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Help with living expenses

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Due to the lengthy process of securing a work visa, and the inability to be paid before getting one, I am reaching out for support of my living expenses between now and the end of July.

Introduction
Hi! I'm Stephanie, and I'm currently an unpaid intern for a Japanese company in Tokyo that deals with (ironically) visa immigration. I initially came to Tokyo in late February for a two-month internship, and after the first month I was offered a one-year contract to stay!

What's changed?
Being from the US, I was able to enter Japan and work unpaid on a tourist visa, but now that I'm going to receive an actual paycheck, Japanese law requires that I change my visa status. The process itself can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks, but I and my coworkers are all hoping it will finish much sooner!

However, because of this and until I get my visa, I will continue to work full-time, unpaid, with no backpay. I will also be moving into a new apartment starting in May, which I'll be financially responsible for.

Can you break down the costs?
Sure! Here's the main bulk what I'm looking for help with.

Apartment:
First month intial startup - $2200 (includes first month rent, deposit, key money, agent's fee, and insurance--unfortunately all this is common!)
June rent - $500 + utilities
July rent - $500 + utilities

Transportation:
A train commuter pass for me will be roughly $80 a month. If I need to go outside of my designated route, there will be added costs. Luckily my new apartment is literally a minute walk to the train station, so I won't need to spend money on a bus.

Food Costs:
Even with a budget of $200/month to account for the living costs of Tokyo, this will still be a relatively strict budget.

These added up will give me around a $500 buffer, which I will use to help furnish my new apartment with things like a bed, a desk, a washing machine, and kitchen utensils.

I really do appreciate any and all help that you're able to give! Even starting this fund page was a huge step emotionally for me, so I hope I can count on your support.

Thank you and much love,
Stephanie

Organizer

Stephanie B
Organizer

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