How To Get A Work Visa In Japan

Japan is often regarded as one of the major world destinations for teaching English abroad due to the large number of potential jobs on offer and the large number of people who want to fill them. People come from all over the world to live and work in this most unique of environments and you can join them providing you meet the criteria necessary to gain a work visa. Whether you are drawn by the history and culture, the safe and friendly atmosphere, or the sheer number of things to see and do, Japan is unlikely to disappoint. If you think Japan could be the right choice for you, read on to see what requirements you need to meet. The following represent the basic requirements for teaching English in Japan. However, it is important to know that some of these requirements are not set...  [Read more]

In some countries where teaching ESL is popular there is a clear path for obtaining a work visa or permit that allows you to live and work long term, while in others the process can be overly complicated, expensive or simply nonexistent. However, as the demand for teachers is so high in many countries, the need for a work visa can often be ignored by employers. The truth is that thousands of people are currently working as ESL teachers in countries worldwide without a formal work visa or work permit. In two of the most popular ESL teaching destinations in Europe, Italy and Spain, it is very common for Americans and other non-EU nationals to start work as teachers with nothing more than a tourist visa in their passport. A standard tourist visa is valid for 90 days and there is no...  [Read more]

In the vast majority of cases, ESL teachers will need to obtain some form of visa to enter their destination country. What specific visa you need is wholly dependent on the rules and regulations of your host country, so you should contact the relevant embassy or take a look at their website to make sure you have all the correct information. Below we outline the most common forms of visa you are likely to come across. Tourist visas are typically issued to people who only plan on a short visit and do not intend to work or study. This type of visa comes in many different forms depending on the host country and your own country of origin. The 'upon entry' tourist visa is the most common and this is issued upon arrival at the airport immigration desk. For example, US citizens arriving in...  [Read more]

Promotion for May 2026: $300 deposit For May 2026 only, all in-class and combined course deposits are reduced to just $300. Sign up today! From Sumo wrestling, the most authentic Japanese cuisine you’ve ever tasted, ancient castles and Pagodas, skiing in the mountainous north and beach hopping in the tropical south, ancient and bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan caters for every type of traveller. Japan is unlike any country you’ve ever been to with the most bizarre but fascinating experiences available throughout the country, and a scenery like no other. A distinct balance between ancient and modern- Japan opens up a whole new world. Nagoya is an ideal destination for an in-class, immersive TESOL course experience in Japan. It is the fourth largest city in Japan, which...  [Read more]

1. Why Choose ITTT for Your Online TEFL Certification? 2. Benefits of Obtaining TEFL Certification 3. How ITTT Can Help You Teach English in Japan 4. Get Started on Your TEFL Journey with ITTT Embark on a transformative journey towards teaching English in Japan with International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT). Discover the unparalleled benefits of acquiring an online TEFL certification and how ITTT can support you in achieving your dream of teaching English abroad. ITTT is a globally recognized leader in providing high-quality online TEFL and TESOL courses. With over 25 years of experience in the field, ITTT offers a wide range of certification options to suit your individual needs and goals. Whether you are a seasoned educator looking to enhance your skills or a novice teacher seeking to...  [Read more]

As an ESL teacher you are likely to apply for multiple jobs and in most cases head overseas, both of which require a variety of documentation. Some things cannot be sorted out until you are actually in your country of choice, however, it is essential that you organize all the documents you can in advance so you have them to hand whenever they are needed during a job interview or when applying for a visa. In most cases, anyone traveling outside of their home country will need a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months or even a year. To avoid any problems while you are overseas the best advice is to make sure you have at least two years left on your passport before you head off. In some countries you also need to apply for an entry visa before leaving home, while some will...  [Read more]

  Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The only other qualifications you need are a fluency in the English language, a professional approach...  [Read more]

Some of the biggest markets for foreign ESL teachers are restricted to native English speakers only, including Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. However, if your first language is not English there are still many exciting destinations all over the world where there are no such restrictions. It is worth noting that the term 'native English speaker' typically refers to teachers from the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. As the demand for foreign ESL teachers is very high in most parts of Asia, there are a wide range of options for non-native English speakers. Thailand is a particularly popular choice due to its widely popular culture and cuisine, and the beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. In order to get a work permit you need...  [Read more]

Having adequate health insurance is clearly an important issue wherever you are living and working around the world. Whether health insurance is covered by your employer or not is something that varies from one situation to the next so it is important to confirm this whenever you are interviewed for a teaching position. Here we take a brief look at health insurance within the ESL teaching world. In most of the big ESL job markets across Asia such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam, health insurance is typically included in a teaching contract. In most cases the cost will be fully covered by the employer, although a small sum might be deducted from your salary in certain situations. In other less developed markets, health insurance is less likely to be...  [Read more]

ITTT is dedicated to assisting you throughout your TESOL training and to providing you with a means of support during your ensuing teaching career. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below. Our TESOL FAQs should be able to answer most of your questions, but if you have any other queries do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them using the form at the bottom of this page. What does TESOL mean?   The acronym TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The term is commonly used when referring to certification courses that provide the skills necessary to teach the English language to non-native speakers in your own country or abroad. Read more What is the difference between TESOL...  [Read more]

