SOFA status in Japan

[GoDDeSS]

Hello to everyone! I am a newbie here. I am a military spouse stationed in Tokyo. My question is if its true that you can stay in Japan for up to 90 days prior to your spouse PCS`d to CONUS? Any help and advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[Gerle]

90 days prior to you PCS'ing to CONUS, isn't that pretty much a given? Most accompanied tours I've heard of are for three years so yeah, I guess you can stay in Japan for those 90 days, and then some! I'm sure I didn't quite get your question. :scratchchin: Did you mean after he PCS'd?

[hankypanky]

90 days is the limit on a tourist visa. If your not command sponsored and over here on a tourist visa, 90 days baby! Need to extend, take a MAC to guam have it stamped and return for another 90. Many of my friends do it this way who do not have sponsorship in japan.

[Old Timer]

Spouse stationed in Tokyo? - Sponsor or you?

Who is sponsoring Command , what Service?

Different rules apply, and exception of policies are available.

Need more info..........

I'm in mainland, and know just about everything.

[z's inmate#2341]

About 5 years ago, I was told that when you separated or retired on-island from the military, you had 90 days to find a SOFA status job. You were still on SOFA status for those 90 days. If you couldn't find a job by day 90, either had to switch to a tourist visa or leave Japan. Don't know if that has changed, base legal office can give you the best information.

[DougP]

Americans can stay here 90 days on a tourist visa. However after your tour ends or your SOFA status ends you have a window of only 60 days to either leave Japan of regain SOFA status. If you are unable to acquire SOFA status during this time frame, make sure you get a reentry stamp in your passport prior to leaving. You can then choose to fly somewhere else and come back on a tourist visa. As far as I know and from personal experience you cannot simply get a tourist visa after coming off SOFA status until you leave Japan and return. I am unaware if its possible to obtain other visas during this time frame. I had to go the route of flying to Taiwan before my 60 days were up and coming back a few days later on a tourist visa. Not sure if this is even close to what the OP was getting at though.:)

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

I know with visas issued for work, marriage, and so on, upon expiry you can be granted a 90-day "tourist" extention without having to leave the country and re-enter. You do need to apply directly at an immigration office before your old visa expires.

As usual, MOFA is the final word...

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

[Oki alumni]

All you (n)ever wanted to know about the Japan/US SOFA can be found at: http://www.niraikanai.wwma.net/pages/archive/sofa.html
which is (to me) an Okinawa website. NOTE the signatories...Douglas MacArthur II, grandson of General (I shall return) MacArthur.

-Oki Alumni:old:

[DougP]

Douglas MacArthur: Not a good Douglas:thumbdown:

[Old Timer]

Douglas MacArthur: Not a good Douglas:thumbdown:


I beg to differ, at least on his actionable statements concerning China!!

[GoDDeSS]

Wow. I am so overwhelmed from the responses. I really appreciate it. Anyways, I forgot to mention that I am not an American citizen. Would that change? The only reason why I want to stay here in Japan coz my kids and I are waiting for our immigrant visas to the States.

[Oki alumni]

Wow. I am so overwhelmed from the responses. I really appreciate it. Anyways, I forgot to mention that I am not an American citizen. Would that change? The only reason why I want to stay here in Japan coz my kids and I are waiting for our immigrant visas to the States.

What is your nationality? If you (and your children) are Japanese, you should still have your Japanese passports [hopefully up to date], and there really isn't any problem. If you're a citizen of another country, I'd suggest checking with the Japanese immigrations office to get the straight and official story.

-Oki Alumni:old:

[Old Timer]

Wow. I am so overwhelmed from the responses. I really appreciate it. Anyways, I forgot to mention that I am not an American citizen. Would that change? The only reason why I want to stay here in Japan coz my kids and I are waiting for our immigrant visas to the States.

You need to get the sponsor (hubby) involved dear. :-|

[GoDDeSS]

Spouse stationed in Tokyo? - Sponsor or you?

Who is sponsoring Command , what Service?

Different rules apply, and exception of policies are available.

Need more info..........

