I was wondering if my wife's best friend could live in Japan with us if I take orders to Japan. Being forward deployed and remaining on sea duty I would want her to have some company and it seems like a nice arrangement. What stipulations would there be? Would I become ineligible to receive OHA or live in RPP or whatever...not really sure about this housing stuff to begin with. Any comments to get this topic started would be useful.        

Your friend could only stay at most 90 days because she would be here as a tourist. The only way she could stay longer is if she got a job with a working visa, or was a dependent.

She could stay with you guys if you lived offbase as long as she was a guest and you're not charging her any kind of rent to live there. On base there are limitations on how long guests can stay (limited to 60 days per guest per 365 day period). Plus, if your wife just wants to bring her on base she'll have to have the proper paperwork to just get on base as a guest you're sponsoring.

So for the short answer --I honestly think the closest you're going to get is perhaps a long visit/vacation for her, but she won't be moving in with you guys as base and immigration rules are going to prohibit your plans.

Hey everyone, Happy holiday! I have a question for visitors. I try to invite my parents to visit us and I live on base. What I need to do to get all the paperwork done so they can stay with us, thanks!!!

Hey I had my mother stay with me while I was about to deliver. You have to go to the Main Gate ID Processing area and start the paperwork to approve them to stay on base. It has to go through your command for approval also. They'll get a special paper that allows them to go on and off base without you. However, you still have to escort them at the NEX. They also cannot go in the comissary as with all guests. When she needed to stay longer I requested an extension.

(This information is based on what I had to do in Mar 2010.)


For other housing information, I'd go talk to the housing guys over by the Navy Lodge. They'd be able to answer your questions or at least get you started in the right way. You also have your Ombudsman who have experience and other contacts to try and help you. Good luck!

My boyfriend is going to PCSing to Yokosuka in Jan/Feb...he will be living off-base and we are hoping that I can live with him...I understand that a passport would only keep me there for 90 days, but what happens after that? I don't have a bachelor's degree to get a working visa....soooo what are my options?? 2 years is a long time to be away from each other and we are trying to figure out all options available...who should we talked to on-base?

Posted By Jennifer on 08-27-2011 9:01 AM
My boyfriend is going to PCSing to Yokosuka in Jan/Feb...he will be living off-base and we are hoping that I can live with him...I understand that a passport would only keep me there for 90 days, but what happens after that? I don't have a bachelor's degree to get a working visa....soooo what are my options?? 2 years is a long time to be away from each other and we are trying to figure out all options available...who should we talked to on-base?

One option is to come out on a tourist visa for 90 days and then fly out of the country s/where (like Korea - flights are cheap there).  You'll get another 90 days when you return to Japan.  If your boyfriend has a place off base, then this option might work....but it won't work if he's on a ship or has base housing.  And, you probably will only be able to stay for only 6 months.....but, 6 months is better than being apart for 2 full years!  Keep in mind, he'll probably be out to sea a lot, so you may not see him a whole lot during your 6 months if he's attached to a ship. 

Jennifer -- Something else to keep in mind, as long as you and your bf are not married, you have no access to base services. Yes he can bring you on base to shop at the NEX, but you cannot go to the commissary and all of your medical needs would have to be taken care of off base. If, like Yoko-girl mentions your bf is on a ship or deploys or goes TDY -- YOU will have no base access. How comfortable are you going to be operating only on the Japanese economy? Something you really need to think about. Especially if you don't speak any Japanese.

Thank you for the replies...yes, he would be living in off-base housing and not attached to a ship...he will be working out of the hospital there...I did not think about the fact that I will only be able to get on base with him...duh...yes I have thought about the medical issue...I am planning on looking into medical insurance, but no idea where to start...yes, I do not know any Japanese...I would like to get Rosetta Stone or something similar, maybe take a course here for basic language skills...it's so overwhelming all of the things to consider and take into account...please bring up more concerns and things to look into!! Thank you!!

A few things to keep in mind:

- Japan is very very very expensive right now. The yen rate remains at about 73-75Y per dollar (the lower it goes the more expensive Japan becomes). A typical meal out to eat for two people runs about $50 and a night of drinks and dinner for two will be about $150 (and this isn't a night of heavy drinking or anything). Buying groceries out in town can also start adding up. For example, you can get six slices of bread for about 600Y or about $8. This may be a consideration for two people trying to live on a salary that doesn't include dependent benefits.

- You will not be able to enter the commissary. The commissary is off limits to guests. Although if he's okay shopping without you, that might not be a problem.