Promotion for May 2026: $300 deposit For May 2026 only, all in-class and combined course deposits are reduced to just $300. Sign up today! Located the country’s eastern region, Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, is its biggest city with around two and a half million people calling it home. It is also the most populated city in Central Asia. Tashkent became the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan when the country became independent in 1991. Uzbekistan’s long and interesting history can be witnessed in the fascinating architecture of Tashkent. The exhibition halls and metro stations, in particular, are very good examples to look out for. If you want to experience real local life in Tashkent, then you should pay a visit to one of the many local markets, which are thriving social...  [Read more]

This is one of the most common questions asked by our TESOL course trainees and the answer is quite simple. Yes, you can teach ESL without a bachelor’s degree. Anyone who is TESOL qualified will have a wide array of destinations to choose from all over the world, regardless of their previous educational record. If you have a degree in any subject you will certainly have a few more options, but non-degree holders are in no way excluded from ESL teaching in many parts of the world. In recent years some countries have made it compulsory for foreign teachers to have a degree if they want to obtain a work visa that allows them to work legally as an ESL teacher. This is most noticeable in Asia where some of the biggest markets for teachers such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan...  [Read more]

If you plan to Teach English as a Second Language (TESOL) in your home country, overseas, or online, you will find there are usually a few requirements laid down by employers that can vary from country to country or job to job. In some cases, teaching positions can be restricted to native English speakers only. However, the good news is that the demand for English teachers is very high in many areas, which means there are typically plenty of jobs available for all fluent English speakers. So what are the main requirements when it comes to non-native English speakers teaching ESL? Before you start looking at potential jobs around the world, the first thing you will need to do is complete a TESOL certification course. With a TESOL qualification in your back pocket you will be taken...  [Read more]

Many people decide that an in-class TESOL certification course is the best way to prepare for life in a foreign classroom, however, is it best to take it within your home country or once you arrive at your ultimate teaching destination? Either choice has its pros and cons, but on this page we focus on the reasons why taking a TESOL course before you leave home might be the best option for you. If you are planning to head to one of the most popular teaching destinations there is a good chance that you can secure a job before you get on the plane. In areas where demand for teachers is particularly high, employers routinely advertise vacant positions online via job boards and recruitment companies. If your application is successful you will typically have an interview over a...  [Read more]

Asia attracts tens of thousands of TESOL qualified teachers every year, however, some countries have certain restrictions in place that you need to be aware of before choosing a destination. For example, a 4-year university degree is required in some countries and others will only issue work permits to native English speakers. Another issue that teachers might need to be aware of is that there are age restrictions that apply in some situations. Some of the most popular TESOL destinations in Asia have a strict retirement policy that applies to both local and foreign teachers. In countries such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, government schools are not allowed to sponsor work visas for teachers who have reached the retirement age of that country. The retirement age...  [Read more]

Promotion for May 2026: $300 deposit For May 2026 only, all in-class and combined course deposits are reduced to just $300. Sign up today! Our tesol course in Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to begin your teaching career in Vietnam and South East Asia. Our TESOL course is very highly regarded and there will be plenty of opportunities to find teaching work when you are finished. Vietnam is a rapidly developing country and as it has become more economically liberal, the demand for learning English has grown dramatically. The Vietnam War of the ‘60s and early ‘70s has tarred Vietnam’s image somewhat, however this is being put right by the amazing beauty of the country, its fascinating culture and friendly locals. These factors, combined with rapid development and...  [Read more]

Applying for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) jobs can be a competitive process, but with the right strategies and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. This guide offers valuable tips and advice on how to effectively apply for TESOL positions, from crafting a compelling resume to preparing for interviews. You'll also find resources for job searching, networking, and understanding what employers are looking for in TESOL candidates. By following this guide, you can enhance your job application skills and stand out in the competitive field of TESOL teaching. Can I do a TESOL course if I have a full-time job?   Yes, you can definitely do a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course even if you have a full-time job....  [Read more]

Although a large percentage of ESL jobs are filled following face-to-face interviews, there are many countries where it is common practice for schools to recruit teachers from within their home country. This scenario can be a very convenient option for teachers without any previous experience and anyone who is new to international travel. All contact is usually done via email, with the actual interview taking place via phone or webcam. One big benefit of getting a job in advance is it usually means the employer will take care of the paperwork such as visas and work permits. In many cases they will also provide free or subsidized airfares, health insurance and accommodation. The one main downside of this recruitment method is the time it can take to complete the whole process. You...  [Read more]

Home / CELTA Trinity Courses / Athens Promotion for May 2026: $300 deposit For May 2026 only, all in-class and combined course deposits are reduced to just $300. Sign up today! As one of the world’s oldest cities with a history dating back over 3,000 years, Athens is a major draw for international visitors. The city is also a hotspot for English language teaching jobs, making it equally popular with people looking to take a CELTA training course. During your stay you can explore all the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and enjoy some of the best beaches in the region. For a unique virtual tour of the city before you arrive, click here. Athens is known for its warm welcome and for being one of the safest...  [Read more]

Home / CELTA Trinity Courses / Athens Promotion for May 2026: $300 deposit For May 2026 only, all in-class and combined course deposits are reduced to just $300. Sign up today! As one of the world’s oldest cities with a history dating back over 3,000 years, Athens is a major draw for international visitors. The city is also a hotspot for English language teaching jobs, making it equally popular with people looking to take a CELTA training course. During your stay you can explore all the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and enjoy some of the best beaches in the region. For a unique virtual tour of the city before you arrive, click here. Athens is known for its warm welcome and for being one of the safest...  [Read more]