Despite of what you might have read online, I would like to put you mind to ease by saying that getting a work visa in Japan without a college degree is entirely possible. How do I know? I have a 3-year working visa and don't have a degree. No, I'm not an ambassador's son with any sort of secret government connections, nor am I a famous artist of any kind. I simply applied like any other candidate, except that I lacked the paper that would make the journey so much shorter.
Now that you know that it is possible, I have to add that it's not going to be easy. However, here are a few things you can do to help your cause.
Get qualified.
Whether in your own field or in Japanese language studies, don't stop learning and expanding your portfolio. While waiting for my visa application, which took a consolidated period of a year with two soul-crushing failed attempts, I didn't just sit around at home feeling depressed. Sure, there were times I regretted not doing an extra year of school for a degree, or get filled with envy reading posts of my friends living exciting lives in Japan, but letting that put you down will just make you lose sight of the end goal.
Instead of moping around, I was freelancing, searching for full-time opportunities locally and in other countries and attending Japanese lessons. I even researched on part-time degree courses. What you are doing is simply helping the visa authorities to build a case to let you stay without a degree. Also, having money saved up will really help you enjoy your time in Japan, if you make it there.
Don't stop looking for jobs in Japan.
The challenge of getting an employment visa for someone who doesn't meet the qualification is enough to put any potential employers off a second interview. But don't give up just yet. You'll find ones that will go the extra mile to help you. Those employers are also the ones you will want to work for.
My first potential employers engaged a judicial scrivener and allowed me to continue working from Singapore while the application was pending. And when the first attempt failed, they restructured the application and applied again. Though they gave up after the second failed attempt, I was eternally grateful for the valiant effort and was happily employed for about half a year. I would not think twice if I would be giving the opportunity to work for them again.
During my holidays in Japan, I went to about 3 interviews/chats and my third one landed me my current job. Most of my interviews came through recommendations from friends who knew how much I wanted it. Making your intentions known will help as everything you do is geared towards a common goal. My employer went out of his way and strategised the best way to get me my visa, which included me having to dig up 7 years of financial record.
Pro tip: Keep a record of all your financials on a Google sheet, scan all your cheques and issue invoices for every job, however small.
Don't stop working.
A 10-year working experience is a valid alternative to supplement a lack of degree. While I did not have 10 years of experience, my employer made a case to say that doing 3 years of Polytechnic (pre-college) education in addition to my 6-7 years of experience should justify my lack of a degree. Whether you are just starting out in the work force or about a couple years in, what matters is that the longer you keep working, the better your chances.
Never give up.
If you want something bad enough, you'll probably get it. There is always a chance, however small. The only time where there's a 100% chance of failure, is when you give up. Three years ago, I left my job, citing wanting to working in Japan as a reason. I was naive, and only found out that I didn't meet the requirements to get a visa after finding a job. But if I had stopped trying then, I would not be writing this article from Tokyo right now.
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Every request put through by my employer to build my case, I did. I even went to a Meet-the-MP session to get the Ministry of Education to write me a letter stating that a Polytechnic education is somewhat equivalent to three years in university. I was so thick-skinned that I requested that they amend the first letter to cater to my situation better. I was tenacious and was willing to do whatever it takes.
Seize every opportunity to improve your situation, whether it's increasing your language skills, and qualifications, embarking on aggressive job-hunting or expanding your social circle there. Just never stop trying.
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Still not sure? Maybe you are eligible for a working holiday visa, which is a gateway to a longer term stay and has relatively low requirements. See the requirements here (you don't need a degree!).
EDIT
A lot of you in the same situation as I was have been getting in touch with me with regards to trying to secure a visa. I am sorry to say that what I have written here is all the information and help I can think of and provide. I am not an immigration expert, just a guy who didn't give up and got lucky. So for those of you who are serious about getting help, please invest in an immigration professional. Unfortunately, I am not able to respond to every one of you and help on each of your individual cases. Best of luck.
Hi my name is Khethiwe im live from South Africa only i have computer.Here im work as Security Officer so.I like to find job in Japan please help me thenks respond and im selling to other products for ladies in South Africa .but now i want to travel to Japan. I don’t have degree help me.
Hey Khethiwe,
If you want to get a job, you simply have to go through the steps mentioned above, especially about getting qualified and getting a skill set and language abilities. All of which can be done with a computer. I wish I can give you a shortcut, but there simply isn’t one. It’s all about working hard and never stop trying.