- You will not be able to get a job on a tourist visa. Most jobs on base are limited to SOFA sponsored people only. Out in town, you will need to have a work visa.

- Consider how many times you would like to visit the US. I'm sure you know that you will have to pay out of pocket for your ticket out here. Once you're out here though, think about how often (if at all) you want to return to the US. Military people have MAC flights available to them which makes travel a lot cheaper. But you would need to pay out of pocket each time you return.

I'm not trying to be negative, just helpful. I know of gfs who fly out here and stay 90 days, go back home for 90 days and then fly back out here for 90 days. I think it's good you want to be prepared for everything before making the decision and two years is a long time to be separated.

Hey Jennifer -

I think it's awesome that you want to spend time with your bf. Go for it!
Save your money because you'll be spending a lot. And the Yen rate is awful

Depending on your ethnicity, foreign models here are very popular. You might see if you can do that as a non military member. If you have blonde hair and blue eyes, you practically have it made! LOL

Also, teaching English is an awesome thing here. Some stricter schools have lots of qualifications you have to meet, but others just want someone who is a natural speaker. I highly recommend private English teaching students as well for pocket money. And you won't have to exchange money! Don't worry about not knowing how. It's gets easier with practice. There's also a school called IIEEC which really helps with learning how to teach. Granted it is geared towards teaching children but I found the basic fundamentals work with all ages of students.

I know of people who got jobs teaching English from schools and were able to stay in Japan. You will be on a contract, but at least you'll be sponsored. It might be good to live in the Yokohama area for this. Or 1/2 way between Yokohama and Yokosuka (for him).

The train system is excellent here! It's an awesome way to travel sans family. In the begining of your stay you can get a special train pass that lets you ride certain systems for a set fee. You have to buy your pass in the states, but it's an awesome deal.

www.japan-guide.com Might be a good resource to check out. This site is pretty awesome too!

Good luck!

(PS: I feel base is pretty over rated. You'll get fresher food out in town. You can dine out cheaper than $50. I went out with my friend. For two adults and 3 kids we ate for $40 and we were stuffed! Also, I think Japanese fast food is pretty healthy. Soba anyone? ...There's also thrift stores and sales. You just have to keep and eye out. Yay!)

Jlynn forgot a little problem. For Model jobs and teaching English you need a Work Visa and this requires a BA degree OR 3-10 years professional experience and get a job that will sponsor your visa.

Just because there ARE some cheap places out in town (I got two shirts for 800Y the other day) doesn't change the fact that overall you WILL spend more money living off the Japanese economy than the US economy. This especially blows when you get paid in USD but then have to exchange it into yen, thus losing money right out of the starting gate.

My rent is 210,000. With the drop in the Yen rate it went from being about $2600 to $3000. Thus, my place just became more expensive.

Also, yes, you will need proof of a work visa before you will be able to get a job. Some places miiiiiight help you obtain one, but you would need to check with the company first.

The whole blonde hair/blue eyes in the modeling industry here is a bunch of crap....my girls have both those features and while we have gotten many auditions....no jobs...it all depends on what the company is looking for. Just because one has those features doesn't guarantee jobs lined up.
If you are very serious with your BF, why not have him take leave and you two get married? then you get all the benefits of married life while over here...LOL

Well, Jennifer the best thing is to keep a positive attitude.

FFSC is good about helping people get started. Teaching English privately doesn't need a visa but it's hard to find students sometimes.

And as for the modeling thing, they are right it does depend on what they are looking for. You do tend to get more No's then Yes'.

I hope you can come and enjoy Japan! It's beautiful here!

Jennifer,
PLEASE do not get married just to be able to be a military dependent. I know Jenn put "LOL" after she said that but I have to caution you, it is NOT an easy life and NOT for everyone - despite the great benefits. You may be serious with him and have that in your future already. We don't know that. But I caution anyone who gets married to, or encourages someone to marry an active duty service member just for the benefits.
If you want to be with him, move here on your own. Experience Japan (it IS wonderful) and try to make your own way. Or come visit every 6 months or whatever the rules are. Learn and grow with him and see if this is the life that is really for you before you make that kind of commitment. If you can move to Japan and be successful here then more than likely you'll be able to deal with all the things that a military spouse goes through, and you can be proud of your ambition and your own accomplishments.
Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

Posted By Jlynn on 08-31-2011 9:42 AM

FFSC is good about helping people get started. Teaching English privately doesn't need a visa but it's hard to find students sometimes.

Yes you right when you only teach english privately you doesn't need a visa! But when you want take money you need a visa! please not work on a tourist visa or you in deep trouble!