2011 Guide to Visas and Immigration in Japan

What a great write up!

http://tokyo.japantimes.co.jp/post/en/687/2011+Guide+to+Visa+and+Immigration+in+Japan.html

Let’s get one thing immediately out of the way: It’s not about visas. Even though many foreign residents in Japan discuss what kind of visa they have, they are talking about the wrong thing (unless they are married to a Japanese national). To clear this up before we get into the whole confusing and sometimes seemingly nerve-wracking process, for clarity’s sake, a visa is what you get from an overseas Japanese embassy before you depart for Japan if:

1) the Japanese government requires that someone of your nationality have a visa before entering the country; or
2) you are planning a visit to Japan for other than short term business discussions or as a tourist..

Which brings us, more importantly, to the mysterious Certificate of Eligibility. A Certificate of Eligibility is required to obtain an actual visa if you are entering Japan from abroad for a long-term stay or if you want to change your status of residence from “temporary visitor status of residence” to a working status. Essentially the document proves that you are a qualified individual – a college graduate or or SOMEONE WITH a 3-10 year track record of employment – who will be able to contribute to the working world in Japan. To obtain a certificate of eligibility for most working statuses, in general you will need:

・Documentation of the hiring company’s registration and business activities

・Your university diploma

・A resume of your working career (for college graduate, in general, there is no working record requirements)

・A contract from the company showing how long you will be working for them and how much you will be paid

More Information on the Application for Certificate of Eligibility here.

Required documents for Certificate of Eligibility by profession are listed here.

Tags | 2011, Guide, Immigration, japan, Visas