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work visa complications

myrrhine

先輩
5 Sep 2004
39
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Hulloo all - I'm facing a rather complicated situation: I have a dual citizenship USA/Sweden. I grew up largely in Sweden, going (mostly, but not entirely) to schools taught in English. I just finished my BA at an American college. Now I'm back in Sweden and applying to teach English at NOVA - chosen because it seemed the easiest way to be able to go and live/work in Japan together with a friend of mine (it's hard to go with someone through AEON/GEOS).
I applied to the London office, and was rejected flat out, for a reason they could not tell me due to company policy of not giving feedback on applications. My friend in the USA interviewed, and was accepted. She was able to get her office to review my application, and the response I got from them was that it looked good, but they could not accept me because I would not be able to get a Japanese work visa, as it requires 12 years of pre-college education in an English environment.
So I'm trying to figure out if there's any way around this (there must be something - what do they do if someone had a highschool year abroad?).
If anyone has any clues on how to deal with this, or any ideas about a good way to find work in Japan together with someone, I'd greatly appreciate it!
 
Ewok85 said:
Its a visa condition, "When the applicant is planning on teaching a foreign language, he or she must have acquired education in that language for at least 12 years", its right here:- http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/appendix1.html#41

Only thing I can think of would be illegal, cough ;)

Since Eikaiwa instructors only pretend to teach English to people who pretend to learn English, it is a "farce" and therefore a sub-branch of the theatrical/performing arts. I say the visa should be granted under the "Entertainer" category. Problem solved.
 
yeah I was wondering about that "When the applicant is planning on teaching a foreign language, he or she must have acquired education in that language for at least 12 years" thing - because basically I have for most of my education, and when I haven't I've still had what's basically homeschooling... but the "Specialist in Humanities/International Services" looks promising - i'm going to get on the phone with the embassy first thing tomorrow morning and see what they can tell me!
thanks!

mikecash said:
Since Eikaiwa instructors only pretend to teach English to people who pretend to learn English, it is a "farce" and therefore a sub-branch of the theatrical/performing arts. I say the visa should be granted under the "Entertainer" category. Problem solved.

i must say though, with a theater major, this is PERFECT! :)
 
well, after talking to the embassy, seems that there's not much they can do - they don't have anything to do with the "certificate of eligibility" which seems to be where the problem lies. apparently that's a matter between the company (nova...) and the japanese immigration authorities. meaning, with my (at best!) rudimentary japanese skills, there's not really anyone i can call and try to sweet talk, except perhaps nova. well, trying that now...
 
err...where exactly in the wild, wild world of job applications does it state that you have to be 100% honest about your educational qualifications. No Japanese employer - once a contract is issued and you're in the country - is going to sack you if it turns out that you weren't schooled for the necessary 12 years entirely in English.

Unfortunately I think your 'bolt is shot' as AFA NOVA is concerned - you came clean with them. Delete the "not entirely" from your resume and tell another potential employer that you WERE educated in English. Do you think they'll ask your former head-teacher for a reference - not likely, it takes time and money. They'll base your English language ability on your interview and/or demonstration lesson. So be well prepared.

Just a thought - perhaps you could say to NOVA that what your understood by "environment" was the country in which you were living in. If you just tell them straight up that your schooling was all in English maybe that would be sufficient. What's going to happen if their don't believe you? So you don't get the job!
 
so my new brilliant idea in my quest of getting-to-japan-together-with-a-friend is to apply giving my (american resident) friends address as mine, and just not mentioning where i grew up or went to high school.

to those of you who went with nova, did any of you have to show documentation about pre-college school? did they even ask you about it? if they can just assume i'm 100% born and bred american, well, what they don't know won't hurt them!
 
What 'myrhine' really meant to say was: "Thanks mr.sumo I took your advice - but I couldn't afford the time to read the part of your post where you detail how your appointment to MacNOVA will be mainly dependent on your job interview and demonstration lesson."

A degree, the ability to speak English clearly, and some skill in putting together a lesson plan will determine whether or not you get a job at any of the MacEnglish Schools. No one has the time, patience, money or know-how to undertake extensive background checks of prospective employees.

--
 
hence the "my brilliant" - a mere attempt at silly irony, so now to mr.sumo i would like to extend a big 🌹

just wanted to get more voices on the pre-college stuff, but all i've read so far sounds like this is my chance!
 
Your welcome.

Remember - general rule of thumb whenever applying for or starting a new job: you don't owe your employer anything other than your services in return for which you will receive financial compensation. That means, should macNova offer you a position do not feel duty bound to explain the full circumstances of your 'English' education - or lack thereof. You will never achieve a continuity of service with Nova that would entitle you to rights as an employee. They, on the other hand, are perfectly within their rights to sack you on the spot at any time during the term of your, in reality, meaningless contract.

Good luck with the applications.
 
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