All the best.
Hey Alex, I’m from Canada and currently do not have a degree but I am able to get a working holiday visa which would allow me to work in Japan for up to a year. With that visa is it possible for me to teach English in Japan or acquire any type of work there even though I lack the degree?
Hey,
You will definitely be able to teach English for a year that way. As far as I know, that is the point of the working holiday visa.
Make sure you check out the requirements for a working holiday here. You do not need a degree. During your time here, if you plan on staying longer than a year, I would recommend picking up the language and try to get a job that matches your passion and desired skill set (unless you want to teach English in the future).
All the best.
Hello, I just have a question. Do you NEED a degree to work any non-English teaching jobs? For an example, I am freelancing web development and I am location independent, So yes I can technically work , as a freelancer IN Japan (for as long as my tourist visa allows) but If I find an employer who would like to higher me as a web developer, do I need to have a degree to work for him or her? by law?
Hey Carnio,
As far as I know, you need a degree to get a visa based on visa requirements. Your employer would apply on your behalf and will need to show your qualifying documents.
And technically, you are not allowed to work in Japan on a tourist visa, although I would say that nobody is really checking as long as you don’t have money flowing in and out of a Japanese bank account.
Hello, interesting article, thanks for taking the time to write it. I was wondering how you showed you worked somewhere? Was it via the financial paperwork? I have a couple of companies I worked for in the past but they went down so finding a record of my employment could be tricky and I haven’t kept those bits of paper.
Just wondering what they asked of you. Anyway, many thanks.
Hey,
Ever since that experience, I have gotten very particular about retaining and keeping paperwork. I literally scan everything before tossing them. For me, I sent a bunch of invoices I got as a freelancer as well as employment contracts. Like you said, its a little tricky but in the end it’s really down to the judicial scrivener that will help make the case.
Best,
Alex
Hello Alex,
First of all, I would like to say I appreciate you taking the time to write this. Now before you read on, I’ll let you know this might be a long read, so prepare yourself.
I’m currently a student in the UK, due to “graduate” this May. I would however, with utmost confidence, say that I’m not feeling confident about graduating. My University degree is in Computer Science; sounds great right? It was until my second year. It got really boring and I lost all motivation in studying. I asked myself if I would be happy doing a job in this field in the future, and I quickly decided that I wouldn’t. I then decided to start teaching myself Japanese. For one year I taught myself, and I got to a decent level pretty quickly. I ended up managing to study for one year abroad in Japan, which had nothing to do with my University course. Long story short, now I’m back in the UK, and I’m engaged, with my fiance who’s waiting for me in Japan. Once University finishes, I plan on going back there straight away on a tourist visa to get married.
Now that sounds great and all, and I know I can apply for a spouse visa, so what’s the problem? Well, I know the spouse visa isn’t guaranteed, since it too has a bunch of requirements. However, I do plan on applying for it, as well as a work visa. (On a side note, my current Japanese fluency level is about N3, and also I have a TEFL qualification).
My questions are however, is if I want to apply for a work visa while on a tourist visa, on the hypothetical that I don’t have a degree, will I, 1. Be able to find a job without a degree, 2. Even be able to look for a job on a tourist visa, and 3. Well, what are my other options?
I hope this wasn’t too much of a bother to read. I really do appreciate your time. Thank you for your time and I anticipate your response. I could be missing some other things to say, so if I remember I’ll let you know.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for reading and since you wrote in so much detail, I will try to be as direct as possible to ensure you get what you are aiming for.
Go for the spousal visa. I’m not experienced but I know while it is not guaranteed, the chances of failure are low. Chances are you will take longer trying to get a job then getting a spousal visa.
But to answer your questions
– You can definitely get a job without a degree but applying for the visa is the problem.
– You can definitely look for a job, but you can’t legally start it on a tourist visa.
So really, try for the spousal visa asap and save yourself the trouble. Feel free to seek advice again if that doesn’t go through.
Alex
Hello Alex,
First of all sorry for the late reply. I want you to know I read your response straight away and I appreciate the information. I have something that has come up and I’d like some more knowledgeif you don’t mind. This is in regards to the house and the landlord. Me and my fiance are aware that the landlord will have to know my status of residency when I live there. Of course when I first arrive, I’ll be a Temporary Visitor. Once we get married, I’ll apply to change my status of residence to a Spouse of Japanese national. I know this takes a few months.
So my question is, will this be an issue for the landlord?