I'm in mainland, and know just about everything.

Hello! Thanks for the reply

My husband is in the Air Force and I am he's dependent but he already PCS'd back to the States. The only reason why I want to stay here in Japan is because my kids and I are still waiting for our immigrant visa.

Friends told me that I have up to 90 days to get a SOFA job but if not I have to go back to my country.

I hope you could help.

Thanks in advance!

[GoDDeSS]

I know with visas issued for work, marriage, and so on, upon expiry you can be granted a 90-day "tourist" extention without having to leave the country and re-enter. You do need to apply directly at an immigration office before your old visa expires.

As usual, MOFA is the final word...

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html


I am sorry but I dont know what MOFA means.

[GoDDeSS]

What is your nationality? If you (and your children) are Japanese, you should still have your Japanese passports [hopefully up to date], and there really isn't any problem. If you're a citizen of another country, I'd suggest checking with the Japanese immigrations office to get the straight and official story.

-Oki Alumni:old:

I am a Filipino citizen.

[socalheart]

Your sponsor is already gone?! :scared: Have you contacted your embassy or consulate? Are your passports stamped correctly with the right visas? I'm shocked that your sponsor left you and your children in Japan without knowing what to do about your situation. If you haven't done so, contact them immediately.

[macker]

Its a marriage gone wrong....

Loopholes being sought... as usual!!

[GoDDeSS]

Your sponsor is already gone?! :scared: Have you contacted your embassy or consulate? Are your passports stamped correctly with the right visas? I'm shocked that your sponsor left you and your children in Japan without knowing what to do about your situation. If you haven't done so, contact them immediately.


Yes, hubby left last month. No I havent contacted anybody yet coz I have 90 days to regain SOFA but if things wont work out for us my kids and I are going home.

[GoDDeSS]

Its a marriage gone wrong....

Loopholes being sought... as usual!!

I hope not....But Im pretty sure my marriage is rock solid....

[macker]

SO why stay in Japan??

Why not in USA with Hubby now... Visa NOT done in time...???

Why not wait for Hubby back in PI until VISA comes through??

Just some questions or alternatives to SOFA status.

[socalheart]

If your sponsor is already gone, doesn't that mean your SOFA status is also revoked? If so, how is it you've remained in Japan legally? I'm sure those who might find themselves similarly in your situation would like to know also. Even though you plan to leave the country if you're not able to find a job that sponsors your stay in Japan, you'll need something official in your passport that states you were in the country legally after your SOFA was revoked. The idea that "they'll just kick you out of the country since you're at the airport anyway" is only partially correct. They can also bar you from ever entering Japan again, because you were here illegally. For your sakes, please be sure that your passports are in order.

[macker]

I can answer this socal...

She still has ID card....

She went and got a re-entry stamp thats good for a year, but will expire soon.

That's all immigration looks for.

[GoDDeSS]

If your sponsor is already gone, doesn't that mean your SOFA status is also revoked? If so, how is it you've remained in Japan legally? I'm sure those who might find themselves similarly in your situation would like to know also. Even though you plan to leave the country if you're not able to find a job that sponsors your stay in Japan, you'll need something official in your passport that states you were in the country legally after your SOFA was revoked. The idea that "they'll just kick you out of the country since you're at the airport anyway" is only partially correct. They can also bar you from ever entering Japan again, because you were here illegally. For your sakes, please be sure that your passports are in order.



Thats what makes me so confuse but I am pretty sure that I have up to 90 days to get a SOFA job. FOr now my visa is still good but if I cant get a SOFA job before the 90 days I have, that means that I have to leave the country.

[Old Timer]

CLS/ continued logistical support. The A.F. MAY HAVE THIS PROGRAM...MAYBE NOT. It does take longer to finally get all documentation. Should have started 3 years ago. :crying:

[Old Timer]

Its a marriage gone wrong....

Loopholes being sought... as usual!!

HOBBY ALERT: <3

[GoDDeSS]

I can answer this socal...

She still has ID card....

She went and got a re-entry stamp thats good for a year, but will expire soon.

