Hello, I was wondering what you was the out come on this. I am PCSing on government orders to Japan but no one has any answers on how my non citizen spouse can go with me. Currently he is filling out all his immigration stuff online before we got to Japan because we were told he can transfer his case once we are there and get his green card but my biggest concern is how does he fly with me to Japan without an official passport. MTE tells me they don't know the rules they tell me to write the Japanese consultant
I send this:
" I am a federal government employee on PCS orders (official government orders for Permanent Change of Station) to Okinawa Japan. I am a US citizen so the military base will take care of my official passport but my husband and stepson are Colombian citizens traveling with me. They will be part of my official orders for government travel. Currently my husband is here in NYC with me and my stepson is finishing school in Colombia and will join us in Okinawa. I am supposed to move by December 2nd 2024.
My question is what do they need to be able to travel to Okinawa and stay with me in Okinawa for the duration of my tour which can be 2-5 years in length? What are the requirements?
Thank you in advance for your help
The Japanese consult says this:
"That is not a question for the Japanese Consulate. Japan is an occupied country, and the US military makes their own set of rules for their personnel and their bases. In general, anyone with a military dependent card is able to travel to and stay in Japan without a visa. Each branch of the military has their own logistics office who should be able to answer questions about your husband and son entering Japan, so check with the branch for whom you will be working (i.e. Department of the Navy, Department of the Air Force, etc.).
If they are NOT military dependents, then they will need to obtain a certificate of eligibility (CoE) from a sponsor in Japan before obtaining a visa. In that case, you would need to consult with the Immigration Office in Okinawa. Before you go down that road, check with US Department of Homeland Security first."
I am so confused and beyond frustrated why isn't there some checklist or some guidance for this situation. I will refuse to go if my family can't go. Please let me know if you found out anything. Thank you.