Currently Getting Visa

[Minihux]

Hey all,

Anyway i have asked a couple questions on here before with nothing be great help so just sorta wondering if i can pick at ur brains for some options i may have.

Ok im currently in New Zealand i flew over from Australia im currently getting my working holiday Visa for Japan its all fine and i get it Friday (5-day turn around). Anyway i found out i can only extend my Visa once which means i get a max of 12 months instead of 18 months like an Aussie working holiday Visa.

I was hoping for 18 months so it could get me enough time to sort out self sponsoring myself and also providing me with enough info to put forward to the Japanese Embassy to self sponsor myself.

Im wondering what i do in a position like mine to sort out staying longer in Japan then 12 months. Australia where i live is ok, but its not where i want to spend my life right now, i want to stay in Japan for a long time and 12month just is not enough. I would not move my whole life over to another country just to stay 12 months, its not my own logic.

So im not really looking for people to say how do u know u wanna stay longer blah blah, i love Japan, i have so many good friends there and i love the prefecture (Gunma) im basing myself in when i go over.

So if anyone could offer some help and options that would be great.

Thanks guys and gals,

- Luke

[DrP]

1) Get married and get a spouse visa. You will be under less scrutiny than sponsoring yourself. But you still need to show income and guarantees in Japan to qualify for a visa. Just being married isn't enough.

2) Get a real job with a Japanese company and have them sponsor you. Best is to start by being an 'intracompany transferee'. This means that your correpsonding company in NZ or Aus is asking you to specifically move to Japan to work in a branch office there.

3) If you try sponsoring yourself, you will basically need to prove that your new company can pay you and your staff unending. Best way here is to get a Japanese partner and establish a newco and put a decent amount of capital into the company - say $200k or so. Or even better is to buyout an existing Japanese company that has a relatively long history (3yrs+) then become the representative director - which requires that you have a visa, blah blah.

In all cases its just about being able to either support yourself/family fully while being in Japan or enough cash on hand to provide evidence that you can. Japan immigration doesn't look kindly on deadbeats.

[GomiGirl]

Sponsoring youself has become so much easier over the past few years. It used to only be available for English teachers but I have heard of people in lots of different industries who are finding it an easier path than locking themselves into a Japanese company.

It is easy to renew once you have it.

[Minihux]

Ahhh ok, how would i go about doing it with only 12 month visa? Do i need 12 months worth of documents / proof etc to show them i can do it?

Or could i do it after say 6 months or 8 months etc. Once again thanks for the help you guys are giving me, its appreciated.

- Luke

[DrP]

Forgive me if I'm wrong - but the only way you can really sponsor yourself is to show proof that you are able to continue your livelihood and pay all the taxes associated throughout the duration of your visa. Generally the easiest way to 'prove' this is by establishing a company in Japan - duly capitalized and staffed and you are the rep director.

The only thing that has gotten easier is that you no longer have to capitalize a <real> company with $100k, instead you can choose the 1yen method and just 'owe' the capitalization.

However, in the eyes of immigration - this doesn't jive. They want to see that you have enough capital to establish the company AND remain a going concern.

It may be easier if you are Nigerian (oil baring country visa allowance), Singaporean ( Nursing visa allowance), Filipino (Nursing and fishery visa allowance), or other country that currently has visa allowance or waiver with Japan.

The other thing is that most certainly you will need a Japanese 'guarantor'. If you have been in the country less than 3yrs basically count on it. Hell, I have a Japanese registered corporation with more than $200k capitalization <real> and Japanese companies ask me for guarantor to pay against my contracts !!!

If you are serious about gaining visa in Japan, then get a good visa solicitor and let them lobby on your behalf. It will save you money and time in the long run.

Oh and remember to bring lots of cash -- they don't accept Visa, or American Express.

[FG Lurker]

Forgive me if I'm wrong - but the only way you can really sponsor yourself is to show proof that you are able to continue your livelihood and pay all the taxes associated throughout the duration of your visa. Generally the easiest way to 'prove' this is by establishing a company in Japan - duly capitalized and staffed and you are the rep director.

It is possible for English teachers and other freelancers to self-sponsor without a company. I have known people who have done this but I don't have all the details. It is definitely possible though and does not require creating a corporation.

[Minihux]

I know im on here asking questions because i dont have huge knowledge but i also know of alot of stories of people self sponoring themselfs. Basically showing they can support them selfs and there not going to be bums in Japan. People have gone to self sponsor them selfs and request 3 year extentions and they get sent back the info etc and get approved for 1 year extentions.

