Japanese visa question

First the scenario:

Let's say I came to Japan and had my visa sponsored by company A-a one year visa intially. Then I renewed my contract and renewed my visa and got a 3 year extension-again, sponsored by the aforementioned company A. After my second contract expired, I left company A and now work part-time for several other companies doing exactly the same line of work (teaching English). As it stands I now have no formal sponsor but still have two years left on my three year visa extension.

Now the questions:

I've heard all kinds of stories from all kinds of people about what I have or have not to do. So,

a) What (if anything) do I have to tell the immigration authorities?

b) My understanding is that the visa is not tied to the job; in other words, I can quit and be hired at jobs at will as long as it does not violate the terms of my status of residence. Is this the case?

c) Can I go from a sponsored, full-time position to working serveral part-time unsponsored positions on this visa or do I need to re-apply for a different visa type?

I've looked at the official Japanese government website but it's not been very helpful, so advice from those of you out there who are more knowledgeable about this subject than I would be greatly appreciated. Or, alternatively, any websites which may be of use would also be looked upon gladly.

[mycolumbus]

To be technically accurate, you wouldn't be gettting a 3 year extension. You would be getting a totally new visa for 3 years.

a) What (if anything) do I have to tell the immigration authorities?

Just tell them the truth. As long as you can prove you earn the minimum amount (I think it is approx ￥180,000), and can show your recent taxes paid and contracts with classes, then you will be fine to apply a new visa.

b) My understanding is that the visa is not tied to the job; in other words, I can quit and be hired at jobs at will as long as it does not violate the terms of my status of residence. Is this the case?

Totally correct. I know because I have been there done that!

c) Can I go from a sponsored, full-time position to working serveral part-time unsponsored positions on this visa or do I need to re-apply for a different visa type?

As long as the line of work is the same, you can move from company to company. The visa belongs to you, not your company. You would most likely receive a "Specialist in Humanities" visa for teaching English.

Originally Posted by mycolumbus

To be technically accurate, you wouldn't be gettting a 3 year extension. You would be getting a totally new visa for 3 years.

So, if I still have two years left on my current visa (a Specialist in Humanities visa), must I still re-apply for a new visa? My understanding is that I don't.

Thanks for the helpful info-very much appreciated to get some answers.

[mycolumbus]

If you have 2 years left on your current visa, there is no need to apply a new visa. You only apply a new visa when your current visa is nearly expired.