Visas and Re-entry Permits
These rules may only apply to Australians, but could be similar in your own country. Although, I have heard rumours of Americans being able to do whatever they liked, visa-wise, and the Japanese being very happy to let them do so. At any rate, double check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Firstly, working holiday visas and work visas are only valid for 6 months, but you can extend them. The Australian working holiday visa can be extended for a maximum 18 months. The work visa can be extended until you are considered too old, which from memory is 42. Feel free to correct me on that. Also, you may be able to change from a working holiday visa to a full blown work visa while you are in Japan, so long as you meet the requirements. Work visas will require “sponsorship” from your eikaiwa - that is, they state that they will be your employer.
You’ll have to reapply for the visa yourself at a local ward office, the eikaiwa can’t do it for you, although they will give you information on where to go and how to do it. They’ll also be a referral to call if the local ward office has problems with your application.
Also important to remember are re-entry permits. If you go on a holiday outside of Japan during your stay, you’ll need to apply for a re-entry permit to make sure you can use the visa you have to re-enter Japan. Otherwise, you’ll get stamped witha tourist visa on re-entry, your work visa will be null and void, and you cannot work again. Bummer. Re-entry permits cost between ¥3000 and ¥6000.
It’s a lot of legal info to take in, but it’s best to avoid major problems. Because, sometimes even big eikaiwa like Nova can’t save you.
Links:
Nova’s website has some visa information but it’s not very comprehensive
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