Will my pending status of residency affect me being able to live there?
Mind you we’ll be married, it’s just that my status will be mid-application.
What do you think? Thanks in advance.
Hey Chris,
I assume this is with renting a place and not buying as I have no experience with the latter and can’t help much.
Well, simply put, it will. But, it depends on the landlord. Some landlords are nitpicky on the tenant being foreign, even if they are on a long term visa. In my experience, property managed by larger companies are less anal about it, but usually costs more. On the other hand, your fiancee/wife can simply be the main tenant and that would elevate all problems.
Sometimes, I find that NOT going to the real estate place with her is even better as the real estate agent will definitely question your relationship and relay that to the landlord. Many singles renting their own place get attached and the partner moves in later. This is private and does not need to be shared to your landlord unless it specifically states that you can’t have more than 1 person living. But, if two person wants to live under one roof from the beginning, it is an entire different story and will be considered by your landlord on application.
Best,
Alex
Hello Alex,
Once again, thank you for the swift response.
A few things to point out. Most importantly, my fiance will be the main tenant. Also, yes, my question was directed towards renting a house!
From the time I go to Japan she would be my guarantor if that has any significance. Secondly, I know it may not be relevant but I’ll put this out there anyway; I’m British but of Asian descent, so I guess I won’t look as foreign as other ethnic foreigners. Regardless, I’m in the UK right now, and she’s currently looking for our place, so I definitely won’t be seen.
You said, “On the other hand, your fiancee/wife can simply be the main tenant and that would elevate all problems.”
From the information I just gave you, does that apply?
Thanks again!
One other thing I forgot to mention, though this is unrelated to my previous message.
In regards to finding work. I have 150+ hours in TEFL, so I have the qualification to teach English. However, if I don’t have a degree which I know is a huge requirement for teaching English in Japan, how much will my chances be affected?
Will it be impossible for me to find a place that would accept me? I’m a native English speaker, I’m competent in Japanese as well as my TEFL qualification. Also, if I mention I’m married to a Japanese national, will that have any benefits as well?
I’m aware that if I was to look for a work visa, they would have to spend money to sponsor me. If I say I’m married, they don’t need to spend money to sponsor me, so will that be beneficial to me in any way? Thanks again in advance for your response. Sorry for all the questions by the way. Any information is really appreciated.
Once again, it all really depends on the company.
Spousal visa will elevate the need for the company to get you a visa, but some company still require a degree as a hiring qualification. But just as the article state, just keep applying and present your current situation to as many companies interested in hiring you as possible. My experience is that smaller schools are less strict on qualifications.
Best,
Alex
hi,please am a graduate and am from ghana,i want to ask a question,am seeking job in japan online and the employer is trying to accept my application,i want steps i can pass through to get a visa right here from ghana to japan
Hey, seems like you already got a accepted and you have a degree? So maybe you won’t have much a problem.
Alex
Hello Alex,
I loved your article. I was feeling down these couples weeks and after reading it I feel much more confident and motivated to not give up!
I’m learning Japanese and programming on my own and I would like to know if I can get a job in the video game industry as a programmer without a degree.
Anyway, thanks a lot!
Hey Ana,
I am glad my article helped.
As I always say, I can’t say for sure that you can or cannot get the job, even if you give me 100% of the information.
But based on my knowledge, you need business level of Japanese if you want to make Japanese games. I believe you can be hired even without a degree if you have the right skills, but getting the visa is the challenge. It’s never a sure thing. But as I have written, you should keep trying and learning as you have nothing to lose.
All the best,
Alex
Hi Alex,
I’m from America and I’m currently located in Japan on a tourist visa. I don’t have a degree but I’m currently studying to finish my degree online, and have been applying to jobs in Japan. Do I need to complete my degree before I can even be considered for a job sponsored visa in Japan? I have a great resume with my background focusing on business and consulting. I’ve worked for one of the top global consulting firms when I lived in America and many companies have recognized that firms name, but still, I haven’t had any luck. What are your thoughts?
– Linda
To put it simply, you don’t have to finish your degree to be considered but finishing your degree will make it easier to consider you.
It really depends on the kind of answers you are getting when you apply. As I wrote, you should keep trying but be sure not to quit the online degree course as getting a job is just the first step. They might need you to complete the degree to get the visa approved.
Hello, my name is Daniel, I’m just have 1 topic to finish my career but that topic is the Japanese, and I want to work in japan to improve my language skill, I have TESOL certificate to teach english, so the main question is, where can I find the job offers that not require a bachelor’s, I don’t care if is in a factory or hand labor related job even if is a rural place.
