1

You can get a Work Visa with at least three years relevant work experience though.


No.


Might be too late now, although I guess theoretically you may be able to find somewhere that is willing to sponsor your Work Visa Application should you meet the criteria. I would not even attempt to work without that though.

2

So coming to a language school and trying to get casual work is impossible throughout the whole country? What if (hypothetically) one had a BA that was slightly less than authentic, would this suffice for the work permit? Not for me of course, I'm a Christian, just curious.

3

Basically, yes.


Immigration are more than likely to do checks on your degree. The process for getting a work visa is not an over the counter or overnight thing.

You are probably eligible for an actual Work Visa due to your experience so if you really want to work there then I'd apply correctly.

Note that Japan tends to be a little more "by the book" than some other countries. Also, there is a relative oversupply of English teachers with the correct qualifications and visas (Spouse Visa, Working Holiday Visa - heaps of other countries just not if you are from the USA, or a full Working Visa), so there is no need for them to risk anything by hiring an illegal.

I'm sure exceptions do exist and maybe a Japan veteran will come and explain their story but I certainly wouldn't bank on it if I was you.

4

Your biggest problem is not likely to be the lack of a degree which is countered by your years of teaching experience, but rather the desire to do this work for only a few months. Search this forum but Japan is not a place to try to obtain the necessary paperwork and commit to working for a few months. It could take that long to find a place, get settled, etc.

More research sooner would have been a good idea.

Ruth

5

From what I gather you do not have a degree, but you have 2 years of work experience in Vietnam. Is that right?

If so, that is NOT enough to get a work visa. To get a visa without a degree requires 3 years of experience, not 2.

Do NOT try to work with a fake degree. If caught, you will be deported, possibly fined heavily, and certainly blacklisted for 5 years from returning here. There is NO temporary or short term permit or visa for you, and trying to work with your current status is illegal.

Come to the ESL Cafe for more teachers to tell you information.
www.eslcafe.com/discussion

6

@ 3 Immigration are more than likely to do checks on your degree.

True. Easy for them to do it nowadays. Many Uni's now have an online service whereby you supply a name and date of birth, and it will reveal the qualification obtained and the year you graduated.

7

You might look into WWOOF Japan or HelpX for volunteer opportunities that provide room and board in exchange for teaching.