Job Discussion Forums

think_balance · Joined: 02 Jul 2008 Posts: 67 Location: Japan

Many of the job listings here say they need a copy of my diploma -- so I have a stupid question:

Do I simply photocopy / scan my diploma (the piece of paper with my name, the field of study, seal of my university, etc.) and send that? Or do they need something else?

Thank you,

Daniel

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

For the actual visa application you will need to send the original diploma. If you are still in the job application process then a photocopy is usually enough.

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

If they don't accept a scan or photocopy, you may have to provide some certified copy or a list of your transcripts to prove it's not a fake.

seklarwia · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 3:15 am Post subject:

In the beginning they just want a copy of the degree certificate since you need a Ba/Bsc minimum to get a work visa. But later they'll ask you for one of three things:

- original, official set of uni transcripts (you normally have to pay and they are non-returnable)

- an original, official letter of graduation (normally much cheaper or even free, but still non-returnable)

- the original degree certificate (I've been told this will be returned, but I don't know if this always the case)

If you go down the transcript or letter root then be heed my advice. Before you fork out for the official transcripts, make sure that they are going to put the exact award date on (I just handed over �35 for two sheets of paper which had only the years I attended, rending them useless Evil or Very Mad

). To be honest the same rules aply to both letter and transcript:

- Make sure it is on proper letter headed uni paper (it must not be a computer printed letter head as this could be altered - sorry I'm not able to explain it better)
- Make sure your name is spelt correctly and matches the degree copy sent previously (i.e includes any middle names that are on the actual certificate)
- It says that you graduated!
- It states the title of the degree awarded and this matches the degree certificate.
- The exact award date is included and matches the degree certificate.

In my case they also asked that if you supply letter or ftranscript, it should be less than 12 months old.

If I missed anything then feel free to add. Wink

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I have never heard of anyone not getting their original degree/diploma back from Immigration after sending it. They are well aware of the value of such a paper and are hardly going to lose it/keep it.

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

If you are concerned about an original parchment being lost or damaged, why sweat over it? Just buy a replacement/backup copy. They are cheap, and if you plan ahead, you have plenty of time. Most people get their originals back. Have only heard of a rare case of that not happening.

seklarwia · Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:18 am Post subject:

Cheap! Ours replacement certificates cost �35 just like our official transcripts. Plus they take forever to arrive. Evil or Very Mad

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

Cheap is a relative word. Mine in the U.S. cost $5 to $15.

Whatever the cost (yours or mine), consider it a small price to pay for what it gets you in return.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Cheap is especially relative these days because in yen terms 35 pounds is worth less and less every week! Laughing

It is still considerably more than $5, though. In the US we could say it is cheap to get copies, perhaps. In other countries it is definitely less cheap.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

cheap?
It would cost me $50.

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

If you need the diploma, just how much is the job itself worth to you?

seklarwia · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 9:05 am Post subject:

The price is small is a small one to pay only if you get the job. But some jobs applications require that you send certificates/transcripts before they have made a decision to accept you. Sure they may return the certificate (not transcripts) but if you are attending another interview shortly after, you may not have had it returned in time, so you have no choice but to purchase replacements. So now you have forked out �70 that you didn't have in the first place only to get turned down by both employers.

And then there is JET. They want you to supply official transcripts not the certificate with your application in November which they tell you upfront they will not return and then you have to wait until the following Feb to get turned down. By which time, you've missed out on many other employment opportunities.

One of my friends ended up a month's rent down purschasing uni documents (well not really since I paid her rent that month) just to get turned down by every job in the end.

But I just thought about it... I think they all ask only for the transcripts before they accept so that they don't have to pay to have them sent back to all the rejected applicants. Even Interac asked me for transcripts intially, but I applied in late December and the interview was on Jan 7th. They knew there was no way I could get transcripts during the break so told me not to worry. It was after I got my offer that they told me that the certificate was enough, but which time I had already handed over money for transcripts which were later rendered useless!
But I'm digressing now Very Happy