Hi all,
I’m in kind of a unique situation and wanted to double check before I book flights and an Airbnb.
I was recently approved for a Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa for Japan and already have my COE in hand. I’ve been in Japan on a Digital Nomad visa, but that status has ended. My wife is pregnant and due soon, so I’m really trying to avoid making her take a long flight back to the U.S. just to apply for the visa.
Out of curiosity, I emailed the Japanese Embassy in Seoul yesterday, fully expecting them to tell me I’d have to apply in the U.S. Instead, they replied with this:
They also listed the required documents:
- Passport
- One visa application form: https://www.kr.emb-japan.go.jp/people/ryouzibu/visaform_en.pdf
- One photograph (3.5 × 4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months)
- Certificate of Eligibility – one copy
- A copy of the Korean short-term stay stamp you receive upon entering Korea OR a Korean registration card
They mentioned processing takes about 5 working days and applications must go through one of their designated travel agencies.
This caught me by surprise because my understanding was that U.S. citizens normally must apply in the U.S.
Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences. I just want to be sure before I start booking travel. Hoping what they said is true, as that would make things so much easier on my wife!
by SOVTH