Thanks and nice blog!
My situation seems almost identical to yours. Ill sum it up SIMPLY.
1. I already worked for one year teaching English in Tokyo (Canadian working holiday VISA)
2. I have TESOL certifications, teaching Experience but no BA
3. I am married to a Japanese National women whom will not join me in going back to Japan, but will however with her family sponsor me for a 3 year Spouse Visa
To put it simple we broke up this year, no hopes of getting back together. And she has a PR in Canada now and has no plan to leave.
So we decided to trade places in a way.
However after that spouse Visa finishes we will likely be divorcing at some point, then it would be up to me to carry on alone with a work sponsor for more Visas to stay longer.
ANY HELP or ADVICE in this situation would be great.
Justin
My advice is to try to get a job before your spousal visa ends, and it’s easier for your visa to be extended to an employment one if you have proven record of working and having no problems in Japan.
Hi there,
I am currently enrolled in a university course that I hate and just found out it will take three years to complete instead of two! That literally ruins everything I had planned.
I am only 19 years old, but I am TESOL certified at least and have been working since I was 12(albeit it was part-time work of course). I have no idea what to do as I never planned on going to university but since I wanted to live in Japan for the rest of my life hopefully being an English teacher, I tried to find the fastest and least expensive university course I could take and I thought I had found one but my reality has just been crushed.
Hi There,
I’m Lalit from Gurgaon , India. I hold a technical diploma in engineering (Mechanical – Design/Drafting). I do not hold any 4 years technical degree , Even though , Whether I’m a eligible to get job related to my experience in Japan?
Hi Alex,
Thanks for sharing your experiences and words of encouragement.
I’m pursuing the “Japanese dream” at the moment – bachelors degree with 6 years of relevant work, trying to get an IT engineering visa. It appears that employers (understandably) prefer to hire natives or those already with working rights, and since visas require company sponsorship, there is a cruel catch 22. Over the past few months I’ve sent roughly 40+ apps and haven’t made it further than a few phone interviews.
I’ve tried to offset this a bit by obtaining some industry specific certs and JLPT (halfway through N3), but have to admit it’s been a really depressing experience so far.
Anyway thanks again for the advice, especially the part about not giving up. I’ll keep at it.
Cheers.
Hi Alex,
First and foremost, I Enjoyed reading your blog and it’s very informative. Thank you for taking the liberty of sharing your ideas and what you had to go through prior landing a job in Japan. I salute you for beeing so positive in life.
I am a full-blooded Filipino and I have been living in the Philippines my entire life. I don’t have a degree yet, But I studied hospitality management for 3 years and decided to stop on my 4th year in college due to financial stability and my father who was the only person capable of supporting his family died due to cancer. With that being said, 2011 was the year that I started applying for job and pretty lucky that I got hired right away. The job I was hired for was a call center job (BPO). I have worked with English native speakers for 7 long years and it improved my communication skills tremendously. also,I have underwent intensive English training and several exams, I attended several seminars, and workshops.
Long story short, I am currently teaching English to Japanese students from kids to busines level at ECC Foreign Institue here in my coutry for a year and counting. I am considering the idea of working in Japan as a language teacher but I don’t know where to start. I have all my certificate of employment (COE) copies from the company I have worked for before. Please advise me what to do to pursue my dream of teaching English in Japan or is it even possible for me? please enlighten me. Thank you and more power. 🙂
hey, Alex. I have also received a visa with only a Canadian College Diploma. I hope people ignore all the talk about a degree being the one and only option. any, I love you blog and I’m curious, what exactly is your job? thanks
I am a product designer in a tech startup.
Hello sir my name siva now i am working in dubai as a senior supervisor in mall..i have ccna and hardware certificates and course completed certificate in engineering but i dont have degree..i like to find job in japan it is possible to find a job based on my qualification without degree in japan please help me
Hi Alex. my name is Feri.
i am 47 years old man, i am qualified in NVQ and 10 years experienced builder worker Plasterer and Painter and Decoratore,
almost i hold British Driving Licence, i mean i am doing driver work as well.
i heard about new low for foreigne worker in Japan, is it possible i move form UK and go to find work in Japan please.?
whom i can i apply for a visa to apply for job
Thank you so much for this post, it has taken a load off me knowing that there is a way not to put my parents in debt for the sake of my goals. I am 17 and i have left school and completed an online GED course with three 80’s and one 90. I am currently teaching online and I am about to purchase an online tefl course ( I also have basic communication skills in japanese ). Would these qualifications (GED,TEFL, basic japanese ability and 6 months of teaching experience by the time I arrive in japan) be valuable enough to convince Japanese immigration to provide me a working Visa, of course with finding a job being the first step in that whole process. I know you might not reply since this is an old thread but I would like to sincerely thank you for writing this post simce it has given me courage, a lot of it. Sincerely, Rayne Jamison.
