Visa Question..and more.

[kriegerhund]

Currently, I live in the United States with a Bachelor's in English, a valid driver's license and passport.

I have no visa of any kind.

I would like to get a job teaching English in Japan as soon as possible.

-Is it possible to teach English in Japan without a visa? If so, how? If not, how do I get one, and how long does it usually take?

-With a degree in English, and some English tutoring experience with AmeriCorps and a Teacher Licensure Program at my college, how much should I expect to make in yen (or dollars)?

-Are there good programs/schools out there that provide housing, health care, transportation along with a monthly paycheck?

I'd be very grateful for someone who has answers to these questions.. Thanks..

Peace..

Kevin

[Antonio]

Originally Posted by kriegerhund

-Is it possible to teach English in Japan without a visa? If so, how? If not, how do I get one, and how long does it usually take?

Like most countries, it's illegal to work in a country without the correct visa. Japan is no exception. You will need to arrive to Japan to actively search for work. Once a company decides to hire you, then they will prepare the paperwork for your Humanities visa. Depending on the visa office that handles your paperwork, this can take about 2 weeks.

It's very rare that teachers apply their visa prior to heading to Japan. Why would a school hire you and prepare for your visa without first meeting you face to face?? They wouldn't!

Originally Posted by kriegerhund

-With a degree in English, and some English tutoring experience with AmeriCorps and a Teacher Licensure Program at my college, how much should I expect to make in yen (or dollars)?

Expect to start off at ￥250,000 per month. With experience and then sourcing better jobs, you can then easily reach the ￥300,000+ per month.

Originally Posted by kriegerhund

-Are there good programs/schools out there that provide housing, health care, transportation along with a monthly paycheck?

Very rare for a school to pay your rent in Japan. However, many schools do have accommodation available, but you would still need to pay the rent and utilities. The beauty of the school providing the apartment, is that you don't need to pay the initial deposit or furnish the apartment. 99% of schools pay the transportation to and from work. Health care is also very rarely provided by the schools. You would need to apply for local health insurance once you arrive to Japan. There are many companies that specialise in insurance for foreigners in Japan.