Working Holiday Visa questions!

[shogoz]

do you know of any way that i could possibly stay in japan and continue working at a school while i work on getting my bachelor degree (im going to be doing distance learning) i want the practical experience of teaching while i study for the bachelor in Japan. I can only use my CELTA qualification overseas and i really want to stay in Japan and complete my 4 year degree. do you know of any way i can do this? thanks again gfell!

[gfell]

Cultural visa? You may want to take a look at the other visa categories. You will really need a degree to get a work visa in Japan.

Other than that, there is a student visa where you attend Japanese classes on top of your distance learning classes.

[shogozz]

thankyou for all of your helpful advice gfell! gave me a lot to think about. i'll let you know how it goes. have a good one!

[gfell]

Pleasure was mine and I do hope things work out fine for you.

Cheers.

[shogoz]

hey gfell, i rang up the japanese consulate in Melbourne and had a little talk with them about the working holiday visa. i asked them if i would have to move around every 3 months like i have read and they said yes, i don't understand how you were able to stay in the one place for a year without any trouble. could you be more specific about what you did to be able to stay in the one place? i think they said i would obviously have to change my teaching job if it went for longer than 3 months because i would have to move to a different area. I also confirmed that the working holiday could also be extended further than a year to a year and a half. thanks again!

[gfell]

Yes, the WHV is for 6 months and can be renewed up to 3 times giving a total of 18 months.

I wouldn't worry about this 3 month thing. Don't know any teachers who have done this. It's a very unpoliced rule. Every WHV teacher I come across stays in the one place at least 6 months.

[shogoz]

do you think it would be better for me to find a job first before i get the visa? Im not thinking about going to Japan until August and so i have a lot of time. Im thinking if i get a job first, i could put that on what i plan to do for the first 6 months and so when they are processing the application they would see i am going to be working at this specific place for over 3 months and then see if they approve it. just for safety reasons to see if they would allow that. Just out of curiosity, what did you put in that space?

[gfell]

Reasons for going to Japan, you should put down to travel and support yourself thru part-time teaching work.

Don't put down you already have a job otherwise they will want you to apply for a work visa instead.

Can't hurt to try and line up a job beforehand, and telling the school you will be applying a WHV.

[shogoz]

thanks again gfell! i'll fill out my working holiday visa application form tonight! so which part of Japan are you currently working in and how long have you been a teacher?

[gfell]

Am located in Osaka / Kobe area. The best part of Japan! Mountains, fresh air, beach, and still good city life.

Have taught in Miyagi ken up north, Shizuoka and Tokyo. Total time in Japan 7 years! Time sure flies. Japan is great and is even better after you learn some of the language.