Job Discussion Forums

Seibu · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 65

Does anyone here know the process involved for companies to gain visas for their employees?

Reason I ask, I've been offered a job (non-ESL industry) in Japan but cannot at this time be guaranteed a working visa. They've told me it is actually turning out to be more complicated than they originally thought but can probably secure it.

They've recommended I come over and work on my 3-month tourist stamp until things get sorted. If they can't get a visa, I'll just be without a gig.

My question is....how much do companies have to pay to secure a visa? What do they have to do to legally employ an employee?

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

Unless a company decides it is necessary to get a lawyer and pay for some unnecessary reasons (IMO) to use one for setting up contracts with the employees, there is almost nothing an employer has to do and nothing he has to pay to sponsor your visa.

Employers have to provide documents describing your job's details (this usually amounts to a contract), plus tax records to prove the employer is a valid company. That's about it. If they feel like determining the manpower needed to get this tiny bit of information and saying it is what it "costs" to sponsor you, that's their prerogative, but IMO it is miniscule effort.

You are the one who pays for the visa (about 4000 yen) and reentry permits.

Be very careful about an employer that says you can just waltz over here as a tourist and start working while they file the application for you visa. Some are not trustworthy and will work you at lower than normal wages until you have overstayed your legal time, claiming "delays" or "mistakes" in processing just to get you to hang on. Then, they can dump you on the street with no home, no last paycheck, and no legal recourse because you are an illegal overstayer.

Unless an employer has a sound reason to get you here fast, they usually have plenty of time to plan for visas. Don't let them bully or coerce you.

Who is this proposed employer?

Here's a little on the visa application procedure.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/process/long.html
Here's the initial form. Note the link to a table which describes what each type of visa requires in the way of supporting documents.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/01.html
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/Table3-1.html

jester007 · Joined: 09 Apr 2010 Posts: 7

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

If your employer files for the COE before you arrive and sends it to you before you leave your homeland, you don't have to go to immigration here. You get the visa at home, and when you arrive it is canceled in lieu of status of residence upon your going through the airport immigration stage. This is a very common route, especially for large employers who recruit overseas.

If you don't get the COE until after you arrive, it is also very common to take the COE to immigration near your employer and finalize the process.

Just be alert to the fact that some employers pull a scam on teachers. They claim the COE is in process, talk about "delays" or "mistakes" in processing and have you work until your tourist status is over. They sometimes pay less than usual during all those weeks, and then they withhold the last paycheck and fire you, leaving you with no legal recourse because you have worked illegally and overstayed your tourist status.

jester007 · Joined: 09 Apr 2010 Posts: 7

Thanks for that, Glenski.

I feel a bit better hearing that it's not atypical to get the COE when I touch down in Japan and then go to immigration for the Visa.

seklarwia · Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 8:43 pm Post subject:

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

To add to seklarwia's post, it would be helpful to know how rushed they were to get you here, and why.

jester007 · Joined: 09 Apr 2010 Posts: 7

Thanks guys. It's for a Sept. start, so the clock is ticking and that could be the reason.

Actually not having to go to a Consulate in the States to get a work Visa saves me the cost of a visit to NY or DC.

It's my understanding that being from the US, I won't need a Visa to enter the country. I only need one if i stay past 90 days or have a paying job, correct? I've heard some reassuring info about the company, so I don't think the COE delay sutiation is a scam.

I expect to get more info in the next day or two, so hopefully I can pick your brains a bit more.

Thanks again.

seklarwia · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 2:24 am Post subject:

Time isn't that tight for a Sept start. They could send you the COE if they wanted to. I got hired in Jan 2009, they didn't have my paper work until mid Jan and I still had the COE in my hand and was carrying it in to the London embassy 2nd week of March.

But if you are certain that this isn't a scam then that's fine.

A couple of questions:

How much would it cost you to visit a consulate? Would it be more than the cost of an onward flight out of Japan (plus the 4000 yen you will need to pay at immigration since it's normally free to process visas for US citizens out of Japan)?

If not it might actually save you money to get the COE sent to you, because you are most likely going to have a problem flying in on a oneway ticket minus a work visa.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 3:22 am Post subject:

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

I agree with the others. September give them and you plenty of time. Normal visa processing takes 4-8 weeks (that's to get the COE). What is your employer telling you?