You May Also Like
Any Mercari Sellers here?
- August 2, 2023
- 2 comments
Just curious how many folks out there are active sellers on the platform. I’ve been listing items for…
I work for a US based company/PEO – Can I live in Japan?
- August 21, 2022
- One comment
I’ve lived in Japan in the past working for a Japanese company. Years later I’m looking to return…
Is this much pension deduction normal?
- July 13, 2022
- 6 comments
I recently started a job with a temp agency. I am working 5 days a week, 37.5 hours,…
2 comments
So, according to what I saw on a Marines website:
“SOFA status is not something that is granted or denied. It is based on belonging to one of the following categories: (a)Â active duty service members in Japan, regardless of purpose or length of stay. (b) U.S. civilians who are in the employ of, serving with, or accompanying the military in Japan.”
To me, this would suggest that you don’t get the option of whether or not you get SOFA. If that’s the case, you likely don’t want to give up your PR.
Also, heavy preference is given to spouses on bases and some jobs you may not even be able to qualify for without SOFA (again, to help spouses with how scarce jobs are overseas).
That said, I don’t hold PR(yet!) so, can’t guarantee with 100% certainty.
Good luck!
If SOFA is not listed as a requirement for the position, you do not need to apply for it. Most of the time it just lists US Citizenship as a requirement. It may cause issues if you have a clearance-dependant position though depending on the sensitivity of the position.
It seems you already know this since you are asking the question, but it bears repeating to everyone out there…
DO NOT try to double-dip with SOFA/PR. Best case scenario: Wrist slap, potential tax complications across two countries, and having to choose. Worst case scenario: Jail time, fines, deportation, and barred from re-entry.