Job Discussion Forums

hybrid3415 · Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Posts: 10

I've already tried search though the Japan forum for "working holiday visa" but couldn't find an answer to my question, so here goes...

I'm planning on moving to Japan in September, ideally landing a teaching job around the same time. This is something I've considered for a long time, and I've done plenty of research into the various companies which offer ALT and Eikaiwa work.

My question is this; I've seen many people talk about the WHV (for which I'm eligible for as I'm 29 and a UK resident) but I'm finding it difficult to see what the big differences are between the WHV and a standard working visa. So what are they?

From what I can gather, both visas require a "type" of sponsorship, by providing details for your employer in Japan. While the standard working visa seems to require your hiring company to do some of the legwork, the WHV seems more relaxed and basically requires a "thumbs up" from the company considering your employment? Or do I have this wrong?

I understand that on a WHV, your primary reasons for visiting Japan for 12 months is for sightseeing, with work to fund your time in the country. So my second question is; if I land a job with a school/company I love and my 12 months is about to expire, will I have to leave Japan, and try to get back in? Or is there a process to transfer from a WHV to a regular working visa?

I'm looking to move to Japan for the long-term and currently have ¥444,500 to kickstart me into the country for a month or two. I'd love to be able to just fly to Japan tomorrow and "wing it" and find work once I arrive in the country. But from what I can gather with the WHV application form, they want you to show them where you'll be working.

Any advice on which visa to go for would be very helpful. Also, any clarification on the differences between the visas (which I may have totally misunderstood) would also be appreciated.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 11:31 pm Post subject:

They don't like you to have work lined up. The assumption is that you'll find work once you're there. You can line up work, but I wouldn't tell them about it at the visa stage; you don't need a sponsor, unlike an initial work visa. The WHV has a lot more flexibility on when/where you can work. I knew someone that worked in a factory shovelling bolts into a hopper for bagging. He made more per month (Y435k, after tax, for a six hour day, M-F) than most ALT's. Which he promptly spent at bars each night, not that that afffected his job performance in the slightest. Anyway, the point is that the WHV is supposed to be a working *holiday*: they want to see an plan for travelling & seeing stuff. It can be completely made up, but they want to see it. Expect some extra questions around your age, too.

hybrid3415 · Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Posts: 10

Sadmanonatrain · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 5

You cannot extend your WHV after your time is up. I tried and was turned down (Unless you're are very ill or something.)

hybrid3415 · Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Posts: 10

G Cthulhu · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 2:41 pm Post subject:

In theory WHV can be extended indefinitely, but it is very much up to the Immigration office discretion. Policy is to not extend beyond 12 months and unless you strike it exceptionally lucky I'd say the chances are close to nil of going beyond 12 months.

JET's have a work visa. Not related and of zero relevance to WHV.

Good luck. :)

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

I'm pretty sure I remember reading on a site for Canadians that the WHV maxes at 12 months and cannot be renewed.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 11:14 pm Post subject:

The policies are different for different countries, and are generally followed, but remember how almost everything in Japan starts with, "In principle..."

Gives them all the leeway they want/need whenever they want/need. Not the best example, but an example would be the changes to JET back in ~2003 when the 4th & 5th year positions were introduced. Simple programme change (took a week) covered and made via the "In principle" route once the policy decision (took ~4 years!) was taken.

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

In principle, the Working Holiday Visa is only for people who intend to stay in Japan for a limited period, and you should not be applying for one.

But in practice, there are lots of people who say they had no trouble changing from a Working Holiday Visa to a Work Visa once they'd found a suitable job. And it's certainly a helluva lot easier / less risky than the alternatives (applying for a job from overseas or trying to get a job while on a tourist visa).

So, if you have that option, the Working Holiday Visa is the way to go.

hybrid3415 · Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Posts: 10

Hey everyone. Thanks for all the advice, just to let you know I was successful in my WHV application and I'm aiming to leave for Japan in September (once all my commitments here in the UK have wrapped up)

As a tip for anyone applying for a WHV, even though the Visa is valid for 12 months from the date of issue (and then 12 months from the point of entry into Japan) try not to apply too early. My application was nearly thrown out by the consulate as I was told I was applying too early (Applying in May, leaving in September)

The next task for me is finding part time work. I've found an apartment in downtown Osaka for ¥75,000 with all bills included (roughly £410) on a monthly contract. So even if things go *ahem* *beep* up, I can escape with just 30 days notice.

Does anyone have any tips for finding work in the big cities? I'm going to have to go with English teaching, ideally adults as I've had experience doing that via Skype. Can I just arrive in Osaka and head down to the recruitment centre to find part time work? I'm not looking for a wage that's ¥230,000 a month. I'm looking for enough work to cover my ¥75,000 rent, 20% tax, and enough to feed myself haha.

As always, any advice, comments, quips, digs, and suggestions are welcome.