【User's Feedback】Securing a Work Visa in Japan and Thriving

“I want to work in Japan.” “What kind of visa do I need to get a full-time job?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, this article is for you.

Here, we share the real-life story of J, a foreign resident in Japan who successfully transitioned from a student visa to a “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa and is now working full-time.

Learn about the process—from studying in Japan to getting a job and changing visas—and take one step closer to achieving your dream of working in Japan.

 

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■When did you come to Japan?

I came to Osaka from Mongolia in December 2020.
At first, I attended a Japanese language school in Osaka.

■Why did you come to Japan?

It was to avoid forgetting Japanese.
I studied Japanese at a university in Mongolia, but I forgot Japanese because I didn't use it after graduation.
I wanted to go to Japan, and I came to Japan to avoid forgetting the Japanese I had learned.

■Have you taken the JLPT?

Yes, I have. I passed N2 in 2021.
I took the test 3 times and finally passed.
The reading questions were the most difficult, but I was happy when I passed.
I want to take N1 someday.

■How did you study Japanese?

I studied by writing kanji, watching dramas, and talking to Japanese friends.
Also, if I don't understand Japanese at work, I immediately look up the meaning in a translation app.

■What is your expertise?

International affairs. I was an interpreter between Mongolian and Japanese.
I supported Mongolian exchange students.。

■Where did you get your current visa?

I got my visa in Japan.
I got a student visa in Mongolia, and I changed to my current visa when I got a job in Japan.
Because working in Japan was my dream.
Also, a Mongolian acquaintance who has been living in Japan for 20 years helped me change my visa.

■How did you know about YOLO JAPAN?

I found out about it on social media.
When I was looking for a part-time job as an exchange student, YOLO came up on Facebook and Instagram.
My friend also told me about YOLO.

■What do you think of the self-introduction video?

At first, I was very embarrassed.
I couldn't take the video myself, so I got support from the YOLO staff to take it.

The staff took the video in an interview format, which was easier than taking the video myself.
In the video, I talked about myself in Japanese as much as possible, including the reason I came to Japan and my hobbies.

■What is your current job?

I work for a logistics company.
I work as a full-time employee at the Osaka office, five days a week.

■Is there any foreign staff in your office?

There is no foreign staff in my office.
However, since the headquarters is a large company in Kyushu, there are a few in other offices.

■What is the hardest thing about your job?

Japanese is difficult.
The other employees speak too quickly for me to understand sometimes.

However, I am grateful that they kindly teach me whenever I have questions, and that there is also a new employee training program.

■What do you like about your current job?

The fact that the colleagues I work with are kind.
They help me immediately if I'm in trouble, and I really enjoy my job.

■Do you want to get permanent residency?

I want to live in Japan for a long time in the future.
The salary in Mongolia is lower than in Japan, and the cost of living is rising.
I want to save money in Japan and go back and forth between Japan and Mongolia.

■Message to those who are about to obtain Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa!

For international students who want to work in Japan, please study hard now!
If you don't understand something at work, ask other staff immediately.
Everyone will help you. I'm rooting for you!

 

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■Interested in working in Japan?

If you're aiming to switch from a student visa to a working visa—just like J did—check out the job opportunities below.

>> View jobs with visa support for renewal and change

>> View jobs for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa holders

We also have job listings for those with N1 or N2 level Japanese.

>>View jobs for N1 and N2 holders

■Want help creating your Video Resume (self-introduction video)?

If filming by yourself feels difficult or you’d like some support, you can book a video shoot with YOLO JAPAN’s staff.

>> Book your Video Resume (self-introduction video) shoot here

Job Search Website: YOLO JAPAN

YOLO JAPAN is a website that provides job information for foreigners living in Japan. 
Leave your part-time job search in Japan to YOLO JAPAN!

✓Supports English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Portuguese
✓No resume required when applying for jobs
✓Scout function for efficient job searching
✓Jobs searchable by Japanese language level
✓Free membership registration