Job Discussion Forums

Vince99 · Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

To anyone who has ever appiled for a Specialist in Humanities Visa...
I am looking to apply for this visa, having taught for 3 years previously. However, I have recently heard that time spent teaching in Japan on a Working Holiday visa does not count towards this 3 years. Can anyone tell me if this is true? And no, I don't have a degree, have just started studying Linguistics by distance.
A friend applied for an SHV 2 years ago based on 2 1/2 years in UK and 1 year in Japan, only to be told that he needed to get the remaining 6 months experience in UK because the time on the WHV didn't count. Only thing we could think of was that while he worked full time hours, he was on a casual, per-lesson basis at Berlitz, same as myself, which in the eyes of the authorities, didn't count.
I have posted on other Forums previously, where the general consensus seems to be a "case by case" scenario, which I feel is the case. However, any first-hand experiences would be most useful.

Hongkonghippo · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 64

I did have one of these visas when I worked in Japan, but to be honest is was the lawyer of the school who did the leg work so I am not sure the exact procedure. The school did re-write my resume for me to show the proper work experince and the lawyer took it from there.

Vince99 · Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for this. Anyone else?

Yawarakaijin · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 504 Location: Middle of Nagano

I doubt you will be find many people here in your exact situation. Are you saying you have 2 years teaching experience at home and 1 year from a working holiday in Japan?
I don't have a definitive answer for you, in regards to your time teaching on a working holiday being counted or not, sorry. All I can say is for me personally I did not rely on it. I got my 5 years experience in a Canadian ESL school with T-4 slips to prove my employment for that duration and was approved for the Humanities visa. Sorry I can't be of more help. Be aware that most eikaiwa in Japan usally ask for a 4 year degree. My biggest hurdle was finding a company that was aware of this visa and was willing to sponsor me for it. A good long stint at a reputable ESL in Vancouver did'nt hurt. If you are just piecing together a bunch of different experiences to "get" your 3 years you may find it more difficult to find a sponsor. Hope I answered some of your questions.