I'm applying to be an English language teacher in Japan, but in case the program doesn't accept me, I want to go to Japan to work anyway. I would rather go as a permanent resident, not just for a year to five year contract. For anyone whose done this, how do I start? What are the best websites or companies to go to? Do I get the visa first or try to get a job first?
Immigration - 4 Answers
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1 :
Foreigners are not allowed to work in Japan unless they have an appropriate Japanese work visa. To get a work visa, you need to find a company willing to give you a job. You will also need the appropriate qualifications. If you have a four-year degree from a reputable university, that should be enough. If you have anything less then things will be more difficult. For example, if you have a 2-year degree or diploma, or an MBA from an institution nobody has heard of, then you and your potential employer will have to argue your case with the immigration department. Your first point of contact regarding Japanese visa eligibility is your local Japanese embassy
2 :
If you can get someone to hire you full time, they can usually take care of your visa. Until that time, though, you will have to come on a 3 month tourist visa. Permanent resident visas are only given after you have spent years here, and preferably married to a Japanese person. Employment contracts will be by the year usually, and your work visa may start at one year, or if you're lucky, 3 years. There are site such as Gaijin Pot, and Jobs in Japan (search Google) that have job listings. Also, after you arrive, you can pick up the Japan Times, which often has good job listings. If you come without a job, get out and meet people. You can often get introduced to something, which is the best way to get a job in Japan. If it takes more than 3 months to land a full time job, a short trip to Korea or Thailand will enable you to renew for another 3 months. Don't try that too often though. Many people here have to make 4 or 5 trips to Korea to renew their visa before they get settled. Good luck
3 :
It can be very difficult to get a work visa for Japan. In order to work full time in Japan you need to have a University degree. In order to obtain a work visa you require the backing of a company in Japan. Permanent resident is more difficult as you are required to have lived in Japan for an extended period of time and be married to a Japanese citizen. It is very easy to obtain a holiday visa but this lasts only 90 days and can only be extended under special circumstances. It is quite easy to find work teaching in Japan as there are many eikaiwa (conversation schools). I recommend teaching in Elementary or JHS with an ALT company as this is the most rewarding. The best site to look for employment in Japan is Gaijinpot.
4 :
I came here and found a job without a Uni Degree. It is possible, you just have to posses a skill that the company needs that a Japanese person cannot fulfill. In my case a Japanese company needed someone who could speak and read fluent English in order to gain a contract with another company that was a foreign company. I dont teach English and I barely know Japanese. You dont get a choice about your visa length. Immigration chooses based on your job type. My visa can be 1-3 years, but its 1 year because....immigration officer who processed it said so. It takes forever for the Certificate of Eligibility to come to even apply for the Visa, I waited 2 months. I came as a visitor had to leave Japan and re-enter as a visitor per the advice of the immigration Office. You cannot be a perm resident right away either. You need to live here at least 5 years with no gaps in your visa. Look here, it will answer a lot of your questions and raise quite a few. I made a video about moving here, u might find it and the links helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bj5nLeRiz8
