Made a big mistake haha, so just wondering if anyone has any knowledge or experience with this, previous examples etc. I've done a lot of research, and haven't found anything in English or Japanese that represents my current situation explained.
I have a 3 year duration Eng. / Spec. in Humanities/ Intntl Services visa that expires end of 2025. Under the naive assumption that the job was within the scope of my visa (due to 1) my naivity, 2) the manager of the branch also making a mistake in the visa type and telling me it was okay when I asked when starting), I worked in a field outside the scope of this visa without 資格外活動許可. This was once a week, for about 6 hours, on top of my main job. I also paid tax on everything and it was transferred into my bank.
I was pretty worried, and rather than sit and wait (stress), I just went to immigration in Shinagawa. There, I learnt 2 things:
1) There is no way to submit for a 資格外活動許可 retroactively. (I think that's the right word). In essence, what's done is done, and you can't get permission for something you've already done and that you're not currently engaging in (probably as expected).
2) There is nothing I can do, they can do, until my next visa application, where I'll have to plead my case. She asked me to write a 理由書 explaining how this happened, and so I wrote all chronologically with dates etc. I actually first found out about this from a kind recruiter who is very supportive. They consulted their company 行政書士, who said that if I can show I've reflected on the mistake, it'd reflect well on me. (not sure as to how effective this will be, as the immigration officer said my violation would reflect badly on me when it comes to application).
I was actually kind of surprised it was that lax, I explained everything, and the officer just checked with the higher ups and was like, sorry! Nothing we can do until next application.
So, my question: how likely is it my visa will get denied (or accepted)?
By the time of my next extension, I will be married to a Japanese citizen, have been in Japan for 4 years, and would attempt to apply for a spousal visa instead this time. If anyone has any advice on how to increase my chances of it getting accepted, Immigration Lawyer etc. or even any experience, I'd be glad to hear it.
If all goes wrong, me and my gf (wife) will just go back to my country and live there.
Sorry for the essay! Thanks!
by Cercopithecus