[Akakage]

Konnichiwa x08,

First let me say I'm sorry to hear about your wife's mother. I recently lost someone close to me who had cancer as well.

I will say that there is light at the end of the tunnel. You mentioned in your post that you have been teaching English in Taiwan for 7 years. Well the requirements for the humanities visa (the visa needed to teach English in Japan) requires that a person have either a degree or 3 years experience teaching. So you actually do qualify for a visa. The catch is getting a school to sponsor you that recognizes the "3 year requirement". On your end you're going to have to show using letters from your employers, tax forms, pay stubs and whatever proof that you can get, to show to immigration that you really have been teaching there for 7 years. It has been done, I know 2 people who have done it. It was just very difficult. But you never know until you try.

Teachers make around 230-250,000 yen a month. It would be extremely difficult to raise a family on this. But if you're able to get a working visa, I believe your wife can receive a spouse visa that will allow her to find work as well, so you would have two incomes. (I'll have to check on that to make sure) What exactly does she do for a living?

Have you thought about completing your degree online? You have to be careful to select a school that's properly accredited but that might be a much easier option than attending night classes. This way you will be able to spend time with your family.

And just a side question - How were you able to teach English in Taiwan without a degree? I thought at least an associates was required?