Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Lauraandfrogger @ Jul 31 2009, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Net - Immigrant visas can't be processed in Osaka (it would make our life much easier too if they could) the nearest embassy that can process your application is Tokyo. You really don't have much of an option. At least they're not as bad as some of the other embassies that you hear about here on VJ. Akiko - Thanks for the reply. We actually got our letter and a RFE from the embassy last Friday. They wanted evidence of our relationship and a timeline of events (probably because I started dating him the day that I legally seperated from my ex). Luckily, he's had all of the stuff that he needs to complete his part of the application since NOA2, so he sent them the requested evidence by rush mail on Monday. And this is funny... he called the ripoff $20 visa line on Monday to ask about how to get the police certificate, and got the same EXACT person that I did when I called, who apparently also spoke poor Japanese. After telling him that she basically knew nothing about how this whole process was supposed to work, he gave up. He tried to bring his packet 3 to get his police certificate and they told him that it didn't say 'fiance' on it, so they wouldn't accept it. To which he again pulled out the NOA 2 that I sent him that had been refused by the police before and said, "This one says fiance". Then the police were like, "That's the paper we need!" Um... yeah, it was the same exact paper that they had rejected a week or two ago. So now that we've got the police certificate and packet 3 taken care of, we just have to get packet 4 for the medical check and we're good to interview. Finally Hope everything's good in Hawaii. Its so good to hear you got your packet 3! Its about time. Sorry to hear about the RFE though but I'm glad you two got that cleared up. So I guess you can request your interview date soon? I hope its a smooth process from here on. Bronson and I are getting married tomorrow. Then we're going to start working on my AOS. Haha just when I thought the k-1 was over, theres a whole new journey ahead of us!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-07-31 13:45:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Lauraandfrogger @ Jul 21 2009, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> An update... so after waiting until last Friday (in Japan) with no word from the embassy, I called the $20 ripoff line and talked to an extremely unhelpful person who spoke very little English and seemed to almost deliberately misunderstood everything I said. I was shocked, to say the least, because I called them several times three years ago during the first visa application process for my ex and never, ever had any problems with them and the people I spoke to were always very nice and had accurate information. At first she just told me that she wasn't going to do anything to help me and that I just had to wait, but after I basically refused to let her off the phone until I got something, and putting me on hold to talk to a supervisor, she forwarded an inquiry to the embassy about my visa. She claimed that the processing can take basically as long as they feel like it should take, and when I told her that most people got letters from the embassy a week after the NVC sent their stuff over, she just said that some cases take longer than others to review. The one thing that you and Ken have in common, Akiko, is that you both lived here in America before. My theory is that's why this whole process has been taking so long for us, and took so long for you. It makes me really angry that they would suspect people who lived here legally before because if you guys were interested in breaking the law, you'd probably already have been able to get fake green cards and just overstay indefinitely, it certainly wouldn't have taken as long as this whole process, instead of going back and waiting for your visas. So now I have to break the news that they're still reviewing the case to Ken. I feel so bad, he was so hoping that he would magically somehow get the letter today. I'm sorry to hear about that. I was actually really afraid throught my visa process because I lived in America, basically my whole life. But I was under my parent's names at that time. This was the first visa that I've applied on my own. So eventually, I knew it was going to be okay. Its nonsense that they suspect everyone because of their past. At the interview, I was asked certain questions regarding my previous stays and visas. Such as... what visas have I entered the US with, have I overstayed after the age of 18 and what not. I really hope Ken receives the letter soon. You two will be in my prayers.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-07-25 22:30:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Lauraandfrogger @ Jul 17 2009, 03:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Guys! Glad to hear that you got to Hawaii safely, Akiko. I hope that everything goes smoothly for the AOS. I heard that they're scrutenizing the applications a lot more closely than they used to. Thanks for informing everyone about the weight change too, vny, it really sucks but it's nice to know before you get to the airport and are forced to take apart your suitcases in the checkout line. As for us, NVC sent my application to Japan last Monday, but we still haven't heard from them. I tried calling them on Tuesday just to check on it but they said that I have to use their $20 rip off line to ask even if they have received my application, so I put it off, but I'm going to call today I think. It looks like almost everyone (there aren't many other recent K-1 applicants with fully filled out time lines) got their packet 3 in about a week or so after NVC sent their cases... except for Akiko. What happened with the month gap, if you don't mind me asking? Kenchin said that all of the Japanese blogs say that it takes about three weeks to a month after the NVC sends the case for everyone to get packet 3... does anybody have an opinion? Thanks! And about my packet 3, I have no idea why it took a month to get to me. Actually, throughout the whole journey, I didn't know what was going on. After 7 months of waiting for the NOA2, Bronson called the USCIS to see where our case was at. They told him that they had already sent him a notice... and it turns out that they sent it to his old address when he called months ago to let them know he had moved. From then on I was just waiting and waiting to get my packet 3. When I finally did, I looked at the dates on the papers and it said the embassy received it about a week after the petition had passed. Soooo I have no idea why it took so long. Maybe they sent it overseas and it came back to Japan? I don't know... Maybe it was just me cause I noticed others have gotten theirs sooner. But I really hope you get yours asap. Good luck!