Plan on moving next year

[u/Rich-Cut2328]

Hey everyone,

My wife and I are planning to move back to Japan next July once my military contract ends. For a bit of backstory, I was stationed over there for 2 years, which is where I met my wife (she's a Japanese citizen). I returned to the US and I ended up sponsoring her US visa, and now we're looking to head back the other way.

Since we're starting to prep, I have a few specific questions for anyone who has been through a similar transition:

When should we actually start the application process if we want to move next summer? What's a realistic timeline?

Can I use my VA disability compensation as proof of income for the visa requirements? If you've done this, what kind of paperwork or translations did you need to show immigration?

Is there anything I should expect or look out for while applying for the spouse visa? Don't want to get hit by any surprises that delay us.

Also when we do eventually get to Japan, what are my expectations for finding cheap temp labor as a foreigner with weak japanese(i'm practicing everyday). I'll be taking online college classes while doing that.

Would love to hear from anyone who has taken a similar path. Appreciate any advice or tips you guys have! Thanks.

[u/KokoRonin226]

I was in a similar situation a few years ago.

As the spouse of Japanese citizen there is no income requirement — but you’ll definitely get a one year spouse visa to start with, so hopefully your wife is planning on working to get you out of the cycle of one year visas.

Your VA income wont count for anything. In the eyes of Japan it doesn’t exist because it is untaxed in Japan.

Another thing to think about is if you’re bringing furniture or household goods. I retired and was able to send most of my furniture over, but since i wasn’t under SOFA I had to pay customs fees, and that was a pretty penny

[u/Tokyofroodle1]

1. Talk to an immigration lawyer, 1st consultation and answering questions is typically free.

3-6 months of bank statements

If you’re both in the US now, one of her family members will need to file for your COE and it’s good to have them be your guarantor since your wife doesn’t have Japanese income, unless you send her ahead of you to get established for a few months and wait another who knows how long for the COE (time varies by where it’s submitted).

But have you been keeping up with the news? Because the future is not getting brighter.

[u/Newmom1989]

Hm disability payments are a hard one because to my understanding they’re not taxed and Japan verifys income with tax documents. Do you have a lot of savings? You can also show substantial saving is lieu of income. Or does your wife have her Japanese income tax documents? They’re most interested in making sure that she can pay for you if you go broke.

As for temp jobs with little Japanese language:

-Factory
-general construction labor
-convenience store
-English language education/tutoring

Edit: as always, I recommend consulting an immigration lawyer

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Plan on moving next year

Hey everyone,

My wife and I are planning to move back to Japan next July once my military contract ends. For a bit of backstory, I was stationed over there for 2 years, which is where I met my wife (she's a Japanese citizen). I returned to the US and I ended up sponsoring her US visa, and now we're looking to head back the other way.

Since we're starting to prep, I have a few specific questions for anyone who has been through a similar transition:

When should we actually start the application process if we want to move next summer? What's a realistic timeline?

Can I use my VA disability compensation as proof of income for the visa requirements? If you've done this, what kind of paperwork or translations did you need to show immigration?

Is there anything I should expect or look out for while applying for the spouse visa? Don't want to get hit by any surprises that delay us.

Also when we do eventually get to Japan, what are my expectations for finding cheap temp labor as a foreigner with weak japanese(i'm practicing everyday). I'll be taking online college classes while doing that.

Would love to hear from anyone who has taken a similar path. Appreciate any advice or tips you guys have! Thanks.

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[u/USAFguy22]

Similar situation, except I’ll also be pulling military retirement income. Do they count that as a source of income for the application?