That's all immigration looks for.

Yes I still have my ID card and I will always have my ID card for the rest of my life not unless I get divorced.

I got a SOFA stamp on my passport thats good for whenever my husbands tour here in Japan is over. The only thing that Im wooried right now is when we wnet to get our passports stamped at the Customs office coz our's is already expired and we got an extension for 2 mos but we never got it renewed. They said I am good as long as I dont go back to Japan anymore.

[GoDDeSS]

CLS/ continued logistical support. The A.F. MAY HAVE THIS PROGRAM...MAYBE NOT. It does take longer to finally get all documentation. Should have started 3 years ago. :crying:


ARe you a Military service member? What does CLS mean? What documentations? I am confused now....

[socalheart]

You may stay in Japan legally until the expiration date of the extension stamped in your passports. You are supposed to leave Japan before that day ends. If you find another sponsor (employer) to stay in Japan, be sure your passports are stamped before the expiration date of the old extension. It's a lot of running around and paperwork to stay in Japan. I suppose it proves to them how much you want to stay here, if you actually do everything it takes to get the proper paperwork done. :D

I got a SOFA stamp on my passport thats good for whenever my husbands tour here in Japan is over. The only thing that Im wooried right now is when we wnet to get our passports stamped at the Customs office coz our's is already expired and we got an extension for 2 mos but we never got it renewed. They said I am good as long as I dont go back to Japan anymore.

[Old Timer]

ARe you a Military service member? What does CLS mean? What documentations? I am confused now....

WAS! I work in a liasion mission between USFJ and Commander Naval Forces Japan. I know that CLS can be applied for by the member, but conditions may differ between services. Usually the member must be coming back to Japan, but I have seen cases dealing with immigration. Your husband should have ensured the paper work was filed in time to grant entry into the States. Read my posts. The sponsor needs to be involved!!

[socalheart]

Your husband should have ensured the paper work was filed in time to grant entry into the States. Read my posts. The sponsor needs to be involved!!

I agree! I think he owes you a relaxing weekend at a spa or shopping or something to make up for leaving you and the children hanging like this.

[macker]

Hubby is GONE.......by the sounds of it!!!

[DOCROB]

wasn't there an article about service members leaving there wifes and kids behind and just leaving?? Sounds like this is whats happening. If I were you I'ld go to the base and get in touch with the former command. they'll rattle his cage. either way your spouse needs a swift kick in the pants.

[socalheart]

Let's just help the woman out with information and advice and not assume the worst about her marital status. It's not that we're not allowed our opinions, but some thngs can be considered rude when actually posted. It's possible that her spouse thought she'd be able to handle the Japanese visa on her own while awaiting her immigration visa to the U.S. Say what you will about my saying this, but she's already explained her situation. You're not really helping.

[OtisPMerriweather]

Yes I still have my ID card and I will always have my ID card for the rest of my life not unless I get divorced..

You may have the ID card for the rest of your life, but it's not going to be valid. They have expiration dates, just like ours do. When that ID card expires, you won't even be able to get back on base! Oops!

[GoDDeSS]

You may have the ID card for the rest of your life, but it's not going to be valid. They have expiration dates, just like ours do. When that ID card expires, you won't even be able to get back on base! Oops!


I dont know if you want to help or just discourage me. My ID (military card) expires 2012.

[GoDDeSS]

You may have the ID card for the rest of your life, but it's not going to be valid. They have expiration dates, just like ours do. When that ID card expires, you won't even be able to get back on base! Oops!


My ID (military card) expires 2012 and yeah youre right it has expiration dates and as long as your married you can always renew it and of course if your sponsor will reenlist as well. I am living off base but I can still get in and out of the base coz I have my ID.

[GoDDeSS]

wasn't there an article about service members leaving there wifes and kids behind and just leaving?? Sounds like this is whats happening. If I were you I'ld go to the base and get in touch with the former command. they'll rattle his cage. either way your spouse needs a swift kick in the pants.


I am 100% sure that my marriage is rock solid. My husband just didnt left us hanging. He knows that I can handle this by myself so you dont have to worry about it. The reason why I posted this question here is to ask for opinions and help.

