quote:

Originally posted by nchs09 go to the local embassy of japan, or wherever you want to go, there u can get a visa, information, questions answered.

(Doesn't this sounds nuts?) Well, I don't think my city & anywhere near it has an embassy of Japan or a Japanese Consulate ( :-( ). And we're a major city in the US as well ( ). Odd, eh? I heard that you can only apply for a visa at the embassy or Consulate IN YOUR JURISDICTION...

look at the japanese embassy website. if you are still confused try giving them a call. over the summer i had your problem when i needed a visa to study in germany. i got my visa when i got here. you can probably do all the paperwork for a visa over in japan.

there is probably a japanese embassy in new york city that is inyour jurisdiction (pennslyvania, right?). to get a visa you need to get your passport first. there probably is a fair amount of paper work to get your visa. look at the requirements of what they need. find out if you can do a visa when you get there.

hope this helps. try this website. http://ny.cgj.org/en/d/index.html

___________________
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(Taken from http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/04.html.)

"NO VISA GIVEN - Permanent Resident (indefinite)
Those who are granted permanent residence by tbe Minister of Justice. Application for Permanent Resident status is not possible at overseas Japanese diplomatic establishments."

Does this mean that if you become a permanent resident of Japan via say the Alien Registration, you don't need the "long-term visa" or similar? Can someone clear me up here, as I'm now really baffled, especially since the above information was on the same site as what told me that you need a visa if you plan to spend any more than 90 days in Japan and do any activities which can result in profit. Anyone from the US on this forum ever lived in Japan for a long time? If so, can you clear me up on all this, if possible?

Take a look at http://www.globalcompassion.com/moving.htm under Alien Registration Card. Take note of the part where it says "You need an Alien Registration Card if you are planning to stay more than 90 days in Japan. If you want to take pictures in advance, the pictures are similar to passport photos, except they should measure 4.5 cm by 3.5 cm. You'll need your Alien Registration Card to rent an apartment and establish your basic services (banking, phone, etc.). To register, go to the local ward office (like a city hall) where you live. [...]".