Job Discussion Forums

harlandarlin · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 12 Location: michigan

Someone suggested that i could bring my mom to Japan as "visitor" and that she could take a "trip" every 90 days and return to japan. But that sounds a little shady. I'd hate for my Mom to be held over by immigration or refuse entry into Japan, cause she'd have no where to go. A move to japan would likely mean a complete move there for the time I was there.

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

If this originated on another forum, I was the likely person to give you advice.

Your mother is too old for a working holiday visa (plus I think you and she are Americans, so that means a WHV is unavailable to either of you), and she has no degree or teaching experience, right? That pretty much disqualifies her for any type of visa which will allow her to work. So, if this is the same person that I think it is, your mom has no other option than to arrive on a tourist status, which permits her to stay only 90 days at a time. It's not "shady". It's the law.

As I see it, you and your mom have no other choice.

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

harlandarlin · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 12 Location: michigan

I realize immigration laws exist for a reason. But all situations aren't black and white. If I work in Japan , then it's sort of become my temporary home. I've be come an extended guest, if you will. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to watch over my mom except for myself. So if she comes to japan and leaves every 90 days, where would she go? That seems rather expensive and tiresome. And I would imagine in a worst case scenario , the government might say "hey old lady , you sure visit japan a lot , how about taking a break for the next 90 days and then we will let you back in". I guess my best bet is if she can apply for a cultural visa or if I can somehow get her tourist visa for longer than 90 days. I'd ideally like to stay in japan 2-5 years, but maybe thats not going to happen.

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

PS I dont know how he does it, but one of my acquaintances from Australia has been coming in and out fo Japan for the last four years on nothing more than a tourist visa and he supports himself by teaching privates at his home. For some reason he is still able to get back into the country each time, and recently just got a spouse visa (married a Japanese woman) to make him legit.

Technically coming in and out is possible on a tourist visa, but its up to immigration to decide, and they have the right to refuse entry and send her home if they think she is working here.

harlandarlin · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 12 Location: michigan

Well, I'm sure in japan my mother would learn japanese and entertain herself by learning more about the culture first hand. But the problem will be figuring out this whole visa situation as it relates to my mom and then finding a job for myself

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

She could always marry a nice, rich Japanese man. Maybe a retired doctor with no heirs and then you're both set. Wink

Seriously, Japanese immigration is not going to bend the rules for someone in their later years, even if they are nice.

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

I think it's a crazy idea.

How financially stable is your mother? You do realize that housing prices and the size of the living quarters can vary quite a bit than what you're used to. Unless she is self sufficient, you're going to have a tough time. Even then.....to each their own.

osakajojo · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 229

Does your mom have a B.A.?
If so, maybe she'll enjoy teaching.

harlandarlin · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 12 Location: michigan

Yeah, unfortunately she doesn't have a bachelors degree. She's had a little college, but I don't think that would qualify her to teach. I wonder if she could come as a long term resident or on a cultural visa. Perhaps she could attend a language school that teaches japanese or something.
If anyone knows the requirements for becoming a long term resident feel free to let me know.

Otherwise, I don't mind sharing a place with her. We live under the same roof now and it's not that big, although I would imagine in japan the largest bedroom might equal my smallest here. I figure if I stay in japan over a year I could hopefully earn more money teaching or possibly in another field and then I could get a bigger place. I'd actually rather live in a rural area than the city which seems much more expensive.

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

Long term resident visa is for refugees.
Permanent resident visa is for people who have been in Japan five or ten years already.

So, again, your mom does not qualify for either of these.

Have you read this site?
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

chi-chi- · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 194 Location: In la-la land

Your best bet is for her to get a cultural visa (good for six months and may be renewable, I'm not sure, but six months is better than 3 esp. since leaving the country can get expensive.)
She should get it before she comes.
I am not sure if she would actually have to have a sponsor per se, but a reason. Studying ikabana, or whatever. Studying Japanese tea ceremonies.
She could go to the Japanese consulate in your area (look online for the closest one and ALSO to apply online for a sponsor-Japanese language school, etc-in case she DOES need a sponsor for the cultural visa.)
She should definitely get the cultural visa before arrival. Actually studying the language would be a safe bet...you can look online for Japanese language schools that she can apply to if she needs a sponsor.

harlandarlin · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 12 Location: michigan

Yeah I've been looking at the site Glenski, it's a bit confusing at times with it's many pages and definitions. Thanks for the tip Chi Chi. Seems like a cultural visa or student visa may be the best way to go . Other than that perhaps I could look at the options for a religious worker or artist. Since I am an artist perhaps she could some how qualify as my assistant.