Japan Visa Requirements -- Military Spouse

Getting a Japan Visa could really get nerve-wracking and stressful because of the different requirements being asked. However, due to the numerous illegal migrant workers in the past, they have to really make more strict guidelines for visa applications to ensure that tourists will really have to stay as tourists, and not for any other purpose.

But then again, you shouldn’t worry much about it especially if you are going there for the right reasons. In my case, my husband is still staying there for work, and being a navy wife somehow gave me the right reasons for visiting him. Besides, who would want to take that privilege away from any married couple?

People weren't really kidding when they said that there were a LOT of requirements!

This next portion will present visa requirements specific only under the type/category “VISIT RELATIVES / FRIENDS INVITED BY US MILITARY PERSONNEL (SOFA STATUS)” All information were taken from this website:
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/us%20military%20sofa.htm

For all other visa types visit this website instead:
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/index.htm

All documents must be original unless otherwise stated.
           
1.  Philippine Passport

Broken lamination of the photo part is not accepted. Must have at least two (2) blank pages.

2.  Visa Application Form, click here to download: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/apply-form.pdf

This is also available at the Embassy Website, at the entrance of Embassy or accredited agency.

3.   Photo (4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)

This must be pasted on the application form.

4.  Birth Certificates to prove relationship (*see below)

EXEMPTION: If the applicant is visiting friend/distant relative and has his/her passport (old or valid) with a used Japanese Visa

5. Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married)

*** 4 and 5 must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year. In case of non-record, you must submit certificate of non-record together with the one from Local Civil Registrar.)

6. Daily Schedule in Japan (in case of visiting friends)
           
7. Documents or photos etc. to prove relationship (if visiting friends)
           
8. Statement of Service (With e-mail address of attestant if possible)
           
9. Military ID Card Copy and Passport Copy

Except blank pages, must be a clear copy. Color copy is preferable, with a notary public stamp

10. Invitation Letter from Guarantor in Japan (must have hand written signature) 
           
11. Bank Certificate
           
12. Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

***11. and 12. are only applicable if he/her has account in bank or income tax return

EXEMPTION OF [11,12]
If the applicant is eligible for Multiple Entry or Guarantor shoulder all part of travel/living expenses for relatives (parents, sisters/brothers, or aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews).

If Guarantor in Japan Shoulder Any Part of Travel / Living Expenses
1-A. Guarantee Letter (Must have handwritten signature - Format available at the Embassy Website or at the entrance of Embassy
1-B. Most Recent Income Tax Return Copy (Form 1040 and Form W-2)

EXEMPTION OF [1-B]
-If the applicant is a parent of Guarantor in Japan
-If the applicant is a child (must be 19 years old and below) of Guarantor in Japan

 Please note: It is applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she meet the requirements for the grant of a visa.

Submission of any supporting documents not listed above is encouraged:
-Applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines
-Urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation

Submission of requirements does not guarantee issuance of visa.

Validity of Documents is three (3) months from the date of issue (unless otherwise stated).
               
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

If Birth Certificate from NSO is unreadable, or if there is no record in NSO, (in addition to “Certificate of Non-Record” from NSO Headquarters)

• BIRTH CERITIFICATE FROM LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

If Birth Certificate (NSO) is “Late Registration”

• BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
• SCHOOL RECORD (Form 137)
• SCHOOL YEAR BOOK (If applicable)

***Please indicate complete address and land line (telephone, if applicable) of the church in the baptismal certificate, and of the school in school record.

FILING APPLICATION
           

Application should be filed through accredited agencies. The applicant may be required to appear in person for interview or appearance.

NOTICE

Additional documents may be requested where necessary.  Applicants are given three (3) months to submit additional requirements. Otherwise application will be terminated. Documents submitted for application will not be returned. Applicants can get information from accredited agencies when his/her application is pending.

When visa is granted, VISA FEE is gratis for this category (Philippine passport holder). When visa is not granted, the reasons of denial will not be disclosed. Applicants may apply again after six (6) month with the same purpose, unless there are emergency / humanitarian reasons, or application for different purpose.

FOR INQUIRIES in MANILA

ENGLISH/ TAGALOG
( 02 ) 834-7514
3:00p.m. ~ 4:00p.m.

As much as possible, have everything ready before visiting the travel agency who will take care of the rest. It’s better to have complete documents, otherwise, the embassy might ask you for more documents, and the processing could take another 3 weeks before you could get any result.

That's all for now! I will tell you next time how this went when I did it myself!