Table of Contents
Can I working in Japan with SOFA status?
You can’t have SOFA and a Japanese work visa at the same time. However, it might be possible for you to still get an ID and privileges.
How do I apply for SOFA status?
To obtain a SOFA stamp, you should visit a U.S. military passport agent or office. It is important to obtain your SOFA stamp before heading overseas. Concurrently, a SOFA license is a common term for a military issued driver’s license permitting service members and families to operate vehicles in the country.
Can I work in Japan on a SOFA visa?
No. Per USFJI 36-2611, MCCS is required to comply with the SOFA when sponsoring a new employee. a. Pursuant to that agreement, MCCS is to send any person NOT ALREADY SOFA SPONSORED to the Japanese immigration office to remove their current visa.
How do I get a Korean SOFA stamp?
Obtaining a K-ETA must be done online via the K-ETA website prior to starting travel. Registration costs 10,000 Korean won (about $10 USD) per person. Successful registration will result in generation of a printable certificate for each person that will be received via an email provided by the requestor.
What does SOFA registered mean?
The SOFA stamp registers the person and identifies them as having protections and rights under our SOFA agreement. Having a SOFA stamp does not exempt any person from abiding by our host nation’s laws. The U.S. government has a stationing agreement with every country that hosts U.S. military forces.
How long can you stay in Japan after losing SOFA status?
60 days
Once you lose the SOFA status, you have 60 days to either obtain a visa or depart Japan. Although having SOFA status is not mandatory, finding a way to obtain this status will make it easier for your transition and stay in Okinawa.
Do you need a SOFA stamp?
Government civilians and their dependents are entitled to red official passports with SOFA stamps or cards for Germany because they are assigned overseas. These are designed for travel to and from the U.S. and Germany, hold the proof of SOFA, and must be shown upon exit from and entry to Germany.
What is the SOFA agreement in Korea?
The US has a SOFA or similar agreement with countries around the world where US armed forces are stationed. The US- ROK SOFA is an international agreement designed to serve the mutual interests of the US and the ROK and to protect the basic rights of US citizens who are subject to its provisions.
Who is eligible for SOFA status?
In order to be eligible you must belong to one of the following categories: U.S. DoD civilians or DoD-sponsored contractors and their family members as well as military dependents accompanying the force. Certain foreign nationals from NATO-sending states employed by the armed forces are also eligible.
What is SOFA sponsored?
A status of forces agreement (SOFA) is an agreement between a host country and a foreign nation stationing military forces in that country. SOFAs are often included, along with other types of military agreements, as part of a comprehensive security arrangement.
What is a usfji member?
Member(s) of the US armed forces, Civilian Component, and Dependents as defined in Article I(a), (b), and (c) of the SOFA. 2.2. Person(s) and Employee(s) as defined in Article XIV of the SOFA. 2.3. For the purpose of this USFJI, “ordinarily resident” individuals are those who reside in Japan under any form of immigration status.
Can a resident apply for sofa status?
Ordinarily resident individuals are not eligible for SOFA status as members of the civilian component under Article I(b) unless and until they complete the procedures established herein (see para. 4.2.2.). USFJI 36-2611 15 June 2018 2.4.
Does the Immigration Control Act apply to a sofa member?
The phase of [The Immigration Control Act does not apply due to being a “Status of Forces Agreement” member (or dependent)] is written in the individual ‘s passport. 4.3.4. The individual’s residence status will be changed to SOFA status in FEIS (Foreigners Entry and Departure Information System) controlled by the GOJ. 4.4.