Work Visa

As with the school visa, a work visa will require you to already have an employer before you even apply for it, which means that you can only search for a job from outside the country or have someone do it for you in the country. In a nutshell, the Japanese consulate will not approve your visa if you are just going to start looking for a job. You will need an already established and recognized organization in the country to act as your sponsor.

When you are sure that you have been employed, the next thing is to apply for a visa with the Japanese embassy in your country. The following are documents that can be required for a work visa in Japan.

The following are the usual requirements for obtaining a working visa for Japan:

• Work Visa Application Form

There are different application forms for different travel purposes. Your application should be for a work visa. All documents should be duly filled and a completed copy should be brought along on the day of your interview. There should be no element of falsehood in your claims as you would be asked to provide evidence(s) for almost everything.

• A valid passport

You should have a valid travel passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after the expiry of your visa. It must also have at least two blank pages for the approval to be stamped.

• A recent photograph

Preferably one, not more than 3 months, colored and should be in the recommended size. Eyes and ears should be visible and you should use a white background.

• A Letter from your future employer (or sponsor)

Proof that you have been employed, as stated in the introduction, don’t start processing a work visa if you don’t have this yet. This letter will state your position and expected salary, every condition related to your job, etc.

• Certificate of Eligibility

Normally, this will be taken care of by your employer but you will still need to send them the required documents. The certificate of eligibility is important in applying for any visa to Japan. It is probably the next step you need to take after getting your employment letter. It is issued by the Japanese Department of Justice, so everything is under scrutiny.

• Curriculum vitae and copies of any necessary graduation certificates

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that contains all your previous experiences, your background, your school and work experience, and referees i.e. people who can stand and vouch for you. Apart from your CV, you might also need to provide copies of your certificate which proves your certification for the job.

• Proof of Accommodation

A recurring document in most visa requirements. You must provide evidence that you already have a place to stay through your stay in Japan. If you are being sponsored i.e. a school, a relative, or an organization, then they need to sign an affidavit that they have the resources to take care of your accommodation needs, an organization or a school will include it in their letter of employment.

• Proof of Sustenance

You are in the country to work, but before your first salary, do you have enough to take care of yourself? You will also be required to provide evidence that you have enough financial resources to take care of your needs during your stay, a bank statement is very sure to accomplish this.