Job Discussion Forums

[kenwyne]

I recently stopped working for a dispatch company. My visa is an Instructor visa and doesn't expire for another 4 months. I thought this meant I could work in any type of school but I have been told by a friend that I can only work for public schools. I am quite confused as to what I where I am allowed to work legally.

I have tried to find relevent information but have been unable to do so. If anyone has any info about this I would be very grateful.

Cheers,

Kenwyne

[Glenski]

You cannot work just anywhere on that sort of visa. Look at the MOFA regulations.

Activities to engage in language instruction and other education at elementary schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, schools for the blind, handicapped children's schools, miscellaneous schools (kakushu gakko and senshu gakko), or other educational institutions equivalent to kakushu gakko in facilities and curriculum.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/04.html#b

[Grasshopper]

But if you have that visa, you can apply at immigration for permission to engage in work other than is allowed by your status (for example, if you wanted to work at an English conversation school). Just bring in your contract. Although, you're really supposed to tell immigration if you change jobs in the middle there, but as long as you had another employer lined up, if that was going to be your new employer, they would just change your visa status anyway.

Just tell your employer when you apply that you have a valid visa, but just need to get the status changed.

Good Luck.

G