Job Discussion Forums

franjipani · Joined: 09 Jan 2005 Posts: 29

Hi
i know there have been similar queries, but none seems
to have the answers i need.
I've had this job offer, the contract has arrived.
I've been asked to send "original documentation" of the following:
degree, passport and driver's license, along with the signed contract
to the school.
This is my question:
For the purpose of issuing a certificate of eligibility for the
processing of a work visa, does
immigration need the originals, or
will certified copies do? (i am south african, btw)
My parchment is on the wall and i cant imagine my mother's face when
i tell her its being shipped off to japan Laughing

Actually, i dont like the idea of parting with my passport too much either..
Some clarification would be appreciated, tks Shocked

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

I used certified copies of my degree and had no problems.
Also photo copies of your passport and driver's license should be fine.
Under no circumstances would I mail my actual passport!!....

Synne · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 269 Location: Tohoku

They are asking you to send them your passport and your drivers license?

...for what reason?

ionix- · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 37 Location: Miyakonojo, Japan

sometimes the original degree might be requested but for the passport and driver's license, photocopy (certified or not) can be send. The reason behind that is that the consulate WILL ask to see the ORIGINAL before issuing the Visa. So they will indeed keep your passport for a few day (to make sure it's legit) but that's not done at the CoE level and will never leave the consulate. Certified copy of your degree (Transcript copy might help too) and regular photocopy of your first passport page (the one with your photo) and driver's license will be enough.

ava77 · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 100

You should never have to leave your passport, usually they just look at it to verify it and you put your visa sticker in it yourself at the office.

taikibansei · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 811 Location: Japan

ionix- · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 37 Location: Miyakonojo, Japan

it's not, you leave your passport for 5 business days and you go pick it up with the visa sticked in your passport by THEM.

franjipani · Joined: 09 Jan 2005 Posts: 29

Hey all

i just wanted to share that my certificate of eligibilty has
arrived and immigration was fine with copies.
they had to be certified by a public notary, tho.
so if anyone out there is worried about parting with important documents,
fret not coz certified copies are fine!
franj Wink

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

Do not expect uniformity across immigration offices. What one may deem acceptable, another may not. Always expect the worse case scenario and be glad if it doesn't happen.

Akula the shark · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 103 Location: NZ

The first time I got a Japanese visa I sent an academic transcript with the university's seal. No problems.