[Oki alumni]

Thats what makes me so confuse but I am pretty sure that I have up to 90 days to get a SOFA job. FOr now my visa is still good but if I cant get a SOFA job before the 90 days I have, that means that I have to leave the country.

PLEASE, please, please, check with almost ANY military installation legal office. Rumors and suppositions start running wild and rampant on this bulletin board. LOTS of what used to be called "Latrine Lawyers" will give you whatever advice sounds good at the time, but when things like this come up, it's best to be on SOLID legal ground. I would SO NOT want to see you and your children being deported because of something you saw posted HERE.

Legal counselling is FREE for military AND dependents. Again, PLEASE check with the Staff Judge Advocate's office.

-Oki Alumni:old: (Who AIN'T a chit house lawyer!!!)

[GoDDeSS]

PLEASE, please, please, check with almost ANY military installation legal office. Rumors and suppositions start running wild and rampant on this bulletin board. LOTS of what used to be called "Latrine Lawyers" will give you whatever advice sounds good at the time, but when things like this come up, it's best to be on SOLID legal ground. I would SO NOT want to see you and your children being deported because of something you saw posted HERE.

Legal counselling is FREE for military AND dependents. Again, PLEASE check with the Staff Judge Advocate's office.

-Oki Alumni:old: (Who AIN'T a chit house lawyer!!!)


Thanks! I already went to the legal office. I just have to get a job before the time limit expires but if it wont work for us, we will be leaving before that 90 days expires.

[macker]

Thanks! I already went to the legal office. I just have to get a job before the time limit expires but if it wont work for us, we will be leaving before that 90 days expires.

This last response convinces me that YOU are not being up front and honest here.

[Oki alumni]

This last response convinces me that YOU are not being up front and honest here.

Another one of the "lawyers'" opinions, Macker??? LOL, you're really letting something that's none of your business EAT YER DINNER, ain't ya? Staying awake a night planning revenge, and cutesy little comebacks? This lil' gal has RENT FREE space in your head ALREADY. Convince ME otherwise, haha.

-Okinawa Alumni:old: (Who thinks that ALL "opinions" are valuable...in ascertaining someone's intelligence.)

[macker]

HAHAHA....

Oki Amumni.....You are soooo right,,,,eating away at me....I'm dying here.

How will I ever convince you otherwise, is it even POSSIBLE???

It's NOT as I am being eaten up by quest for Vengeance or the truth.

How do you know she's a "lil gal"?? You make her sound sweet!! I should Stop asking for the truth....

I shall....

SUCKERS

[Oki alumni]

HAHAHA....

Oki Amumni.....You are soooo right,,,,eating away at me....I'm dying here.

How will I ever convince you otherwise, is it even POSSIBLE???

It's NOT as I am being eaten up by quest for Vengeance or the truth.

How do you know she's a "lil gal"?? You make her sound sweet!! I should Stop asking for the truth....

I shall....

SUCKERS

Your lack of wisdom is exceed ONLY by your lack of wit, Sir! You MAY GAIN both the former and latter if you survive further in life. FWIW, the term "lil gal" is an old "Southern term of endearment" and courtesy extended to females of almost ANY age. Learning something here? LOL, looks like the lil gal isn't alone in rattling your cage. Thanks for MY share of the meal, and MY rent-free space.:w00t:

-Oki Alumni:old: (Who respectfully declines to belch!)

[z's inmate#2341]

Back to the topic at hand; she got the correct information from base legal instead of the JU lawyers about staying here.:rolleyes: And while the hubby seems to have really dropped the ball on this, biggest question would be did the hubby at least make it to the interview at the embassy with her before PCSing. If not, well...good luck getting the immigrant visa and back to Macker:D

[GoDDeSS]

Back to the topic at hand; she got the correct information from base legal instead of the JU lawyers about staying here.:rolleyes: And while the hubby seems to have really dropped the ball on this, biggest question would be did the hubby at least make it to the interview at the embassy with her before PCSing. If not, well...good luck getting the immigrant visa and back to Macker:D

Yes he made the first interview. As a matter of fact he got interviewed for 30 minutes of how well he knows me and my family. We also informed the Embassy about the PCS but they dont seem to care. They said all we can do is to wait.

