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> But the problem is that you can't change your study visa to a working visa (BTW, this is not legal advice! Make sure to check what I'm saying with a lawyer).

by nandemo 10y ago

> But the problem is that you can't change your study visa to a working visa (BTW, this is not legal advice! Make sure to check what I'm saying with a lawyer). Sure you can, I have done it and I know tons of people who have too. Usually no lawyer required; assuming you have a degree (or is going to graduate soon) and you have a job offer, just apply at Immigration. http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/02.html http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/02.... Note that technically you don't "change visas" -- visa is something that's required in order to enter the country -- you change "status of residence". Usually people use the terms interchangeably, though.

mikekchar 10y ago
But this is exactly the problem. In the scenario you describe, the company is sponsoring you. In the situation that the OP is describing, they want to start a new company. But they can't do that without having an employee who is a resident. And they can't work for the company without having the company sponsor them. It's a catch 22. Like I said, I would check with a lawyer, but I'm 99% sure it can't be done. If you are already have a working status in the correct field, then it is no problem. But you can't change from one to the other without sponsorship. That was exactly the problem I faced trying to change my status from instructor to engineer and also trying to work for my own company without sponsoring myself. Edit: I should also point out that hiring a part time Japanese resident fixes all the problems. But that was what the question was all about.
- nandemo 10y ago
  Ah, got it. If you're a student you can apply for a permit that allows you to work part-time. But I don't know if a part-timer would count as an employee of the new company.
  - mikekchar 10y ago
    Hmm... Actually, it might... Good point!

by nandemo 10y ago

mikekchar 10y ago

But this is exactly the problem. In the scenario you describe, the company is sponsoring you. In the situation that the OP is describing, they want to start a new company. But they can't do that without having an employee who is a resident. And they can't work for the company without having the company sponsor them. It's a catch 22. Like I said, I would check with a lawyer, but I'm 99% sure it can't be done. If you are already have a working status in the correct field, then it is no problem. But you can't change from one to the other without sponsorship. That was exactly the problem I faced trying to change my status from instructor to engineer and also trying to work for my own company without sponsoring myself. Edit: I should also point out that hiring a part time Japanese resident fixes all the problems. But that was what the question was all about.

nandemo 10y ago
Ah, got it. If you're a student you can apply for a permit that allows you to work part-time. But I don't know if a part-timer would count as an employee of the new company.
- mikekchar 10y ago
  Hmm... Actually, it might... Good point!