Has anybody 'self sponsored' recently?

[sarahsix]

Has anyone 'self sponsored' a visa recently?

I'm going to try soon for the first time and would be grateful if anyone could share their recent experiences.

I heard a rumour that they're concerned with how many hours you're working as well as minimum salary and I'm a bit worried.

Thank you in advance for any helpful responses,

sarahsix

[tkyosam]

I have heard (have no idea, haven't researched it).

My friend did it, all he did was get letters from all his PT employers saying they liked him and wanted to keep paying him, then show that he was making at least \250,000 a month. As well as proof you have paid any taxes or any sh1t like that since you came into the country.

[sarahsix]

Thank you for your reply. I don't suppose you know how long your friend got, do you?

I really want to know if anyone has managed to get three years from 'self sponsoring'.

I have a 3 year visa now and am hoping it's possible to get another one.

Thanks again,

Sarahsix

[Glenski]

http://www.keepingpaceinjapan.com/20...ored-visa.html

[sarahsix]

It was kind of you, but I've seen that one before and it's not updated very often. I'm really hoping that someone here has actually done it recently and can share some information.

I think it would be useful for lots of people (not just me) if we could gather together some recent, concrete information on 'self sponsorship' in one place. For example a new development was posted in a recent thread that you have to show proof of paying Resident's Tax to get a new visa nowadays. I've only seen that information on these boards.

It would be so good if there was a place where potential 'self sponsorers' could find out what the current situation is.

I'd be very grateful for any information, and thank you again,

Sarahsix

[Mr Fantastico]

I did it for the first time in November. All that was required was the passport, ARCard, a copy of my contract, tax bill and the same papers I had filled out in previous years. They actually gave me my first 3 year visa which I totally was not expecting. Also I work part time so my earnings were well under 200,000/month. The whole thing was really easy to do.

[sarahsix]

That's brilliant, thank you. You're my hero now.

Sarahsix

[sunsoul]

Originally Posted by Mr Fantastico

I did it for the first time in November. All that was required was the passport, ARCard, a copy of my contract, tax bill and the same papers I had filled out in previous years. They actually gave me my first 3 year visa which I totally was not expecting. Also I work part time so my earnings were well under 200,000/month. The whole thing was really easy to do.

I agree. I self-sponsored myself in August last year. You just need all of the above, and a smile. Got a three year visa for the first time too...

[sarahsix]

This is really good news. Thank you everybody! I talked to immigration earlier this year about the possibility I might have to 'self sponsor' next time and they weren't very encouraging about the chances of getting anything longer than a year if that and I was quite worried.

Having heard from you, I now have a bit more hope about it all. Thank you very much!

Sarahsix

[Mr Fantastico]

Originally Posted by sarahsix

They weren't very encouraging about the chances of getting anything longer than a year if that and I was quite worried.

They certainly don't do the encouraging thing well, or at all. I got the usual "case-by-case" run around when I was making inquiries. They even said that it would be impossible to get a visa on the income I applied with.

If you want to play it safe, apply a month and a half in advance. Then if the answer is no, you can scramble and try to meet their requirements. I've even heard mention of an intrim visa extension so you can sort yourself out.

[yossy]

Originally Posted by sarahsix

For example a new development was posted in a recent thread that you have to show proof of paying Resident's Tax to get a new visa nowadays. I've only seen that information on these boards.

FWIW, from this link (http://nabekoh.jugem.jp/?cid=7), though it's posted in 2006...hope it helps.

The documents that we submitted are 1) all the contracts both with individuals and with companies, 2) letter explaining his situation and 3) a copy of tax claim for the previous year, etc.

After 3 weeks of waiting, he got the permission from the immigration office. Regardless the change of his employment status, he got 3 years extension without being an employee of a sponsoring company.

I analyzed this case and thought that the important points for sucess were as follows.
1) He has enough earning to sustain his living with his contracts.
2) The documents were well prepared and clear to explain his situation to the immigaration office.
3) The contract period are long enough to keep his sustainability.
4) The contracts are not only with the individual students but also with companies. This makes his life more stable.

Please be noted that these are my impression, however. It doesn't necessarily mean that you will get visa if you satisfy the above mentioned conditions.

[Glenski]

For those of you who are self-sponsoring, just how much DO you make? We all know that immigration varies on what it takes for an acceptable "minimum" salary. To say "under 200,000", for example, is unclear.

Because immigration may differ in its requirements from office to offic, other info that would help people interested in this thread would be:

location
list of all paperwork you had to provide

PM me if you would rather remain anonymous.

[tanako]

I got a 3 year self-sponsored visa in August. The three companies I work for all wrote 3 year contracts. Here's what I submitted, at Nagoya Immigration.

