I need SOFA stamp status to work on base in Japan... Any help/info...??

Question

I am currently visiting Japan and am interested in a couple jobs on base and possibly staying here for a while if I can find a decent good paying job.

My question: what is the most efficient means of getting a SOFA stamp to be able to apply for the jobs on base here...?

Does anyone have experience with my situation?

I am visiting my Japanese wife on my passport and have base access as I am now inactive military. One place (MWR) on base told me it would take 4-6 weeks after I turn in the paperwork to be sponsored by them to get a job.

What other possibilities are there or jobs people know of that they need positions filled?

Thank you all so much for your time and thoughts.

We have also heard mixed opinions about how hard it is for me to get a Resident visa - and then also I would only be considered as local hire whereas SOFA makes me eligible for more and higher-up jobs unless I am wrong...? She is still trying to research how exactly that works and how long it will take... Thank you so much for your answer/s!

Answer 1

You have to wait until you are offered a job on base from what I understand.

There's no way around it. Here is the link for jobs:

http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/

Just go to job search and then pick Japan as the country. Maybe there's something open that your qualified for.

P.S. Just wondering...........If your wife is Japanese, why do you need SOFA status to stay in the country for awhile? Haven't you applied for a spouse visa?

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ADD: I'm not sure I understand. If your wife is Japanese, then you would be eligible for a spouse visa through the Japanese government. It shouldn't be too hard to get one. SOFA status wouldn't even be an issue with that, in my opinion. But hopefully someone with more experience in Japan spouse visas will answer your question for you.

ADD #2!: I understand your question now. I'm a dummy sometimes! (^-^) Your saying that if you have a spouse visa then you would be considered like a local national and therefore you would not be eligible for certain jobs that may require a security clearance, etc.........I'm not sure how to answer that for you though, the only thing I can suggest is contacting the Civilian Personnel office of the nearest military base to you and they should be able to answer that.

Good Luck!(^-^)

Answer 2

TokyoLiv_in09 has some good information. I'm pretty sure you have to go back to the US to get a job on base if you want SOFA status. You can try this but I'm not sure if it would work or not. How did you get on base being inactive military? You must be retired huh? How about try visiting the college campuses on base such as University of Maryland, etc. Fast food on base is always an option but I'm not sure how their system works. I don't know if you would be interested either.(I think it's mainly dependents that work there) I'm not sure if those positions are GS or not. If I was going to Japan I would go here

http://www.usajobs.com/

This link provides options for Federal Jobs in Japan but I'm pretty sure you would have to go back to the states because you would probably need a SOFA stamp.

Some other options can include working as a gate guard or at the chow hall? I believe some of those jobs are contracted to Japanese workers you probably can apply since you have a spouse visa. Again, you will have to research what I have said because I'm just throwing some ideas out there.

Answer 3

you must be hired first before they will sponsor you, and not all jobs qualify for SOFA status.

Most SOFA sponsored Jobs are hired from outside via DoD contracts and are not local hires.