Visa stuff

[gsuiris]

Does anyone know of a good lawyer or place to get information on visas?
I know someone once posted a link to one on the board but I can't seem to find that post.
I tried emailing a law office I found through goggle but they haven't replied to me yet.

[Otaku]

There are a few links in the NON-TEACHING LINKS that is tacked to the top of the general forum.

If I come across anything else, I'll let you know.

[moolooman]

Spousal visa here bro, sorted out by the spouse. Cannae help ya.

[Paul]

If you want to ask but don't feel free to do it on the open board feel free to PM me. I've been through a lot and maybe I can be of some assistance. Don't know why you would need a lawyer though, they aint cheap.

[gsuiris]

I don't need a lawyer per se, just someone to help me sort out what I can and can't do on my visa.
I want to work two jobs, both part-time, but they are in unrelated fields (teaching and another).
I know I can't do that on an instructor visa, but I am trying to find out if it is possible with a specialist in humanities.

[himitsu]

jp working visas... a complete BS..
don`t know where you are located, but the English free mag Kansai scene always has such ads.

[Paul]

First have you actually checked the MOFA site?

[gsuiris]

I have checked the MOFA and immigration sites, but they don't really say if you can have two jobs in unrelated fields.
I read somewhere once that once you get the visa it is yours to do with as you please, but I want to be sure. I'd hate to get in trouble.

[Paul]

I read somewhere once that once you get the visa it is yours to do with as you please, but I want to be sure. I'd hate to get in trouble.

I have heard this as well, it comes up often times for people working at eikaiwas who are led to believe that their companies hold the visa's but they do not. The visa is issued to an individual and not the business. So long as you keep to the visa side jobs as far as I know are not illegal. The folks on student visas sometimes get into trouble for making too much money, but people on work visas should be fine.

[Kanashibari]

I think as long as you're still working as an instructor, it's not illegal to have another job with an instructor visa. It's usually the companies who are not "cool" with someone working two jobs. In the past, I believe GEOS used to lie to people and say that your visa is under their control, but it's not.

I'm getting a spousal visa this next month, so once I got that, I'm doing a victory dance

[gsuiris]

Thanks.
I found a few other law offices online and have e-mailed them to see what they say.
I have heard that you have to change the status of your visa if you change jobs (mine is in Instructor visa now, but for private lessons they usually make you do the Specialist).
I can't seem to find clear information in English. I'll just wait for replys from the lawyers.

[himitsu]

like only instructor visa people are able to teach public schools or humanities holders eikaiwa... really, what's the point..*eyesroll*

[gsuiris]

like only instructor visa people are able to teach public schools or humanities holders eikaiwa... really, what's the point..*eyesroll*

Because eikaiwa or private teaching isn't instructing I guess..... whatever.

One of the lawyers got back to me today. Apparently I will have to change my visa if the new school asks. Then, I submit a form for "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted." Or I submit them together.

Shouldn't be too hard..... I hope.

[Otaku]

like only instructor visa people are able to teach public schools or humanities holders eikaiwa... really, what's the point..*eyesroll*

Because eikaiwa or private teaching isn't instructing I guess..... whatever.

One of the lawyers got back to me today. Apparently I will have to change my visa if the new school asks. Then, I submit a form for "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted." Or I submit them together.

Shouldn't be too hard..... I hope.

Keep us informed on how this goes because I'm sure there are other people who have wondered about this very thing...

[himitsu]

here is one *raisehand*

[Otaku]

Here's an immigration website: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/index.html


Don't know if it has VISA material on it, but it's worth a look

[gsuiris]

Otaku - That is one of the sites I looked at, along with the MOFA site. The only thing that I found was that if you change your job to another field you have to get a status change for your visa.

The lack of information is why I ended up emailing a lawyer.

[gsuiris]

Thought I would give an update to my visa situation, for those who are interested or are considering taking the same path.

So, I quit my job as an ALT. My plan was/is to do private teaching/eikaiwa part-time and a job in another field part-time. I was assured that this would be possible, so I quit my job, no worries, moved and all of that.
I was hired by a few companies so I had my pick.

That is when the shit hit the fan.
Because I was an ALT I was on an instructor visa. I knew that to teach eikaiwa I needed to change to a specialist in humanities.
What I didn't know is that to make the change you have to be earning somewhere between 200,000-300,000 yen a month in that field (ie teaching English not as an ALT).
Well, working part-time wouldn't put me at that level.


So, I put in for a "permission to engage in activities other than those permitted." I got a call from immigration, and they asked me about it. They specifically asked me if I was still working as an ALT. I didn't want to lie to them so I said no.
They told me that since I am not an ALT I need to change my visa.
But, my income is not at the right level, on paper. I should pass the 200,000 mark when I add in my private lessons and all. I told the officer this, and he had me gather papers from the places I work, plus my own information about the private lessons.

I haven't heard back yet, but that is where it is.

[Paul]

Here is a suggestion, self-sponsor your own visa.