Deep thoughts

[JoelBM]

Alright, well let's start this off by saying I've done a lot of research but plan on doing more (I'm hard headed and won't stop till I'm satisfied) but seems like getting a work visa is close to impossible if you're around my age (which is 23). I have my degrees on Automotive Technology and Business Management through a program in WyoTech. Job market in New Mexico sucks for someone like myself as in 45% of New Mexicans can't find work, so I'm moving to Colorado to get a job and start saving for my real adventure. You guessed it, Japan! My dream is to be a professional driver but I'm willing to get in any way possible. I really do mean any way. I love the country, it's culture, their history, their landscapes and especially my dream to marry a Japanese woman lol Is going after a teaching degree really the easiest way of going in? If so, from what I've learned, will I really be almost 30 by the time I can begin my true dream?

 

[johnnyG]

I'd suggest settling somewhere along the west coast of Japan. At the right time of day (and in the right direction), you could then kind of get that cool feeling like you're driving off into the sunset.

 

[JoelBM]

I sense a bit of sarcasm. Am I wrong?

 

[thomas]

Professional driver? Perhaps that's one for @Mike Cash to answer.

 

[johnnyG]

Joe,

I spend too much time here and on other forums, and sometimes it shows.

That said, becoming some kind of driver in Japan seems far more achievable than some of the things that people ask about here--e.g., wanting to join the Japanese self defence forces, practice medicine at some level, and so on.

That said, most driving jobs (big trucks, buses, commercial) do require "good enough" language skills for licensing, and then normal day-to-day business. Keep that in mind--language skills are a pre-requisite.

 

[JoelBM]

Yeah I figured that much lol In time it'll get better but after what I've read, a rush is unnecessary. I've been planning my move for a long time but have finally got myself mentally ready for the move. I'm preparing myself ie language wise, it's my third and, like I said, surprisingly easy for me. Learning Kanji is still a pain but I don't think it's as hard as people make it out to be. A driving career will come in due time but my main question is, how's the automotive industry? I have experience in driving, commercial driver for about 2 years but I'm sure that's not enough

 

[Mike Cash]

First, establish visa eligibility.

Just what exactly is it you propose to drive here?

 

[Mike Cash]

Joe,

I spend too much time here and on other forums, and sometimes it shows.

That said, becoming some kind of driver in Japan seems far more achievable than some of the things that people ask about here--e.g., wanting to join the Japanese self defence forces, practice medicine at some level, and so on.

That said, most driving jobs (big trucks, buses, commercial) do require "good enough" language skills for licensing, and then normal day-to-day business. Keep that in mind--language skills are a pre-requisite.

There's also no way in hell he's going to get a working visa to come here and drive trucks or buses. He can do it after he's already here on some other kind of visa and switches to spouse visa or gets PR.

 

[JoelBM]

In all honesty, I just love to drive lol I can drive pretty much anything except semis. I'm too small in my opinion for those but my main focus is just anything within the automotive field. I have experience in parts store and mechanic but I'm sure it won't be enough to be considered as eligible to be considered for work visa.

 

[JoelBM]

There's also no way in hell he's going to get a working visa to come here and drive trucks or buses. He can do it after he's already here on some other kind of visa and switches to spouse visa or gets PR.

What I figured

 

[Mike Cash]

What I figured

Do you have the slightest idea what visa eligibility requirements are?

Do you have a bachelors degree?

 

[JoelBM]

Do you have the slightest idea what visa eligibility requirements are?

Do you have a bachelors degree?

I believe it might be an associates right now. So if that's the case, I'll definitely need to add more schooling. I'm just not sure if the automotive field out here gives the opportunity for a bachelors in automotive.

 

[JoelBM]

I believe it might be an associates right now. So if that's the case, I'll definitely need to add more schooling. I'm just not sure if the automotive field out here gives the opportunity for a bachelors in automotive.

I'm almost certain they don't

 

[JoelBM]

Do you have the slightest idea what visa eligibility requirements are?

Do you have a bachelors degree?