[Old Timer]

I agree! I think he owes you a relaxing weekend at a spa or shopping or something to make up for leaving you and the children hanging like this.

At best a stipend from the wife from future lap dances administered!!:thumbup1:

[z's inmate#2341]

Yes he made the first interview. As a matter of fact he got interviewed for 30 minutes of how well he knows me and my family. We also informed the Embassy about the PCS but they dont seem to care. They said all we can do is to wait.

Best of luck then, you're doing the right thing by waiting it out here. The embassy in Manila would probably make you start all over again.

[GoDDeSS]

Best of luck then, you're doing the right thing by waiting it out here. The embassy in Manila would probably make you start all over again.


Thanks! I know that when I go home and wait there, it'll be double the wait thatn here in Japan. Minimum is 3-6 mos here but in the Philippines its 6mos-1 year which is ridiculous.

[LandCru72]

I dont know when this was posted ... But I would have to agree with Macker on this issue... N--e-ways the Philippines was so good to me that I feel obliged to help ...Goddess - 1st off if you and your husband are not on good terms then you won't get a Visa to live in the States... It takes two , If hes willing to help with the paperwork then your ok ... Until they come to the house for finalizing the paperwork and realize you dont live together... Then Byebye ... :cursing:

But there is another way ,,, I dont usually tell ppl how to beat the system but --- If you know a person that owns a business , that will go through the trouble to file paperwork out for you as a Work Visa ... Then you could stay in Japan ... The trade of would be - The business owner has his accountant do the normal paper chase for filing a new worker... Say your pay was 300,000 yen a month ... Well the business owner gets to keep the money each month from the taxman ... And all you have to do is pay your taxes on earned income... This will also allow you to get health insurance from the city office ... YOU STILL NEED to find a J O B :thumbup:

For the rest of you that will freak out on this - Welcome to the Yak world :grin1:

[GoDDeSS]

I dont know when this was posted ... But I would have to agree with Macker on this issue... N--e-ways the Philippines was so good to me that I feel obliged to help ...Goddess - 1st off if you and your husband are not on good terms then you won't get a Visa to live in the States... It takes two , If hes willing to help with the paperwork then your ok ... Until they come to the house for finalizing the paperwork and realize you dont live together... Then Byebye ... :cursing:

But there is another way ,,, I dont usually tell ppl how to beat the system but --- If you know a person that owns a business , that will go through the trouble to file paperwork out for you as a Work Visa ... Then you could stay in Japan ... The trade of would be - The business owner has his accountant do the normal paper chase for filing a new worker... Say your pay was 300,000 yen a month ... Well the business owner gets to keep the money each month from the taxman ... And all you have to do is pay your taxes on earned income... This will also allow you to get health insurance from the city office ... YOU STILL NEED to find a J O B :thumbup:

For the rest of you that will freak out on this - Welcome to the Yak world :grin1:


thank you for the advice. it'll really help me...

[LandCru72]

No problem , If you have any questions I'll look on here from time to time - Cheers !!!

[Old Timer]

I dont know when this was posted ... But I would have to agree with Macker on this issue... N--e-ways the Philippines was so good to me that I feel obliged to help ...Goddess - 1st off if you and your husband are not on good terms then you won't get a Visa to live in the States... It takes two , If hes willing to help with the paperwork then your ok ... Until they come to the house for finalizing the paperwork and realize you dont live together... Then Byebye ... :cursing:

But there is another way ,,, I dont usually tell ppl how to beat the system but --- If you know a person that owns a business , that will go through the trouble to file paperwork out for you as a Work Visa ... Then you could stay in Japan ... The trade of would be - The business owner has his accountant do the normal paper chase for filing a new worker... Say your pay was 300,000 yen a month ... Well the business owner gets to keep the money each month from the taxman ... And all you have to do is pay your taxes on earned income... This will also allow you to get health insurance from the city office ... YOU STILL NEED to find a J O B :thumbup:

For the rest of you that will freak out on this - Welcome to the Yak world :grin1:


Like James Brown said, "Can I hit and quit it". :-|

[LandCru72]

Like James Brown said, "Can I hit and quit it". :-|

LMAO - WHaT I Say ；WhAt I sAy :ohmy:

[Robind]

We are due to come to Okinawa in November. Does anyone know if you can get a SOFA stamp without being a dependant of a military person?