Then its just a matter of repeating the process when your one year runs out. But you need to supply tax invoices, clients you deal with etc...

So i do know that setting up a big company is not the only self sponsor option, its like that in places like America etc...

- Luke

[ttjereth]

I know im on here asking questions because i dont have huge knowledge but i also know of alot of stories of people self sponoring themselfs. Basically showing they can support them selfs and there not going to be bums in Japan. People have gone to self sponsor them selfs and request 3 year extentions and they get sent back the info etc and get approved for 1 year extentions.

Then its just a matter of repeating the process when your one year runs out. But you need to supply tax invoices, clients you deal with etc...



- Luke

Offtopic, but just wondering is "them selfs" a difference between Australian and American English, or just a typo/misspelling?

Also:

So i do know that setting up a big company is not the only self sponsor option, its like that in places like America etc...

I might be misreading this a bit, if so feel free to ignore, but if you are trying to imply you have to set up a "big company" in the U.S. to be able to get an unsponsored visa, you're wrong.

[Minihux]

Sorry i simply did not put a space in between the 2 words. But then again this is a forum i dont think there is a need for perfect english because half the time i just type quick with out checking my posts.

And when i went to America with family etc and we found out about visa's and blah blah and i was saying that setting up a big company is one of the ways to get in.

Not being rude but none of this really matters because it has nothing to do with the thread i started.

- Luke

[halfnip]

I think you need to hookup with GG offline to see what info she has as there seems to be a disconnect here. As DrP stated in his post, in order for you to self sponsor yourself, you need to prove (and I mean paperwork, YYYY, etc.) that you have enough money in the bank and will continue to make money during your stay in Japan. It's not as simple as starting up some Y.K and having a Visa dropped in your mailbox.

A lof of people get the wrong impression and think they can just come over here, secure and Visa and live happily ever after. It's definitely possible, it's just a long process.

If you are looking at the EASIEST way, then you're looking at student, spouse, or company sponsored Visas and it sounds like only one of these is an actual option for you.

Good luck on this please do keep us posted...

[Minihux]

Yeah, well i dont have a degree so i did not think i could get sponsored by a company? Am i corect in thinking that?

- Luke

[GomiGirl]

Yeah, well i dont have a degree so i did not think i could get sponsored by a company? Am i corect in thinking that?

- Luke

I know heaps of people that do not have a degree and get sponsored. It depends on the job, your experience (must be over 10 years if you don't have a degree - certain jobs it is less) and how much the company can prove that they need you for the job over a Japanese person.

The sorts of areas you are getting into now are really beyond the free anecdotal advice from a webboard. Might be best to get here on your WHV and get in touch with an immigration lawyer early to see what your real options are. 12 months is actually a long time and lots of things may happen.

[Minihux]

Well thank you GomiGirl i appreicate your help and the amount of time you have had to answer these questions for other new guys coming into Japan and myself!

I spose right now i will sort out my stuff and post up again once im in Japan in March. The last thing i want is it to get to the end of my visa and me having to go back home, i dont want to go home!

- Luke

[GomiGirl]

Absolutely keep us all up to date. Every story is interesting and a good help to others coming after you. It is good to remember though that Japanese immigration is really on a case-by-case basis so hearing your case will be great. Lots of other stories on this board too.

But post on other stuff too..

Make sure you let people know when you are around so we can all have a drink IRL.

[ttjereth]

Sorry i simply did not put a space in between the 2 words. But then again this is a forum i dont think there is a need for perfect english because half the time i just type quick with out checking my posts.

I was actually referring to "themselfs" vs. "themselves" more than spacing. You had it in your post 3 times, so it made me wonder if that was normal in Australian (or other versions of) English is all.


As for

Not being rude but none of this really matters because it has nothing to do with the thread i started.

Don't bring it up then?

Originally Posted by Minihux
So i do know that setting up a big company is not the only self sponsor option, its like that in places like America etc...

Posting incorrect information can lead other people to make mistakes based on your post (all the stuff about acting purely upon information from posts on an internet forum aside )

[DrP]

I don't know why the mystic surrounding a visa application and process. It's pretty clearly explained in the Japanese MOJ website - and beyond that, the most expedient and time trued way to go through the process - especially if you, yourself are not fluent in Japanese and writing it, is to simply hire a registered visa attorney to assist in formulating a registration plan and carrying it out for you.