Proof of taxes paid, both income and resident's
Contracts from the companies
Company register
Company profit/loss statement for previous year
Brochure or pamphlet stating the nature of business
Application to extend stay
Resume
Passport
ARC

[jinseinosensei]

If an applicant has a good attitude and has provided a fairly complete set of records (especially tax records), it's not so hard to sponsor yourself. I recommend going early in the day, on a day other than Monday or Friday, to avoid catching the staff tired and dealing with a never-ending line of foreigners and their rude Japanese sponsors etc... The "case by case" 'runaround' is actually a GOOD thing. It really sucks to be told how 'easy' something is and then be disappointed, if not betrayed, due to bad (expectation-raising) info which causes one to rest on his laurels or be less diligent. One thing I've found is that most Japanese in counter (info-disseminating) positions say things, in English, like "impossible" or "very hard" or "unlikely" when what they'd say, in Japanese, is that they've not seen or heard of a precedent. It's a pretty common practice among Japanese to appear pessimistic about things, regardless the actual chances of success.

I've just renewed my own 3-year, self-sponsorship, but my circumstances include my being the legal guardian of my Japanese-US (both, not half) kids. I always have to abide by the newest rules and meet the latest requirements though and the main factors are usually the same. The longer one's stay, the cleaner one's record, and the more thorough and complete one's tax records are..., the better the chances of getting positive results. There's a lot of good advice being offered here and I agree with those who've suggested diligence, thoroughness, and smiles. I'm always glad to see so many helpful folks respond and offer the comments I'd LIKE to, but always show up too late to add my two yen in a timely manner. Good luck with the endeavor.

[sarahsix]

This is great! Thank you everyone. This is becoming a really valuable resource. I spoke to one of my employers yesterday and they also recommended including a letter explaining why you'd like to be permitted to stay.

I won't actually be applying until February (after the tax returns are completed) but if I hear of anything else useful, I'll pass it on.

Thank you again,

sarahsix

[Gaijin 06]

Originally Posted by Mr Fantastico

I did it for the first time in November.

She asked for self-sponsering, not self-pleasuring.... hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding!

[TRIPster]

This might sound like a stupid question.. however, what is a self sponsoring visa? Obviously, a visa that allows you to support yourself whilst residing in Jp. However, what visa do you get in your passport? Is it an investor visa 投資・経営 or something like that?

[sarahsix]

It means you extend the visa type you're already on, in my case, a Specialist in Humanities, and instead of having one full time job and a company that sponsors you, you spread the risk amongst a few part time jobs, none of whom have to take the responsibility for sponsoring you.

I hope that didn't sound too garbled...

[TRIPster]

Originally Posted by sarahsix

It means you extend the visa type you're already on, in my case, a Specialist in Humanities, and instead of having one full time job and a company that sponsors you, you spread the risk amongst a few part time jobs, none of whom have to take the responsibility for sponsoring you.

I hope that didn't sound too garbled...

No, it makes complete sense. I was just curious as to what the visa was called in English/Japanese!? However, it appears just to be a Specialist in Humanities visa ? (atleast in your case)

Q > Are there any others self sponsoring on a different visa type??

[MJMF]

I also heard that a friend of mine self-sponsored.
Along with contracts, tax documents, passport, ARC, he also included certificates of his gradings in karate and kendo.
He wrote that he wanted to continue studying martial arts in his personal statement as well as working in Japan.
Apparently, the culture side of things also looked good in immigrations eyes.
Though my friend admitted it wasn't necessary.
Salary, tax forms and contract details are the most important, but he wanted to add that little extra.

It worked. 3 year visa.

[veryn0]

Originally Posted by Mr Fantastico

I did it for the first time in November. All that was required was the passport, ARCard, a copy of my contract, tax bill and the same papers I had filled out in previous years. They actually gave me my first 3 year visa which I totally was not expecting. Also I work part time so my earnings were well under 200,000/month. The whole thing was really easy to do.

In terms of necessary documents, when you mention "tax bill" are you talking about only income tax or did you also send in "resident tax" certificates also(Residents Tax = city tax (shiminzei) and prefecture tax (kenminzei). There is a thread were the user who posted it was having problems with a new taxation rule which I'm curious if it is only enacted for his Immigration office in Kanagawa or if all offices will be affected.

http://www.gaijinpot.com/bb/showthread.php?t=62225

[yossy]

Originally Posted by veryn0

In terms of necessary documents, when you mention "tax bill" are you talking about only income tax or did you also send in "resident tax" certificates also(Residents Tax = city tax (shiminzei) and prefecture tax (kenminzei). There is a thread were the user who posted it was having problems with a new taxation rule which I'm curious if it is only enacted for his Immigration office in Kanagawa or if all offices will be affected.

http://www.gaijinpot.com/bb/showthread.php?t=62225

For Instructor...
http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRAT...shin10_10.html

For Specialist in Humanities/International Services...
http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRAT...shin10_12.html

４ 住民税の課税[Resident Tax]（又は非課税）[or Resident Tax-exempt Certificate]証明書及び [AND] 納税証明書[Income Tax Payment Certificate]（１年間の総所得及び納税状況が記載されたもの）

AFAIK, the information was updated on Year 2007, November.

