Job Discussion Forums

onegirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Toronto

I've read (in a few places) that in Japan if you don't have a university degree you can apply for a work visa and still work legally (1 year)...I am a Canadian-as of Spring 2005 I will have a 3 year diploma (but no degree)...I'm wondering how true this is...anyone on the board (Canadians) who've done this..
Thanks.

Chico · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 3 Location: North of 60

I believe you are referring to a Working Holiday Visa. To my knowledge, working *full-time* in Japan requires a four-year university degree. The exception for Canadians and some other native English-speaking countires is the WHV. Keep in mind that a WHV is only a limited working visa. So many folks make the mistake thinking it is a work permit, when in fact it places severe restrictions (part-time work only and 20% tax on income, etc.) on people who have them. However, an employer may sponsor you to "upgrade" your WHV to a working visa. I don't have all the details on how this works, but this link may be useful for you regardless: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/03.html

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

The WHV now allows FT work.

onegirl,
You might actually be able to get a regular work visa with your 3 year diploma. Just call it a degree since you did attend college and get the parchment. Different countries have different requirements for their degrees anyway.

onegirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Toronto

Chico-thanks for the information..the 20% tax on income...is that on each paycheque you are taxed by the Japanese government or am I taxed that amount once I return home to Canada from the Canadian gov't on the total amount I earned?

Glenski- I have thought about calling it a 'degree' as most posts I read say they are looking for a 3 or 4 year degree (and frankly in Canada you can't get a degree in 3 years...must be atleast 4 years) But the 'parchment' will most likely say 'dimploma'...do you see this being a problem..or maybe i should just state "i have a 3 year dimploma in..."and they can assume whatever?

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

onegirl,
If the school has the word "university" or "college" in it, nobody will be the wiser. If anyone questions the word "diploma" on the parchment, just explain that this is the Canadian version of a degree for studying 3 years at such Colleges (capital C, you'll note, for emphasis).

Has anyone else run into real PROBLEMS with this sort of approach? I'm not Canadian.

Chico · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 3 Location: North of 60

Onegirl:

The last time I met with an official at the nearest Japanese consulate (November 30), I was informed that Canadians may only work part time on a WHV, contrary to what some others may say.

Furthermore, the 20% income tax is withheld by the Japanese government during your work stint. Supposedly, this amount is reimbursed to you at the end of the contract period, but compare this tax grab to the meagre 5% you would pay by having a real visa. I know which one I'll take....

May I ask where you earned your three-year diploma? If you were able to earn a typical four-year degree in three years, then you're fine. On the other hand, why bother trying to play with immig officials and claim your diploma to be something it's not. All it takes is a phone call from them to confirm it if anything piques their interest

To confirm any doubts you have in regards to your being able to legally work (sans a four-year degree) with your credentials, I suggest you contact the nearest Japanese consulate and ask the source. This link may help you:
http://web-jpn.org/links/japanese1/north/canada.html

onegirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Toronto

Thanks Chico..I think I will check with the Japanese Consulate here...My 3 year diploma is just a diploma...not a 4 year degree earned in 3 years...In Canada..or atleast toronto...Colleges usually earn you a 2 or 3 year diploma ...where as University earns a 4 year Degree...(unless of course you attend a college that has a program with a univeristy affiliation...which you can then earn a diploma AND degree in about 4 years.)

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

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

2 or 3 year diploma? Are you sure it doesn't say Associate Degree on it? That is not the Bachelor of Arts/Science/etc that Japan is looking for.

I am not sure how the Canadian uni system works, but in the US, the 2 year degree you earn in a college, or through training in the military, etc, is called an Associate Degree. It is worth exactly one half of a Bachelor Degree. Basically, the Associate Degree is what you complete through General Education courses.

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

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

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

I believe when they say 3 or 4 year degree they are talking about different countries. In Canada/US it is 4, NZ is 3 and not sure about the others. A degree is what they are looking for.

onegirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Toronto

2 or 3 year diploma? Are you sure it doesn't say Associate Degree on it? That is not the Bachelor of Arts/Science/etc that Japan is looking for.

I'm certain it doesn't say Associate Degree. In Canada, or Toronto, a Diploma is an entirely different thing than a Degree...A Dimploma is earned through College...A Degree through University...Generally, college is more hands on training where as University is more theory. I guess I was just somewhat baffled when some of the posts said 3 or 4 year degree but the post on top of this one cleared it up...I suppose in other countries it is possible to earn a degree in 3 years...just not here...unless you take some killer course loads Confused

I have no doubt that my 3 year diploma is not what they are looking for...I guess I gotta look into where I can work legally with my diploma and tefl full time...still gotta call the japanese consulate here...

thanks to all who posted for some very useful info for my files

onegirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Toronto

Hey!
I just called the Japanese consulate and thought I'd share my findings with you all.
So...with my Diploma I am able to apply for a Working Holiday Visa....which entitles me to work legally PART TIME...which they consider up to 20 hours a week...and I can stay with one employer for the duration of my WHV visa (which is 1 year but can be extended)..there isn't a maximum amount of time I can spend with 1 employer.
To work FULL TIME...over 20 hours a week...I'd have to apply for a Work Visa...which I need a Degree in order to do...
I guess I should have asked if I work PT am I able to do Overtime...does anyone know becuase that would definetly be a way to get more hours (about 25-30 per week).
I'll call them again next week just to make sure I get the same answer.

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

onegirl,

Part time? Ask them why it says part time OR FULL TIME on the working holiday visa web site.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html

I have tried many times and people to get a straight answer, to no avail.
See this for reference.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=12102&start=0