Job Discussion Forums

rawlings · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

Hello, I will be moving to Japan mid-March to find an ESL job in either Tokyo or Osaka. I have plenty of money saved up (between 5-6k after a plane ticket), and friends to stay with in Tokyo, so I think I am in pretty good financial shape. I would also say that I have an excellent resume and cover letter put together, and I am young and energetic and good at the interview process, so I think I have a pretty good chance of landing a job.

I have done quite extensive research on the job market, and I know there are nay-sayers, but that is not really where my concerns are now. I am more stressed about the little (and not so little) issues.

For one, I am finding it hard to find a clear, up-to-date explanation of what I need for a Visa. I am an American citizen working in Thailand, so I am under the impression that I will just be given a 90-day tourist visa upon showing them my U.S. visa after arrival. Are there any benefits to going to a Japanese consulate ahead of time? Do I need to line anything up in terms of the COE? I know that I will need to find a company to sponsor my working visa, but is there anything else Visa-related that I should be aware of before I depart?

Next question, I am sure that the potential employers will want a quick, easy way to be in contact with me, so I am considering getting a mobile phone after I arrive in Tokyo. Do they have top-up phones like they do in other parts of Asia, or are they all contract? What would be the cheapest way to go about doing this?

Lastly, if there is anyone who works in Osaka or has experience teaching there, I would love to have the chance to PM you with some more questions, and just try to get a clearer picture.

Thank you very much!

John Rawlings

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

rawlings · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

Thanks very much Glenski. I did not know that my American passport gives me a visa waiver. What are the reasons for this? Does it work the same as a tourist visa, as in I have 90 days to get my things sorted or get out? Any notable differences?

Here are the documents I have on hand:
Resume and Cover Letter
Original Diploma + copies
sealed official transcripts
proof of graduation
Criminal access report from the USA
Letters of recommendation
International drivers license
Passport

Anything I am missing?

Many many thanks,
jrr

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

Many countries have this visa waiver agreement with Japan.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

So, yes, you have 90 days as a tourist.

Looks like you have the necessary papers and then some, which are needed from you. It will then be your employer's responsibility to come up with what he has to provide.

pnksweater · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 173 Location: Tokyo, Japan

If you know when you'll be in Japan, you can start lining up interviews now. Contact schools with job listings and send them a well written e-mail detailing your education, experience and when you'll be in town.

As for the phones, there are pre paid phones out there but the cost is pretty high. Plus you'll have to pay full price for the phone. If you can wait until you have a gaikokujin torokusha (foriegner id card) you can often find a phone for 1 yen with a service contract.

rawlings · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

pnksweater - I am planning to line up interviews, but I am not finding many companies advertising online for ESL positions in Osaka. That is why I just want to compile a list of all schools and just be persistent. Is there anyone here who currently resides in Osaka and might be able to help or point me in the right direction?

What is the rate of the pre-paid phone cards? If I wait to get a cheap phone with a service contract, what do you think I should do in the meantime?

Thanks,
jrr

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

To reiterate if it hasn't been said yet:

If you get a job offer and they want you to start working before you get your working visa, take a pass unless you get the ok from immigration to work while in the "Application accepted and being reviewed" phase. I'm almost positive you won't get the ok, though, if it's your initial visa application.

If you're found to have been working while technically only a tourist, you're looking at 5 years on the blacklist, unable to return for that period.