[veryn0]

Thank you very much Yossy! That was useful advice! Another question I would like to ask to people on this forum is, I heard immigration wants to see that you make at least 1850 a month. Is this before taxes or after? Currently I am working part time and going to school full time so I only make about 1650-1700 after taxes. Before taxes, closer to 1850 but that is still a low amount. Mr. Fantastico, you said you were making well under 2000 a month so if you don't mind me asking, around how much were you making?

Anyone that can provide these numbers will help me out greatly!
Thank you very much!

[d81]

Immigration will usually look before tax is deducted as far as my experience has gone.

In terms of numbers, you can get self-sponsored if you are earning a slightly lower amount of salary. However, if you do this you should back up your application with a strong work history (in Japan) and/or culture references, Japanese language understanding etc.

As somebody mentioned already, try to get the application in a bit early so if it gets refused you can juggle things a bit more.

One thing you should have too - when I self-sponsored, the immigration guy asked me to provide company registration documents. These are printed on Ministry of Justice paper, and companies can get these for about 1,000 yen (or so I was led to believe). Immigration required these before they would start processing my visa, but they gave me a postal envelope to send them on.

As immigration is pretty much case-by-case, I would just jump right in and see what happens. The officer I had was very helpful, and he took all my documents, asking me to post any extra ones that he needed in later. I self-sponsored on 180,000 but it was clear from my work history that I'd be adding work onto that later. Evidence of this kind of thing certainly wouldn't harm your application, so put it in anyway even if they don't use it.

[veryn0]

If possible, can someone tell me what sort of document is this residential tax certificate document? Does it state how much you have paid so far or does it have the total or what?

Also, has anyone had any experience with those companies that give you consultation about VISAs and if you pay them a pretty hefty fee they will do all the work for you?

[yossy]

Originally Posted by veryn0

If possible, can someone tell me what sort of document is this residential tax certificate document?

An income (amount) certificate [所得(額)証明書] is a certificate which indicates your earned annual income [年間の所得金額]. The following style: http://www.city.yonezawa.yamagata.jp...yotokugaku.pdf

The earned income during last year [合計所得金額], the amount of exemption and deduction from income [所得控除額], the number of dependents being supported [扶養者の人数] and a resident tax [住民税] for municipal [市民税]　and prefecture [県民税]levels.

When there are no tax amounts, it'll be "tax-exempt certificate" 「非課税証明書」 (certificate of not taxing).
The following style: http://www.city.yonezawa.yamagata.jp...mei/shimin.pdf

Taxation certificate [課税証明書] is an assessment of tax amount of which you are subjected to tax. In some city/prefecture, there is often no mentioning of earned income [所得金額].
The following style: http://www.city.yonezawa.yamagata.jp...umei/kazei.pdf

A resident taxable amount [住民税の課税額] is indicated by a government office on a taxation certificate [課税証明書], and sometimes (depending on the city/prefecture) the earned income of previous year is also indicated.
The following style: http://www.gishinken.com/images/reco...uzeisyomei.jpg

Originally Posted by veryn0

Does it state how much you have paid so far or does it have the total or what?

Income Tax Payment Certificate (individual) [納税証明書（個人)] indicates the personal Municipal (resident/inhabitant) Tax amount of what is paid [納税額] and unpaid balance [未納税額], and as proof of the payment situation of the ratable value.
The following style: http://www.city.yonezawa.yamagata.jp.../nouzei_ko.pdf.

Further sample records.
http://www.gishinken.com/record/index.html

[Supergoal]

Hi everyone,

I'm assuming some of you may remember my previous thread about changing from a spouse visa.

My question here is, I need to also get hold of these resident tax documents for my application. I was told that I need to show the last 2 years. So, 2007, and 2008 I think that would be.
What I'm concerned about is, After returning to Japan in September 2006, till December 2007. I didn't work while in Japan, as I was being supported by my family while I studied. This basically means that my whole 2007 tax year was zero. So, when I show to immigration that I wasn't earning during that year, will this go against me for my application?

Of course, for 2008 I was working earning a regular amount of money which has supported me to live in Japan. I could be worrying over non issue, since it isn't like I have tax-dodged or alike.