By the way - here's a pretty good article on the process --

http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1005828

I've been involved in almost every part of 'working in Japan' , from gaining intracompany transferee visa, to re-applying as resident director of a multi-national, changing status to married and again re-applying based on that status, and finally self-guaranteed by my own company in Japan.

What it really comes down to in the end is just meeting the 'guarantor' and income requirements, as well as placement within a sector that Japan clearly has need for. There are no hidden secrets, bullets or anything else. All that went away a few years ago when you could easily pay a few thou to the 'right people' to work up a position and visa for you.

[Iraira]

But post on other stuff too.. :)

Make sure you let people know when you are around so we can all have a drink IRL.

I never got welcomed to FG like this.....

[Minihux]

Absolutely keep us all up to date. Every story is interesting and a good help to others coming after you. It is good to remember though that Japanese immigration is really on a case-by-case basis so hearing your case will be great. Lots of other stories on this board too.

But post on other stuff too..

Make sure you let people know when you are around so we can all have a drink IRL.

Thanks GomiGirl and also DrP,

For sure when we get over there we will all meet up somewhere and hit the sake like its going out of fashion!

- Luke

[GomiGirl]

I never got welcomed to FG like this.....

Ah sweetie - are you around Tokyo? We can of course get together for a drink. Greji is paying.

[Greji]

Ah sweetie - are you around Tokyo? We can of course get together for a drink. Greji is paying.

Been there, done that and got the check. No way. Iraira drinks to much! He's almost as big of lush as GJ, or Capt'n Japan.

I did let him beat me out of a lunch about two weeks ago, but he might be deadly with a bar tab!

[halfnip]

[Greji]

[halfnip]

Toranomon is where the elite meet!

Dubliners?

[Iraira]

Been there, done that and got the check. No way. Iraira drinks to much! He's almost as big of lush as GJ, or Capt'n Japan.

I did let him beat me out of a lunch about two weeks ago, but he might be deadly with a bar tab!

Oh, yeah....I bet if we did a functional liver check, I'd win...despite the Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and ZZZ. I really only use my liver now to emulsify fats, but I do have a complete set of really sexy pics of my esophagus, stomach and duodenum on my fridge....had an endoscopy last week. Dude who shoved the camera down my throat had only one leg, not that he really needed the leg to shove a camera down my throat, but...I'm all good and they gave me a prescription for lots of spicy foods.
I can buy a round, as long as I can make mine the traditional 100 ml of oolong cha for >700 yen. I got lunch next time...next week good for you?

[Iraira]

Dubliners?

No...the Jamacian Embassy is in Toranomon.....

[Greji]

No...the Jamacian Embassy is in Toranomon.....

Next week if lunch is kosher Jamacian!

[Iraira]

Next week if lunch is kosher Jamacian!

Like the mohel who circumsized me last week said, "Gefilte fish is the #1 cure for the munchies." I take my cosplay seriously.

[Greji]

Like the mohel who circumsized me last week said, "Gefilte fish is the #1 cure for the munchies." I take my cosplay seriously.

I'll wear my spurs and ballerina tights!

[Iraira]

I'll wear my spurs and ballerina tights!

Again? I was hoping you'd borrow this guy's thong.

[Kanchou]

That would only be more disturbing if it was a woman...

What are the actual requirements for a company's sponsorship?

Is it legal to have a real company sponsor you when you're not going to be working for them directly? ie, when you're not going to actually be making more than 250,000 a month off of them? Can you bypass this by being paid by commission (ie, per word for translation?) and listing your rates?

I would have to at least guess it's not fraud if you're sponsored as a translator/interpreter when you ARE, but aren't necessarily going to be doing it for them (at least not to any major extent). Of course, you can't come on a professor's visa when you're actually working as a hostess... that would be clear fraud.


The same question would apply for a Japanese university.

I asked my boss vaguely if they were "was anything I could do to get a work visa" and he said apparently jokingly "maybe the parent company will sponsor you," although I don't know if it's legal to do that... (one of the directors made a face when he said that...lol)

And I figure I might be able to ask one of the Japanese professors I know (he'll be in the states sometime this week, so I'll be able to talk to him in person).

But where is it fraud, and where is it 'working the system' when it comes to finding creative methods involving the income/employement requirements?

If I can show I have contracts for at least 250,000 a month worth of freelance work, I can self sponsor?

Can you get a visa as an entrepreneur if you can show in a business plan that you can make money (ie, exporting car parts to the US legally... Japanese engines, body parts, and accesories are in fairly high demand).