Job Discussion Forums

[fox1]

Hey guys!

(first up: should say, I did read the sticky on this and so much additionally that I'm starting to get a bit of an ache!)

I'd appreciate any advice on this! (my first post here! btw, I have 2 degrees, overseas teaching exp.)

If I turn up with a Working Holiday Visa and start job-hunting, can I accept full-time jobs on that? and... let's say, for argument's sake, another part-time job as well? and STAY let's say in the one job for one year?

if I get a full-time job on the WHV> is there any difference now between the WHV and the work visa, apart from the 'sponsored' thing?

Also, being totally clueless about teaching in Japan at the moment, I guess I should start in an eikawa. but my goal is to work for a high school or similar! i guess...after a year, that would be more feasible?

Thanks very much!

[Glenski]

fox,
I can't answer with certainty on your WHV question, but as far as I know, the 2 web sites that describe official information on WHVs state that you CAN work FT with it. The sidebar is that you are on a working HOLIDAY visa, which means you are really supposed to come here to have a vacation, not get involved in a year of FT work, so from what I gather, the WHV will allow you to work FT on short-term contracts. You don't have to change cities, just employers to stay within the absolute limits of the WHV arrangement. If anyone else has more direct knowledge of this, please add a message. I have contacted several countries' embassies to get this straightened out, and I was not given a straight answer. Read this thread to see what I mean (and some additional good info from ryuro): http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=12102&start=0

[fox1]

Thanks very much Glenski. and thanks Canuck too in that other one.

I'm going thru that July thread on the WHV... wow! interesting, if not a tad confusing! (seemingly complex and/or different rules, and changes to rules as well...!)

Wow... @ your long email conversations with the Edinburgh consulate! I'm starting to think along the lines of Canuck's post, and others..... that THE course is to:
a: Get WHV.
b: Change to Work Visa when I get a job....

Confirming that there is no need to leave Japan to change to a work visa.... right!?

And here's sort of an aside. Would you guys say: Dropping the WHV after a month, or however long it takes to get a job, for a work visa would be wasting the WHV or is that not logical? and, is the WHV still only issued once?

Thanks again Glenski. I appreciate your help very much. I want to go by the book, and not "live dangerously" (when it comes to visas ), so yeah... lots to think about! Prefer to work longer-term in the job(s), like a year... so like I said, I'm looking more at: Going on WHV> Changing to WV when I get a job... How;'s that for a plan!!

Thank you!

[JimDunlop2]

Technically speaking, NO. You're not SUPPOSED to have a F/T job on a WHV... Unless they changed the rules. Historically, no more than 20 hours/wk were permitted. I don't see this stated anymore, but one thing that has NOT changed is that the purpose of your trip should be primarily to vacation in Japan -- not work...

Details here:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/

I.e. If you fill in your application inappropriately, e.g. state that the reason for your visa request is to work.... It is conceivable that your visa is denied.

Since the Working Holiday programme is intended to promote greater mutual understanding, the applicant's primary aim should be to holiday in Japan. The programme is not designed for persons who mainly intend to work or study in Japan (for which purposes the appropriate visa should be sought).

Now, having said that, I know for a fact, many employers have either completely ignored the maximum working hours, or doctored the books to say otherwise... E.g. the place where I worked, I worked 40hrs/wk but only taught about 20 of them... Hence, for official purposes, the school always wrote that I worked "20 hrs per week" which was a load of crap. They also didn't bother deducting 20% income tax.... Results may vary

Upon obtaining F/T work, It's in your own best interest to pursue a regular working visa ASAP. In my mind, a WHV is only good to get your foot in the door -- to show prospective employers that you can start working immediatedly upon arrival in Japan -- no initial paperwork required...

Kinda like the "Pay nothing now/nothing down" sales at the electronics/appliance store. They nail ya for the price of the product eventually, but bringing it home that day is painless.