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Working
Visa
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Although
it's not always easy, it is possible to acquire a work visa
before setting foot in Japan. The key is finding an
individual, school, or organization willing to sign on as your
guarantor. This will undoubtedly require both perseverance and
patience; if you're determined to arrange a job before
departing, you will need to be resourceful.
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Writing ahead
to apply for a position often pays off, especially if you have
previous experience and/or a teaching certificate. If you are a
greenhorn, though, connections are indispensable. Having someone
to testify enthusiastically on your behalf can do wonders to
span the gap between you and your prospective Japanese
guarantor. You may be nice, law-abiding, and honest, or even
able to single-handedly address all the difficulties the
Japanese have with the English language, but if you have no
previous experience or formal qualifications, most employers
will want to meet you before becoming your guarantor. Be sure to
start the process well in advance, as it normally takes over a
month for the company or school to receive your Certificate of
Eligibility.
One way to avoid this ordeal
is by finding a job through a sending organization (see "Other
Opportunities"). These firms interview prospective teachers in
the United States on behalf of employers in Japan and set them
up with all the amenities once they are hired.
If you change jobs while you are
in Japan, you also need to change your status of residence,
provided that the new job falls into a different professional
field. Most working visas are valid for one or three years and
need to be extended before they expire.
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