Job Fair Atlanta

Finding a job on a tourist visa?

Is it possible to go to Japan on a tourist visa, then find a job there, and change it into a working visa? I know the likelihood of getting a foreigner getting a job there is unlikely, but is it possible (and legal)? Can someone explain to me how it works please? Oh, and also, can any kind of job get you a working visa? Does it have to be a big company, or can it be anything (assuming you how qualifications etc) All answers are appreciated :)

Public Comments

1. 1. Yes you can come as a "Temporary Visitor" (aka tourist), assuming you have all the right qualifications (years of experience OR university degree) 2. It works by, you finding a company/business/school that is qualified by Immigration to sponsor you, usually the company will initiate the paperwork, or you initiate the paperwork and they supply you with all the required documents (eg copy of contract etc IT MUST BE FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT, part-time employment does not count (even if it is more then one part-time job). You (or they) forward the documents (along with your documents, eg photographs/passport copy/university degree etc etc) to the Regional Immigration office servicing the area. The regional immigration office officers/inspectors review the documents, and if approved, issue you (or the company/business/school something called a "Certificate of Eligibility"). This process can range anywhere from one month to three months (or longer) depending on how well in order your documentation is, and how busy the immigration office is. After-which you go down to Immigration and apply for a "Application for Change of Status of Residence" (in Japanese 在留資格変更許可申請書) , Immigration will then hand you a card (sort of like a post-card) where you fill out your address in Japan. About 1 - 3 weeks later you should receive the card in the mail when Immigration finishes processing the change in status. Go to Immigration once you get your card to pick up your passport and new status stamped inside. 3. "Working Visa" is a generic title, there are many types of statuses that allow work. For example "Engineer", "Journalist", "Instructor" (usually school instructors), "Specialist in Humanities" (language teachers, translators). etc etc. depending on what kind of status you get, dictates the type of work you can do. For example, a Journalist or Engineer can't start working at a language school. However you can work in another field by applying for additional permission from Immigration. Once again go to the Regional Immigration office, and get a special form filled out. The form is called "Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (yes the name of the form is THAT long) (in Japanese it is: 資格外活動許可申請書). With that permission approved , you can do something additional outside your regularly permitted activities (you get a card that you have to carry around with you when engaging in the other activities). As always double check with your employer and Immigration Authorities beforehand or when engaging in any of the above steps. Again from start to finish you're looking at something in the range of up to 3 or more months. So you should / need enough money to support yourself in Japan until (or if) you find a job (if you decide to stay in Japan that whole time). It's hard (to find a job, many employers that hire in Japan nowadays want you to already have a visa status), though it is not impossible to find some that don't require one (just hard), also it is expensive as you need money to support yourself while everything is being processed).
2. I don't know that much detail. However, you can't get a job on a tourist visa. (I think it was illegal, I'm not sure)It's very hard for a foreigner to get a job in Japan, but it will be much easier to get this organised before actually getting there. If you get a part-time job, you most likely won't be offered a working visa. If you get a proper job at a proper company, then they will of course give you a visa.
3. The answer to your question is simply NO. There is no point to giving details about how to get a job, since none of them apply. It is against Japanese law to search for a job while having 'Temporary Visitor' Status. If you get caught, you will be deported, and blow any chance of making your dream come true and ever getting a job in Japan. To apply for and receive a WorkVisa you must already have found an employer who will sponsor you. You can look for such an employer only from OUTSIDE Japan.
4. Yes, but if your qualifications are that good, you would be better off doing it the right way. Most Americans teach English. Many others are working in the IT / computer related fields. Competition is very tight right now. You need a four year degree to qualify for a work visa. Getting " any kind of job " is not going to happen. Most jobs will require native level Japanese. And there's already plenty of people already there willing to fill these jobs. If a Japanese can do the work, they will always be hired first.
5. The following subject areas will get you a guaranteed job and good pay in Japan: I.T (not web design or graphic. More like software engineering, SAP, Security, Advanced animation and modelling etc), banking and finance, Science and technology and most forms of engineering. You can become a teacher but places are tight. Best to sort everything from your end and look at getting a suitable degree. Goodluck
6. It is very easy to obtain a tourist visa (temporary visa) but this lasts only 90 days and can only be extended under special circumstances. You are not permitted to engage in any paid activities on a tourist visa. That said you can arrive in Japan on a tourist visa, find work, then apply for a work visa, but this could take a bit of time and your tourist visa may run out in the meantime, which usually means a quick trip oveseas. In most cases in order to work full time in Japan you need to have a University degree and you also require the backing of a company in Japan to sponsor your visa. There are about a dozen types of working visas available, each allowing the holder to work only within a defined professional field, e.g. as an engineer, instructor or entertainer. Many foreign residents from English speaking countries now work in Japan, most as language instructors. The demand for native language instructors remains high, with a lot of major language schools now operating recruitment offices overseas. It is quite easy to find work teaching in Japan as there are many eikaiwa (conversation schools). The most famous being Nova, GEOS and AEON. I recommend teaching in Elementary or JHS with an ALT company as this is the most rewarding. Other fields that qualified residents have a good chance to find work include translation, IT, modeling and entertainment. The best site to look for employment in Japan is Gaijinpot.
7. Yes, it is possible to go on a tourist visa, find a job, get the company to sponsor you for a work visa and then work here. You qualifications start with a 4 year degree. If you don't have that, forget about it. Go get one and then give it a try.