And yes I have looked the the forms and I got a headache just by reading them. What they ask for on something's are honestly a bit out there but can't argue. I wouldn't want americans living in my country either lol I've done my research as I had put in the entry post and my questions were pretty clear but if there's a possibility I can do what I love then please let me know

 

[Glenski]

I have my degrees on Automotive Technology and Business Management

I believe it might be an associates right now.

Clear something up first.

1. Do you have one degree or 2?
2. I don't know why you don't seem to even know whether they are associates' or bachelor's degrees, but please strain your brain and confirm.

If you have 2 associates' degrees, that might be enough to qualify for some visas, and experience in the field might actually help.

Describe exactly what kind of job you want so we know what kind of work visa you should apply for, and...

3. Explain exactly how much related work experience/training you have received.

We can go from there.

 

[johnnyG]

@Mike Cash (or anyone): How do the Chinese highway bus drivers get their gigs? (Including the ones that fall asleep at the wheel.)

Are they here as trainees?

 

[Mike Cash]

@Mike Cash (or anyone): How do the Chinese highway bus drivers get their gigs? (Including the ones that fall asleep at the wheel.)

Are they here as trainees?

Tons and tons of Chinese tourists and a very lucrative business catering to them and hauling them around creates opportunities for people with the language skills and professional certification....just like any other field.

 

[johnnyG]

Professional certification...?

Besides getting the relevant license (local, of course), would that mean completion of the corresponding training course? Probationary period? Something more? (The OP does have some kind of degree in automotive tech.)

And again, just wondering, maybe this is a field where something other than a four-year degree may be required?

 

[Mike Cash]

Professional certification...?

Besides getting the relevant license (local, of course), would that mean completion of the corresponding training course? Probationary period? Something more? (The OP does have some kind of degree in automotive tech.)

And again, just wondering, maybe this is a field where something other than a four-year degree may be required?

I was speaking in a broad sense. In the particular case of driving a bus one merely needs the 大型2種 license (bus license). I have no idea what the visa status of the Chinese guys is.

 

[JoelBM]

Clear something up first.

1. Do you have one degree or 2?
2. I don't know why you don't seem to even know whether they are associates' or bachelor's degrees, but please strain your brain and confirm.

If you have 2 associates' degrees, that might be enough to qualify for some visas, and experience in the field might actually help.

Describe exactly what kind of job you want so we know what kind of work visa you should apply for, and...

3. Explain exactly how much related work experience/training you have received.

We can go from there.

The interesting part about my degree is that I believe it has been meshed into one so it's one associates including two different subjects. The school for being as well known in the US as it is, ha too many flaws within it. I've decided to pursue different career opportunities such as engineering and continuing business. Still undecided but I have time lol

 

[kaspersky]

First, establish visa eligibility.

Years reading forums give me the impression that visa or immigration rules in other countries are the least of american people concerns when they want to move to Japan (note that a lot of them talk about "moving to another country" not "emigrating to another country" just like leaving L.A. to N.Y.).
If the OP started asking about driving japanese trains and shinkansen I would not have been surprised...

 

[JoelBM]

Years reading forums give me the impression that visa or immigration rules in other countries are the least of american people concerns when they want to move to Japan (note that a lot of them talk about "moving to another country" not "emigrating to another country" just like leaving L.A. to N.Y.).
If the OP started asking about driving japanese trains and shinkansen I would not have been surprised...

I apologize for the poor choice of wording. Do understand I'm not an idiot and understand what needs to be done to officially become a citizen and I have no problems in doing it. It'll be hard I'm sure but I really don't have an issue with losing my citizenship here.

 

[WonkoTheSane]

I apologize for the poor choice of wording. Do understand I'm not an ***** and understand what needs to be done to officially become a citizen and I have no problems in doing it. It'll be hard I'm sure but I really don't have an issue with losing my citizenship here.

Really? What needs to be done?

 

[Glenski]

Talk to an immigration lawyer. Perhaps the visa regulations will include your associate's degree plus experience, but I'd guess it would have to be a LOT of experience, more than you currently have. I know it's been done in other situations before.