[DoctorP]

uh...no you can't, unless you are your own sponsor. Why would you need it?

[z's inmate#2341]

Who is "we" and why are you due to come here in November?
Sounds like you are trying to bring a relative with you or something.
Need more info...

[ryukyuboi]

You can be a dependent of a US government civilian as well.

[Robind]

The "We" represents my husband and childern. My husband is the military member and you are correct I am trying to bring a relative over that is not command sponsored.

[z's inmate#2341]

You answered you own question. Not command sponsored equals no SOFA status.

The "We" represents my husband and childern. My husband is the military member and you are correct I am trying to bring a relative over that is not command sponsored.

[cellophane]

If it is a minor you can go to base legal and do the paperwork for gaurdianship before you come.

[Old Timer]

I am trying to bring a relative over that is not command sponsored.


:rolleyes:Get your own job/ status/ and stop being a burden to your husband. He will wake up before long. Let me guess...U.S.Navy perhaps?:scratchchin:

[Oki alumni]

We are due to come to Okinawa in November. Does anyone know if you can get a SOFA stamp without being a dependant of a military person?

No. You MAY be able to sign in as a guest of someone who holds SOFA status. That's about it.

-Oki Alumni:old:

[Robind]

Someone told me that it may be possible without command sponsorship. I was checking a more relible place. Thanks

[DJ Tak]

Someone told me that it may be possible without command sponsorship. I was checking a more relible place. Thanks

Yes, you can bring someone from the States that is not command sponsored.



















































If that person happens to be a Japanese citizen.

[Oki alumni]

Someone told me that it may be possible without command sponsorship. I was checking a more relible place. Thanks

The SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) between the United States of America and Japan is pretty specific. A Google® should help you to turn up the document. Fairly simplistic, but it basically says that you fall under the SOFA if you are serving with, or attached to the U.S. military serving in Japan. This can be "tenuous" such as entertainers in the USO or playing "stints" for the military clubs. For the OFFICIAL word, your very best bets are going to be the U.S. Embassy (or consulate in Okinawa), OR one of the Judge Advocate's offices at one of the military bases on Okinawa. SOFA status isn't routinely "easy" for anyone to get. Again, check with one of the official sources. "Latrine Lawyers" are a dime a dozen, and their advice should NEVER be accepted at face value. Caveat Emptor.

-Oki Alumni:old:

[Robind]

:rolleyes:Get your own job/ status/ and stop being a burden to your husband. He will wake up before long. Let me guess...U.S.Navy perhaps?:scratchchin:

:rolleyes: "Get your own job/status" - working on it, but even that takes more time the notice you get for orders to leave.

:rolleyes: "..burden to your husband" - I have been on my husband team for 16 years and he is smart enough to know that when the miliary is FINISHED with him, I will still be on his team and his biggest supporter in whatever he does!!!!

"U.S. Navy", never he is a proud member of the THE BLUE!!! (Air Force, just in case you were not familar with the slogan :thumbup1:)

[DoctorP]

:rolleyes: "Get your own job/status" - working on it, but even that takes more time the notice you get for orders to leave.

:rolleyes: "..burden to your husband" - I have been on my husband team for 16 years and he is smart enough to know that when the miliary is FINISHED with him, I will still be on his team and his biggest supporter in whatever he does!!!!

"U.S. Navy", never he is a proud member of the THE BLUE!!! (Air Force, just in case you were not familar with the slogan :thumbup1:)

Yeah they have a catchy slogan---BLUE FALCON! :D:rolleyes: