SOFA status to permanent resident of Japan?

Question

I have a friend that is becoming a Contractor at a base in Japan. He asked me if he could become a permanent resident of Japan. In case anyone doesn't know what SOFA status means it is the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). I'm am wondering if there is anyone on this forum that has done it before? I have read in previous answers that you must live at Japanese addresses for five years. I'm not sure working for the US Goverment would count. I don't think he is going to marry a Japanese national as well. Can anyone that has done this chime in please? Thanks

Answer 1

MY understanding of SOFA would mean that once he obtained residency status, he would no longer be eligable for SOFA as he would no longer be a US resident. Japan, to my knowledge, does not allow dual residency, so I believe he would need to choose. Only American citizens working in a foreign country, directly employed by the US government or an authorized contractor are eligable for SOFA status.

Answer 2

SOFA doesn't come into play here. If he wants to become a permanent Resident of Japan, he must follow Japanese immigration laws. SOFA bestows upon him American rights in a foreign Country.

he would have to give up SOFA status to become a Permanent Resident of Japan.

Answer 3

I'm the other way around..i had a permanent residence visa here before i become a SOFA status because my husband is on active duty here in Okinawa..we have a friend he's a contractor too, got married to an Okinawan national & been staying here for almost 8 years now but still not a permanent residencee..working in for the US gov. wouldn"t count but he may have a chance of having one by marrying a japanese national but it depends on many things..his wife taxes..his own taxes..his backgrounds..unfortunately,Japan become strict on this kind of things..i hope this li'l info will help..goodluck to your friend..

Answer 4

I know of several people that went from SOFA status to permanent residence, all cases from marriage to Japanese citizen. I also know of a few that went from SOFA status to Japanese citizenship (eventually). Either residence or citizenship is doable, certainly.

Answer 5

If you want to apply for PR, you need to stay in Japan for more than 5 years under WORKING VISA. But if you are in US military, you will stay in Japan under SOFA status as others say. So you will not be eligible to apply for PR.

Answer 6

SOFA Applies to Active Duty personnel only. Not retirees and not civillian contractors.

Answer 7

Nowadays it has become very difficult to get permanent resident visas! Forget it!