Have you ever pictured yourself scaling the heights of Mount Fuji or soaking up the neon glow of Tokyo’s streets? If yes, you are in the perfect place! Living and working in Japan is a dream for many professionals, as Japan offers a unique blend of culture, innovation, and breathtaking beauty. But figuring out the work visa system can feel like climbing Mount Fuji.
However, you do not need to fear, and you should keep going with this adventure as a comprehensive guide cuts through the red tape and provides a clear roadmap to master the work visa Japan process. If you can understand this entire process, you can make your dream of working in Japan a reality.
Understanding Who Needs a Work Visa
If you wish to work in Japan, you must have a work visa unless you are a citizen of any country with working holiday arrangements with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. There is a need for a work visa Japan for all degrees, skills, and levels of experience, even if you are looking for an internship or wish to start your career in Japan. So, if you are passionate about working in Japan and experiencing its culture, a work visa Japan is the most important thing you need.
The Landscape of Work Visas Japan
If you have decided to work in Japan and it is expected that you will get paid for over 90 days, then you will require a work visa Japan. For those who are looking for opportunities in the education sector, One Coin English is all they need, and their recruitment blog, One Coin English, acts as a platform that allows individuals looking for part-time work opportunities to get a chance to be hired.
Exemptions
If you belong to a country with a working holiday agreement signed with Japan already, you would not need a work visa Japan like others. However, there might be certain limitations. For example, you may not be permitted to stay for more than a year, and you might not be allowed to engage in certain kinds of activities.
Research for the Latest Information
It is essential for someone applying for a work visa Japan to be aware of the regulations related to the visa’s status. They can read online about it or contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to get insight into the latest rules and regulations regarding work visas, which will provide them with assistance before they engage in the application process. With careful planning, opening the door to a fulfilling career in the Land of the Rising Sun becomes easy.
Types of Work Visas
Japan offers three main types of work visas:
1. Highly Skilled Professional Visa
This type of work visa Japan uses a point-based system, which is ideal for highly skilled people. It allows these highly trained professionals to stay in Japan longer than the regular work visas. Moreover, it offers additional benefits. It is one of the most common types of visas, and it provides a broader range of categories compared to the standard employment visa Japan.
2. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Engineer/Humanities) Visa
This Japan work permit/visa covers a broader range of professions:
- Engineer: Software engineers, system engineers, Architects, Automobile engineers, etc.
- Specialist in Humanities: Workers in organizations that involve accountants, human resource managers, lawyers, consultants, etc
- International Services: Professionals such as teachers who teach foreign languages, translators, interpreters, public relations specialists, fashion designers, etc.
Intra-Company Transferee Visa
It was designed for workers working in a foreign company’s branch in Japan, but now they have moved to a related company.
Requirements for the Engineer/Humanities Work Visa Japan
In order to become eligible for this work visa Japan, it is important that you meet the following Japan work visa requirements:
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements include:
- Minimum Salary: Your salary should be equal to or greater than the average monthly wage (around 200,000 yen per month) for the job position in Japan.
- Employment Contract: You should have a valid employment contract for at least one year.
- Employer Stability: The employer must show they are financially stable and running a legitimate business.
Type of Activity and Career Requirements
You must show that your expertise is aligned with one of the three categories:
Specialist in Humanities:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant social science or humanities is needed.
- Ten years or more of work experience in a relevant field.
Engineer:
- One should meet the requirements mentioned for a specialist in Humanities.
- One should hold a qualification related to information processing (IT).
International Services:
- Three years or more of work experience in international services is required.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field related to your intended work is needed.
Language Teachers or Translators:
You don’t need a degree if you have a relevant qualification, such as CELTA or TEFL, to teach a second language. However, experience is vital.
The Application Process
It may be challenging to get a work visa in Japan. However, it can be managed easily.
Step 1: Securing Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Your employer in Japan has your back. They’ll kick things off by applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for you at the immigration office. This document is a thumbs-up from Japan, saying that you’re officially welcome to work there based on everything your employer submitted!
Step 2: Applying for a Work Visa Japan
With your COE in hand, you’ve conquered the first step. It’s time to make things official by applying for your work visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. They’ll need a few things from you to complete the process, for example:
- Your original COE
- Your valid passport
- The completed work visa application form
- Recent passport photos
- Proof of employment (like your job offer letter)
- Your academic certificates (if relevant)
Things to Keep in Mind
- Processing Times: COE processing can take up to three months, and the visa application will take 5 to 10 more days.
- Validity Period: Work visas can range from three months to five years, depending on your profession and employment contract.
- Visa Renewals: This is possible before your current visa expires.
- Additional Documents: The immigration authorities may request extra documents during application.
Beyond the Basics
Work Visa Renewal Japan (Extension of Period of Stay)
Before your work visa Japan expires, you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office in Japan. You’ll need documents, including your passport, residence card, proof of continued employment, and income tax payment receipts.
Changing Visa Status
If you’re already in Japan with a different visa type and you wish to switch to a work visa Japan, you can apply for a “Change of Status of Residence” at the local immigration office.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a work visa in Japan might seem quite complicated but with the proper preparation and a good understanding of the Japan work visa requirements, you can successfully ace the process and secure your employment visa so that you begin with a journey full of excitement and new adventures in Japan! Also, if you are interested in working part-time? You should definitely consider becoming an English Conversation Teacher (OCE) and enjoy a fulfilling experience while you live your dream of exploring and working in Japan.
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