Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?

No. You must have a confirmed job offer from a Japanese employer who will sponsor your Certificate of Eligibility application.

Do I need to speak Japanese to teach English?

Not necessarily. Many ALT and eikaiwa positions don't require Japanese, but basic conversation skills help with daily life and some positions prefer it.

What if my degree isn't in English or Education?

Any bachelor's degree works for most English teaching positions. The degree demonstrates you can work in a professional environment, not necessarily teaching expertise.

How long does the work visa last?

Initial work visas are usually 1-3 years. You can renew as long as you maintain employment and meet visa requirements.

Can my family come with me?

Spouses and children can apply for dependent visas once you have your work visa approved, but they cannot work without separate work authorization.

How to Get a Work Visa for Japan as an English Teacher

You need a bachelor's degree, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your Japanese employer, and must apply for a work visa at a Japanese consulate. The COE process takes 1-3 months, and the visa application takes 5-7 business days.

Secure a job offer from a Japanese school or company. Apply to ALT programs (JET, Interac, Borderlink), private English schools (eikaiwa), or international schools. You need an official job offer letter before starting visa paperwork. JET applications open in October for the following year's positions.
Gather required documents. Collect your bachelor's degree certificate (original), official transcripts, passport photos, and a clean criminal background check from your home country. The background check must be apostilled and less than 6 months old when submitted.
Your employer files for Certificate of Eligibility. Your Japanese employer submits COE paperwork to Japanese immigration on your behalf. This includes your documents plus their company registration and tax documents. Processing takes 1-3 months.
Receive COE and apply for visa. Once approved, your employer mails you the COE. Take this to the nearest Japanese consulate with your passport, visa application form, and one passport photo. Pay the visa fee (usually $28-60 depending on nationality).
Enter Japan and convert to residence card. Enter Japan within 90 days of visa issuance. At immigration, they'll stamp your passport and issue a residence card. This allows you to work legally and open bank accounts.

Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?: No. You must have a confirmed job offer from a Japanese employer who will sponsor your Certificate of Eligibility application.
Do I need to speak Japanese to teach English?: Not necessarily. Many ALT and eikaiwa positions don't require Japanese, but basic conversation skills help with daily life and some positions prefer it.
What if my degree isn't in English or Education?: Any bachelor's degree works for most English teaching positions. The degree demonstrates you can work in a professional environment, not necessarily teaching expertise.
How long does the work visa last?: Initial work visas are usually 1-3 years. You can renew as long as you maintain employment and meet visa requirements.
Can my family come with me?: Spouses and children can apply for dependent visas once you have your work visa approved, but they cannot work without separate work authorization.