Turning Japanese, you think you're turning Japanese you really think so?
So you wanna be Japanese or at least live here huh? A recent E-mail from Mr. Mike sparked this one. Click on this post's title to go to a Japanese visa page that is short, thorough and to the point. Go you your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate for more info. Japan is notorious for its paperwork redundancy so be sure to apply in advance.
The basic types of visas are:
Tourist Visa - Terms depend on your originating country. US citizens must apply beforehand. Good for short-term language schools or an extended layover in Japan from 72 hours to 15 days.
Working Holiday Visa - Not given to US citizns.
Working Visa - Apply beforehand. There are 14 types:
artist
investor/business manager
professor
religious activities
medical services
journalist
researcher
instructor
legal/accounting services
engineer
entertainer
skilled labor
intra-company transferee
specialist in humanities and international services
Student Visa - Apply beforehand. Some short-term language schools are exempt.
Spouse or Child of a Japanese National Visa - Must be extended after 1 and 3 years.
Permanent Residence Visa - Can apply for after 5 years of living in Japan. No need to extend.
Naturalization - Full-on Japanese citizenship. Must renounce your United States (or any other country) citizenship as Japan does not allow dual-citizenship.
Alien Registration - Not a visa but anyone who is not with the US military must register for this. This is how you open bank accounts with less stress. This card must be with you at all times after 90 days in country regardless of type of visa held.
Diplomatic and Official Visa - If you have to ask then you probably don't rate one ;)
**Don't forget! You can always get US SOFA status by applying for a US government jizzob with one of the military branches. We have bases all over Japan. All you would need to enter the country is a valid US passport and your SOFA orders. I honestly don't know why more people don't think of this. In many cases you get on-base housing or get money to cover all housing costs out in town. Civilian employees starting at GS or FG-09 are considered officer equivalent so you won't be living in the crappier housing.
The basic types of visas are:
Tourist Visa - Terms depend on your originating country. US citizens must apply beforehand. Good for short-term language schools or an extended layover in Japan from 72 hours to 15 days.
Working Holiday Visa - Not given to US citizns.
Working Visa - Apply beforehand. There are 14 types:
artist
investor/business manager
professor
religious activities
medical services
journalist
researcher
instructor
legal/accounting services
engineer
entertainer
skilled labor
intra-company transferee
specialist in humanities and international services
Student Visa - Apply beforehand. Some short-term language schools are exempt.
Spouse or Child of a Japanese National Visa - Must be extended after 1 and 3 years.
Permanent Residence Visa - Can apply for after 5 years of living in Japan. No need to extend.
Naturalization - Full-on Japanese citizenship. Must renounce your United States (or any other country) citizenship as Japan does not allow dual-citizenship.
Alien Registration - Not a visa but anyone who is not with the US military must register for this. This is how you open bank accounts with less stress. This card must be with you at all times after 90 days in country regardless of type of visa held.
Diplomatic and Official Visa - If you have to ask then you probably don't rate one ;)
**Don't forget! You can always get US SOFA status by applying for a US government jizzob with one of the military branches. We have bases all over Japan. All you would need to enter the country is a valid US passport and your SOFA orders. I honestly don't know why more people don't think of this. In many cases you get on-base housing or get money to cover all housing costs out in town. Civilian employees starting at GS or FG-09 are considered officer equivalent so you won't be living in the crappier housing.
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