As it stands, I have the 3+ years experience (lieu of degree)
I have the combined salary of about 250,000 a month
And continuing contracts from employers

As requirements go I fit the bill to be able to change my visa. But until I have done it I can't help but feel uneasy about the whole process. From the many stories people have had doing this it really does seem case by case, immigration officer by immigration officer.

[Glenski]

Prove that you were studying during that time, and you should be ok.
Best of luck.

[annie_wu]

Does this mean that you can't self-sponsor coming off of a tourist waiver? You must have a work visa to extend and have paid taxes?

[Glenski]

Originally Posted by annie_wu

Does this mean that you can't self-sponsor coming off of a tourist waiver? You must have a work visa to extend and have paid taxes?

You change sponsorship from at least a year's time on a work visa, yes. You can't go from tourist to self-sponsorship.

[Supergoal]

Originally Posted by annie_wu

Does this mean that you can't self-sponsor coming off of a tourist waiver? You must have a work visa to extend and have paid taxes?

As Glenski said, I think can't you self-sponsor from a tourist visa since you need to be working before you apply for the visa.

[AussieNick]

Aren`t you required to have 3 yrs experience with self sonsering without a visa?

[Glenski]

Originally Posted by AussieNick

Aren`t you required to have 3 yrs experience with self sonsering without a visa?

You're not paying attention.

Self-sponsoring a work visa is done after a year of working on that visa with a single employer sponsoring you. You cannot begin a work visa by leaping into self-sponsorship.

You might be thinking of 3 years as the necessary work experience to bypass a bachelor's degree to qualify for a work visa.

[Tinysim]

I've just received a 3 year self sponsored visa. Last year I self sponsored but they would only give me one year. The year before I was sponsored by my employer.

By the way, they don't call it a self sponsored visa and on the section where you usuallly write down your employer, you need to nominate one of your employers as your main one. They didn't call this employer or any of the others.

I took to Immigration:

1 copies of employment contracts provided by the schools that I work at part-time.
2 copies of my city tax receipts
3 income tax documents
4 my bank passbook showing deposits from my employers
5 a spreadsheet with my estimated earnings for the next month shown....just under 200,000.

The waiting part was a bit nerve wracking....they called all the numbers in the queue up to mine, skipped mine and went about 10 numbers ahead before they called mine. Was waiting about 45 minutes.

Said they would send the postcard. I received it 4 days later. Back into Immigration, bought stamp, handed in my passport and AR Card, sat down, opened my book and they called my number and I had the visa. Waiting time for second visit maybe 5 minutes.

[AussieNick]

I now have 2 yrs and 4 months experience teaching in Japan. When y working holiday visa expired I changed it to a student Visa wth permission to work. I want to change my student Visa to a self sponser now but I`m afraid it wont be excepted yet because I dont have a degree or 3 yrs experience yet. I do consistantly earn over 200,000 yen.
If I attemped to change my visa now and its not accepted will I lose my student Visa and will it make it more difficult for me in the future???

[Supergoal]

Today I met my immigration lawyer to start my application to change my visa through the infamous "self-sponsor" route. As mentioned before, items necessary for application seem to vary case to case. One more point, I was also led to believe that you NEED to have at least two jobs to be able to apply for the visa. However according to the lawyer, you don't. The main point being you earn enough as a whole.

Which means for the whole of last year, I worked in two jobs JUST in the belief that it was necessary for the visa...

There are so many vague and unanswered questions about the process. Some people seem to have been rejected while others accepted when both seemed to have met the basic requirements.

Perhaps it's down to whether they like the look of your face!

[Leah Jones]

Hi, does anyone know if it is possible to change from a WHV to Self-sponsorship? I have been working part- time teaching English for 3 Japanese companies for nearly 1 year now. They have deducted tax from my pay, but I haven't got any other tax records. Also I didn't complete university, though I do have CELTA... and a fake degree! Is it possible to get the necessary documents from my employers and self-sponsor? Thanks.

[Glenski]

Originally Posted by Leah Jones

Hi, does anyone know if it is possible to change from a WHV to Self-sponsorship?

No, You have to have a regular working visa for a year first.

I didn't complete university, though I do have CELTA... and a fake degree!

Good luck passing off that fake degree. Get caught and it's bye-bye, for at least 5 years.

[sarahsix]

Thank you to all the people who gave good advice and shared their experiences on 'Self sponsoring'.

Today I picked up my shiny new 3 year visa! I'm very relieved as I thought the economic situation might have affected the granting of visas.

Next stage: permanent residency challenge.

Good luck to everyone else trying to get their visas.

Sarahsix

[Glenski]

Congratulations!