Hello!
I looked through the wiki and on here and only found [a post](https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/l1jjc5/wife_got_job_with_interac_how_can_i_get_a/) that didn’t fit my situation now that covid restrictions are being lifted + others that just added to the confusion.
My wife is moving to Japan next month working with Interac and is going to the nearest embassy in the US this week to finish up her visa application. I, on the other hand, am a bit confused as to what my next steps are. Originally when she asked her work about a dependent visa they said to ask at the embassy, but now as the date looms closer and with a bit of confusion research, I’m worried that I messed up.
I bought a one-way ticket to land 2 weeks after my wife arrives since I was under the impression that she would need to be there before I would be able to get a dependent visa, but am all sorts of confused about how to get my application going since it seems that I need to get a COE from my wife? How would I even begin this process/ how long does this process take if that’s even the correct way to go about it?
If it ends up taking more than the time we have left, would the best plan of action be to go there on a tourist visa (if I even can on a one-way ticket) and switch it over once I’m there? Or should I potentially buy a ticket that would get me out of Japan within the 90 days (like a cheap flight to Korea to bounce back) so I could come back in as a dependent once it is processed?
I know I’m the dunce for not doing this research ahead of time/trusting what her employer told us, but now I’m worried about the entire situation.
2 comments
Ooof. So there’s a lot going on here, and you’ve made some serious planning mistakes.
Biggest mistake:
>I bought a one-way ticket to land 2 weeks after my wife arrives
You should never buy a plane ticket until you have your visa in hand. You’re not allowed to switch from a tourist visa to a dependent visa, so you will need to return to your home country once your Certificate of Eligibility application is finished.
Let’s break this down:
For a dependent visa there are two ways to apply:
1. Your wife’s company applies for the dependent visa on your behalf. Interac ***will not do this***.
2. Your wife applies for the dependent visa on her own after she arrives. This is not a fast process. You should assume that it will be six months or so until you can join her.
Your wife ***cannot*** apply for the dependent visa at the embassy before she leaves for Japan.
>How would I even begin this process/ how long does this process take if that’s even the correct way to go about it?
You should begin by doing a bit more research. This ***has*** been discussed here before. There are also a number of websites that cover the process. If you’re still lost, consult an immigration attorney.
>would the best plan of action be to go there on a tourist visa (if I even can on a one-way ticket) and switch it over once I’m there?
No.
First off: No airline is going to let you board the plane on a one-way ticket if you’re entering on a tourist visa. Even if they do, immigration will deny you entry unless you have a departing flight.
Second: As mentioned above, you’re not allowed to switch in-country.
Third: Even if you did get an exception granted, the process will most likely take longer than the 90 days your tourist visa is valid for.
>Or should I potentially buy a ticket that would get me out of Japan within the 90 days (like a cheap flight to Korea to bounce back) so I could come back in as a dependent once it is processed?
No. See “Cannot switch in-country”.
Nor can you take your CoE to Korea to get your visa. The embassy in Korea only processes visas for Koreans and legal residents, not tourists.
Another thing you need to prepare for:
There is a decent chance that you will not get a dependent visa ***at all***. Immigration has certain minimum income requirements to issue a dependent visa, and an Interac salary is right at that limit, if not below it.
1. Your wife applies for your dependent COE here in Japan.
1. She posts the COE to wherever you currently live.
1. You use COE to apply for visa at embassy.
1. Enter Japan with visa.