Job Discussion Forums

[aaaronr]

I have a professor visa that was sponsored by the company I worked for on a short contract. It's a five year visa, but it's marked or one year. It's valid until April 2016.

I'm applying for jobs from the U.S. I hope my visa is still valid so that it's easier to get hired. I also have a residence card.

Is my visa still valid?

Thanks.

[Maitoshi]

How long have you been out of Japan?

What do you mean by, "marked or one year"?

[Pitarou]

The visa's yours and, yes, it will help you when you're looking for jobs.

Where did you got the impression that it was a five year visa? From what your saying it seems to be a one year visa. First visas are almost always for one year.

If you manage to secure another job before your visa expires getting it extended is a routine matter.

[aaaronr]

Thanks for your answers.

It expires April 2020. It's valid for stays of up to one year. It's multiple entry. Immigration put in a stamp for landing permission until April 30 2016. I've been out of Japan for one month.

[mitsui]

Oh I think you have a year to return to Japan otherwise it is invalid.
There aren't re-entry permits like before.

[Maitoshi]

It sounds like you're good to go, so long as you arrive before the deadline, mate! Best of luck to you in the job search!

[Lamarr]

You've still got your residency card so you can definitely re-enter the country before it expires.

Out of interest, if you return before April 30th, is your visa automatically extended another year, or do you have to have employment before they extend it?

I've never heard of this kind of visa.

[Inflames]

What does your residency card say?

In general, there aren't stamps now, so the residency card is important.

Even if your residency card says the period of stay is for 5 years, you have to come back within a year if you don't have a reentry permit. If you come back on the 367th day (2016 is a leap year) you will have lost your status of residence.