Job Discussion Forums

[geekpie]

I'm drawing up early plans for when I graduate next year, so far these involve a one month CELTA before heading off to Tokyo to search for employment in the Tokyo/Yokohama area. I intend to seek a working holiday visa and as a UK citizen this would entitle me to work for 12 months in Japan. My question is if I were to be employed in Japan on a one year contract, how receptive are employers to sponsoring your visa should you wish to continue working for them? This is providing of course that I kept my head down and was a reliable employee. I am also aware that the visa is valid from the moment I land in Japan, and of course it may be 2-3 months before I find work. So the visa is unlikely to cover a full years work anyhow.

Also, how have people handled applying to the big chain eikaiwa prior to graduating? I intend to follow every route that I can, but realistically I cannot commit to a CELTA course whilst in my final year of uni (I work four days a week as well).

Any advice is much appreciated

[Inflames]

If the employer sponsors other people I figure they would be OK with sponsoring you - it's a question to ask at an interview. At the last big eikaiwa I worked for they would sponsor someone on a WHV if they needed it (such as they got a new contract and needed to get a visa).

The paperwork is a bit more complicated than a renewal, so be sure to bring your diploma.

[Glenski]

I don't think you are going to find any official or unofficial percentages on how many employers sponsor work visas from WHV situations. Inflames makes a good point to check during the interview. Also, look at the ads themselves; if they clearly state they don't sponsor, you may want to avoid them.

[geekpie]

Thanks, I think it is something to mention at interview- on the one hand there is the incentive for them that you can walk into their classroom the next day, however at some point towards the end of the contract visa renewal will become an issue.

*edit* another issue is I believe you pay a higher rate of tax (20%?) when on a WHV. So although I'll have an advantage of being able to start immediately I'll also have the disadvantage of being taxed at a higher rate until such time as I was sponsored.