Advice for Accompanying Partner

[KatPat]

Advice Please

I have been accepted to the JET Programme and will be moving to Japan at the end of July.

My partner will be following me out at the start of September.

He is over 30 so can't get a working holiday visa, what will be the best route to get a working visa?
Should he come out on a holiday visa and hope to find a job or could he get a job before he leaves that will sponsor the visa. All the teaching positions seem to require a full Visa before they will employ you. We don't want to rush a marriage through just to get a visa.

He is an electrician by trade but is willing to do almost anything! He has a TEFL but not a degree, so could teach. He can network computers or work on the land. He can fix mechanical engines or instruct skiing but can he get a visa?

Also is there a problem with unmarried couples living together in Japan.

 

[GaijinPunch]

Jump on a plane and just find a teaching gig. That's what I did. It's pretty easy. You need either a 4-year college degree or 10 years working experience, which I would hope he has at age 30. It will be much easier if he takes proof that he's worked over 10 years professionally. Income statements would work best.

There's no big deal with unmarried couples living together although you might get some unwelcomed eyes if you're a same-sex couple. I wouldn't worry about it eitehr way though.

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

Does the school where you are going to work know that your partner is planning to live with you? You might want to confirm that they are fine with this - at which time the subject of you marital status may arise.

Yes, unmarried couples do live together in Japan. No, it's still relatively uncommon - and especially so in rural areas. All the gaijin couples I've met told eveyone (everyone Japanese) they WERE married to avoid any sucking of air between teeth.

Where will you be living? Roughly.

 

[KatPat]

The JET scheme dosen't let us know until sometime in May where we will be allocated so finding a job for partner is a little tricky until then, and unmarried partners without a speacific job to go to can't be included on the acceptance form.
Its promising to know that it isn't a complete loser even if he starts on a holiday Visa. He's been offered work in Dubai & NZ so he can get half way to Japan if nothing else!
Thanks for your replies - very reassuring.

 

[KatPat]

Work for partner in Niigata

I've found out where I will be placed which is a relief. Yokogoshi Town, about 8 miles from Niigata. Niigata looks like a promising industrial city which may offer oppotunities to a keen gaijin and there is Suntopia World near by as well.
Fingers crossed!
We are both really looking forward to the experience now as it gets closer and closer.
Anybody else in the Niigata area?

 

[headsupcustoms]

I wish you all the best, both of you!

 

[budd]

enroll him in a japanese class for the summer?

 

[duff_o_josh]

haha yeah he could get a student visa, go to school part time and work part time, thats how they work dont they :S