible need to leave and re-enter.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

2. Recruit and Hide

Contact NOVA, ECC, AEON, or GEOS. Tell them you`re interested. Tell them you feel big schools are safer. Lie to them and get hired. Agree to everything.

Get all signed-up. They will send you a variety of documents which allow you to get a Visa in the USA for Japan. Now, at this point call Immigration (after everything is done and you are still at home) and tell them you want to confirm that you can work ANYWHERE in Japan as a teacher. Tell them you have a ####visa. If they say you can work anywhere --- then you are clear. It is possible your original employer has to file some paper work the first week you arrive in japan, but I doubt it. My Visa was good when I picked it up at the Japanese Embassy in LA. Where is all this going?

Basically, you never go to work for your recruiter. You use one of the big companies to get into the country but you never work for them. You TAKE no money or housing etc. You get legal and then follow the steps in #1. Honestly, I did this. I actually went to work for about 8 weeks, but I had been looking for a new job starting day 1. It took me time to find a place I wanted to work and live. It was a good trade off for me because, the first 8 weeks gave me a crash course in ESL teaching and I had time to make a good decision. I did give notice at my work (2 weeks) and when I left everything was square. It is easy to be in debt to your employer for your housing.

3. Just Get a Job

Take a Job with NOVA, ECC, AEON, or GEOS. Get all setup in Japan. Give your Job and co-workers a chance. And look for a Job after you have been in Japan and saved some money. If you have no money you will need to work 5 or 6 months to have enough to free yourself from your apartment and employment. Unless you party everyday and then you will need about a year.�@

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya