Job Discussion Forums

[Aelric]

Hey all. I've been teaching the past year freelance in Thailand and before that spent 2 years in South Korea EPIK program. Thailand isn't really giving me any chances to save and I need to start making a bit more money for the next year or so so I can afford to get married and help my Filipino Fiancee immigrate back to the states. Thus, I'm looking towards Japan and China. China, I know I'd find work easy enough but is the land of a million scams, while Japan is famous for stable work but high costs of living. Considering I'm happy living a pretty simple and sober lifestyle, I figure Japan still works out to the greatest savings each month.

So, that said, I have an issue that is actually barring me from going back to Korea as an option. I have and arrest on my record. There were no charges pressed, I was picked up on a sweep of a protest where some kids starting throwing rocks and I got caught up in it. I was working as a photographer at the time for my college newspaper and once I explained that to the judge, he released me and I never heard of it again until a month ago when I got my FBI background check sent back to me while I was preparing to return to Korea showing the arrest on the record. Now, Korea is VERY strict about that and won't issue VISAs unless your record is blank of anything and my real question is, how is Japan on this? Will they be understanding in the ALT or other programs that this was an arrest and not a conviction, or even a misdemeanor? Will is be a school will hire me but the government won't give a VISA situation like Korea? Should I not even bother and just go to China, even though my experience would likely net me a better starting pay in Japan?

I can get my record expunged no problem, but the legal fee for that is about half of what I make in a month here in Thailand and as I mentioned, I haven't been able to save due to having to bounce from school to school and live off whatever I save every few months (I don't recommend Thailand BTW if you are considering it, it's been a rough year for me here.)

Anyone with experience on this, please let me know. Thanks.

[Glenski]

No conviction means a lot. I honestly don't think you'll have any problems with Japanese immigration.

I don't think any employer asks for a copy of your criminal record, maybe JET does, but I'll let our resident JET expert G Cthulhu go over that point.

How long ago was this incident, anyway? That may also be something in your favor.

[G Cthulhu]

I have nothing to add other than to say there is no reason to put "visa" in capital letters. Unless you are talking about the credit card company. Their marketing department must be very happy. :roll:

Oh, and Japan requires a background these days. Arrest and discharge aren't likely to stop you getting a visa.

[seklarwia]

[steki47]

[Butonz]

From the JET website.

[seklarwia]

[Inflames]

[bobbysix]

Did you actually apply for the visa and were turned down by Korean immigration?

[Aelric]

No, but under advisement from Footprints, My recruiters, they said the the likelihood of getting a work visa would be slim to none even as Korea as been throwing up more and more red tape as applicants cruise in and their reaction to the growing foreigner population occasionally results in a xenophobic law or two. Remember, Korea is the country that will fly you over, give you a job, then fire you if you have HIV and charge you for the ticket.

[steki47]