Eligibility and Work and Visas and boring stuff

[akatsuka]

Theres one thing I dont get about working visas, if anyone knows the answer to the below, please, tell me

In order to get a working visa, you need someone to sign and give you a certificate of eligibility which will allow you to work in Japan. This can be a company or a school.

Ok, so say I get Company A to get me the certificate of Eligibility. Doesnt that mean i have to work to Company A? Otherwise, whats in it for them? And, if I do have to work for company A, then, if I quit that company, wont my visa expire? The reason I ask is I've seen thousands of jobs on gaijinpot, saying one of the requirements to work there is a 'valid working visa.' But... surely if you have a working visa, you'd be tied to a different company and unable to work for them right? This makes completely no sense, so I'm figuring I'm barking up the wrong tree and I'm completely WRONG.

[Taro Toporific]

if I quit that company, wont my visa expire?.

No.
A work visa is valid for working at any company until it's date of expiry (Yes, that's weird but hey it's Japanese).

[Ol Dirty Gaijin]

No.
A work visa is valid for working at any company until it's date of expiry (Yes, that's weird but hey it's Japanese).

It is valid to work in the same area, ie an engineer cannot go into teaching, you can't change your job field. Also if you change companies you should notify immigration within 3 months of the change of the new company as they may not qualify as being a valid employer, although they would probably not be a good company to work for if they did not qualify. Your visa will be valid for the full time even if you change unless you apply for a new one to extend it. Yes it 's weird but it's Japan.

[Taro Toporific]

It is valid to work in the same area, ie an engineer cannot go into teaching, you can't change your job field. Also if you change companies you should notify immigration within 3 months of the change of the new company as they may not qualify as being a valid employer, although they would probably not be a good company to work for if they did not qualify. Your visa will be valid for the full time even if you change unless you apply for a new one to extend it. Yes it 's weird but it's Japan.

Thanks for the clarification--my bad. Changing your job field on a work visa requires submitting a "Change of Category" paperwork.

As a practical matter, up to 2005 nobody in J-immigration gave a shit about gaijin changing jobs to work for me at Hitachi in the middle of work visa. That loophole never made sense to me (first-time work visas often only last for 1 year so notifying immigration within 3 months of the change of employers was a moot point). I tried to get rid of several problem* gaijin hired by Hitachi by bring up the subject of change of employeers on work visas: But J-immigration refused to take action. (Hitachi generally does not sponsor work visas for in-country hires.)

What is more vitally important than notifying immigration of the change or work visa is that when you switch companies, you MUST collect the "release from the company" form. Without that release from the company form, you technically cannot enter into a new labor contract at a new employer. (By law companies must issue the release from the company form, but some try to screw naive gaijin by "forgetting" to issue the form to gaijin quiting the job on bad terms.)

*Most of gaijin working in fetid bowels Japan Inc have mental problems.

[Ol Dirty Gaijin]

Yup, it's this stuffed up loop thing going on. You can't start a job unless it's approved, sort of. You can't put paperwork in motion until you have left (finished -final day) from your old job and have your release notice. There is another loop hole if your visa finishes in 3 months. I don't think they care too much but if one day things go pear-shaped and they are looking to pin something on you, best not to hand it to them on a plate.

When I first made enquires to Immigration Information (not Immigration) I said that it all seems a bit half assed and they agreed.

[akatsuka]

[FG Lurker]

You need a degree (or several years' experience in your chosen field) to get a visa.

If you know someone who owns a company and is willing to sponsor you then it shouldn't be a problem. If you are looking to get a visa without a degree, without experience, and without contacts.......it is going to be very, very, tough.

Find a j-girl and get married.

[Ol Dirty Gaijin]

I have to be nice to the boss of Company A so he gives me release papers

No, Company A will give you the release papers when you leave the company.

Working Visas can be one year or three years see MOFA website for details.

I don't really want to say it but FGL nailed it for you. You need a degree or several years' experience in a chosen field to get a work visa. You are going to be in for a tough time.

[Taro Toporific]

...I was offered a sponsor when I was in Japan before, but it was an evil job with an evil boss so I turned it down. Shouldve taken it... >_<

No, you should not have taken it. You already have been to Japan on a working holiday---it's best to just move on.

[kamome]

No, you should not have taken it. You already have been to Japan on a working holiday---it's best to just move on.

I completely agree. It makes no sense to take a shitty job with an evil boss just for the "privilege" of living in J-land. What's the point of doing that? Be thankful you don't have to live in Japan to make a living and that you have options in your home country.

[akatsuka]

I completely agree. It makes no sense to take a shitty job with an evil boss just for the "privilege" of living in J-land. What's the point of doing that? Be thankful you don't have to live in Japan to make a living and that you have options in your home country.

I dont know why i said that. I am totally glad I quit the company. If I had have still been working there Id have gone insane. My boss stunk of diarrhea (true - everyday...) and was always telling me off for not pronouncing things correct. ...Hello? I am from the UK, not America, thats why I dont say pants etc >_<

Anyway, thanks for all your advice. Ive finally made my decision, although I could change my mind as I'm good at that.

Im going to Uni to get a degree. Ive got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

So, a BIG "domo arigato------!" for all those who answered all my naff questions.

[kamome]

I dont know why i said that. I am totally glad I quit the company. If I had have still been working there Id have gone insane. My boss stunk of diarrhea (true - everyday...) and was always telling me off for not pronouncing things correct. ...Hello? I am from the UK, not America, thats why I dont say pants etc >_<

Anyway, thanks for all your advice. Ive finally made my decision, although I could change my mind as I'm good at that.

Im going to Uni to get a degree. Ive got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

So, a BIG "domo arigato------!" for all those who answered all my naff questions.

Good luck to you!