Job Discussion Forums

[RKH_1986]

OK I have a hypothetical question:

Lets say (hypothetically), that I get a job teaching at say ECC (or amity, or whatever.), and I teach there for a year, but while in Japan I find out about another school (with better benefits, pay, or I just want a change of pace, etc), can I change schools while I'm in Japan. (or do I have to return home to apply?)

Sorry if this is a really dumb question.

[Mr_Monkey]

The visa is yours, so you can change jobs. I think you'll need to get a letter of release from your previous employer, but that's it.

[RKH_1986]

Thats good to know. Thanks.

[Mr_Monkey]

You're welcome

However, I'd like someone else to confirm my opinion - I've been out of the visa loop for a while now: I don't live in Japan right now, and I had/will have a spouse visa.

[Glenski]

I'll confirm.

Renew / Extend your visa a month or 2 before it expires, and you're ok. Don't forget the reentry permit, too.

[stillnosheep]

what glenski says

[Kaitou]

Wait, does that mean... once you have a work visa, the power is in your hands?!
I mean, I always assumed since you needed to have your employer sponsor you to get a visa in the first place, you would need the support of each subsequent employer to extend or renew your visa.

[stillnosheep]

Of course.

If you hold a valid work visa then once you have passed through immigration you can walk out on, or simply not walk in on, the company that sponsored your application, and seek employment elsewhere, as long as the employment is within the field(s) for which your visa is valid.

When your visa is up for renewal you will need a sponsor, either yourself (difficult) or, more likely, the company you then work for. Technically you may be supposed to change sponsor when you change employer but in practice this takes place at the time of visa renewal, if such renewal is wished for.

[Glenski]

[stillnosheep]