Hi, I’m Niki, I’m from the Caribbean. I came across your blog and it was very interesting, I would like to know if it’s possible for me to get a job in Japan, I have about 8 years Professional experiences as a manager’s secretary, data entry clerk, accounts clerk, administrative assistant and a receptionist. However now, I’m working as an English teacher about 3 years to this day, I do not have a University Degree but I do have other qualifications , like Microsoft office specialist, cyber security, tefl ect.. I even have basic Japanese I’m still learning, I was thinking for going to Japan to continue my japanese studies in a language school there. I want to work in Japan really bad but because I don’t have that degree it’s hard for me! But you were able to do it, so I’m wondering is there any hope for me with what I told you and how can I get started with finding companies that will hire me? I know that I will have to be in Japan though because of the immigration requirements. But do you think it’s possible if I go on a student visa and seach around??
Hi, I’m Marga from Philippines. I am not a degree holder but I want to work in Japan. I stayed in Japan when I was in 4th grade of elementary until ３rd year in senior high school. I came back to Philippines because I wanted to enter religious order. Unfortunately, I got sick so I decided to go home. Now, I am feeling better so but I want to work and stay in Japan for total healing. Could you help me?
Thank you this information helped a lot as I intended to join the JET program however my wife would not be able to accompany me unless she got a work visa. She is not as well educated as me.
Hey ,I am car mechanic I have experience about 5 years ,I am searching a job about my skills
It sounds like you were able to make the 10yr work experience case work. That’s great! I’m interested if there is a possibility of self sponsoring a Visa if I get clients while in a study visa.
Officially, you cannot work on a student VISA. I think the same or stricter rules apply when you self sponsor.
Thank you for tjis wonderful motivational message
hi alex. i am currently in japan with a polytechnic diploma under student visa. my total work experience is about 6 to 7 years. what do u think of the chances converting to work visa relevant to my academics and work experience
Sorry, I can’t predict your chances. But like my article, I’d say keep trying. You probably have more chances since you are here on a student visa.
hi alex. just an update. i already have secured a job offer from a employer. now into the stage of signing contract papers. had talked to the foreigner local visa support center here in fukuoka and they said my polytechnic education+career resume adding up to a total 9yrs3mths “strictly” doesn’t meet the “10year work experience” requisite and thus the chances of getting rejected is “very high”. any advice you can provide regarding a smooth work visa status switch over (for my side, also employer side)? they (foreigner visa support center) said even a few months lesser than 10years is still a “no”
Hello, it gives me hope when I hear incites from people who have these kind of experiences. I am aiming to be able to get hired in Japan someday as a Web Developer. I don’t have a degree or any degree at all. But I am self taught and teaching myself for months already. I got all the motivation and I’m so hyped to get the necessary skills. It will surely take a lot of time for me but I am hoping that it will happen someday.
Is it possible to get the working visa with any four year degree or only university degree (bachelors)?
Yes, way more possible than not having degree at least.
This article (regardless of age) has given me some hope again. Obviously I am not a degree holder, but the wife and I have been teaching English in China for the past 5 years waiting for a change to make a life in Japan, thinking it would never happen…thanks for giving me some hope again.
Hey All,
Commenter from August 7, 2018 here. I’ve now worked in Japan for 2+ years with an engineer visa, almost halfway to being eligible for PR.
Just wanted to express my thanks to Alex for a great motivational blog post, which I stumbled upon during an exhausting and depressing struggle which took 1.5 years and hundreds of failed job applications.
Also wanted to share a tip from what I’ve learned and heard from colleagues here:
The whole process to get working rights is more bureaucratic than actually adhering to rules. The consular staff who process visas will be happy to approve if your forms “look like” they meet the requirement, but nothing is verified (ie: they’re not going to contact your educational institutions or employers). Once we’re out of covid, I suggest using this mindset when preparing for your application.
JB