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-07-16 13:44:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ Jul 15 2009, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ Jul 10 2009, 07:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (vny @ Jul 10 2009, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ Jul 8 2009, 03:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone! Im now in Hawaii with Bronson. POE took about an hour for me and you should hand carry your x-rays because they ask for it. Hey Akiko (and Bronson), Welcome back to Hawaii. Well, not Bronson because he lives here, but you Akiko, but you will live here now too. Anyway, best wishes and a happy marriage to you!!! Good Luck!!! vny Thanks vny! Hope you and your wife are doing great! Hey Akiko, Same to you. Hope everything is working out with you and Bronson. I guess you guys have to get married within 90 days. Hope all your plans are working out if you didn't already tie the knot. We are fine, except she went back to Japan this past Sun to take care of some work stuff and will be back in about a month. Anyway, have a great time at your wedding if you didn't already, and enjoy your life together. Hey you other Japan filers, what's happening with you all. Sorry, couldn't advise on the moving stuff, cause my wife and I have been going back and forth to Japan and moving her THINGS (and I mean MANY THINGS) here two suitcases at a time. And shoots, JAL just recently lowered the allowed weight of the suitcases from 70lbs to 50lbs. I keep telling her to throw things away cause I have everything here we need, but she insists on bringing them. Shoganai ne. Anyway, hope all had a great 4th of July and have a nice time with your SO. Later, vny We still haven't married yet. We're planning on going to get our marriage license this week and getting married before this month ends. We're not having anything big. Maybe a party in the future. Bronson's been busy with work and I've been at home being a "housewife" and getting other things together such as AOS, SS, and all that. I also plan on going back to school next year. Theres just so much to do. I was upset to hear that JAL lowered their suitcase weight limit. I had so much to bring back and shoved everything in my 4 suitcases (2 of mine and 2 of Bronson's). But when I weighed them, they were over 50lbs. So I had to rearrange my suitcases and leave some things behind. But its not a big problem for me I guess cause my things are safe at my mother's place. Anyway, I hope your wife will be back soon!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-07-16 01:19:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ Jul 10 2009, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ Jul 8 2009, 03:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone! Im now in Hawaii with Bronson. POE took about an hour for me and you should hand carry your x-rays because they ask for it. Hey Akiko (and Bronson), Welcome back to Hawaii. Well, not Bronson because he lives here, but you Akiko, but you will live here now too. Anyway, best wishes and a happy marriage to you!!! Good Luck!!! vny Thanks vny! Hope you and your wife are doing great!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-07-10 12:00:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Hello everyone! Im now in Hawaii with Bronson. POE took about an hour for me and you should hand carry your x-rays because they ask for it.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-07-08 20:54:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Johnny & Yumi @ Jul 3 2009, 02:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone! I just returned from Japan this morning after spending nearly two wonderful weeks with Yumi. Congratulations to everyone who got their visas on the 22nd! Our interview went well, but we also got those strange "Where will you live, and what do you plan to do there?" questions. That was it. Now, we just have to plan moving her things to Seattle. A question to Akiko and Klester: You guys are planning your entries pretty soon, right? Yumi won't be coming until late September/early October. What shipping companies are you using to move your things? Thanks again to everyone for your help and support! lauraandfrogger, glad to hear that you got your NOA2! Hopefully the rest will go smoothly for you. Hey Johnny and Yumi, Congratulations on your visa approval! Its good to hear that you had a wonderful stay here and Im glad we all got through this process. I am currently living in Japan with my family so I wont have much things to move. If anything, Im going to buy a lot of things when I get back to Hawaii. I plan to fly back with Bronson so I will have an extra hand to carry all of my belongings. Also, I can leave some things that I dont need right away. I can always take it back with me when I visit Japan again. I would think Kuroneko Yamato is the company most people use. There is also a company called Nippon Express (Nippon Tsuun), which is a company my family used when I used to live in Hawaii when I was younger. Good luck with the moving and the journey from here on!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-07-04 10:40:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Lauraandfrogger @ Jun 26 2009, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good for you! I'm glad the embassy moved up your interview. I called NVC today and they said that my petition was received yesterday and that it should be sent to the embassy in a few days. I can smell my interview getting closer and closer as well Congrats on your NOA2. I really hope this process is speedy for you!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-30 02:09:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Lauraandfrogger @ Jun 20 2009, 03:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Oh, I forgot to ask... how long did it take to schedule your interviews once the US embassy received your cases? I know you have to make an appointment and they schedule you in wherever they feel like it. Were they pretty booked out? Did anyone have to wait a a month or more? I requested the interview a month ahead and they gave me a reply the very next day! Though I think it varies on the day & person. But I think the U.S. embassy in Japan is very organized. Shouldn't be a problem.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-22 01:59:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	We passed! Whoohoo! Anyway, congrats to the others who passed. Our interview went pretty smooth. The interviewer asked a lot of questions, especially because I've lived in the U.S. all my life. Questions were pretty simple though. What language do we speak to each other? When do we plan to get married? What do I plan to do when I get there? What my mother thinks about it?... so on and so forth. We got there a little before 8 and we were out at about 9:30. Its good to go early. First come first serve. And I think I saw Johnny and Yumi there? Sorry it took me awhile to realize. I was super nervous about today. I hope things went well with you two! Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice and support! I should be going back to Hawaii with Bronson on July 7. Good luck to everyone else who haven't gotten their interviews yet!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-22 01:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	well actually, I was raised in Hawaii. I'm back in Japan now but my fiance's in Hawaii.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-19 06:08:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	vny - Thanks! You've been such a big help and encouragement throughout this journey. I really appreciate it. Your wife gets there tomorrow? Bronson gets here tomorrow too! hahah. I bet you're excited to see her again! I'll keep you updated after the interview katochan - hey, I'm from Hawaii too! welcome to visajourney!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-19 06:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	All those with interviews on Monday June 22, best wishes! I hope everyone's interview goes smoothly. Enjoy your weekend	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-18 19:29:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Thanks! its good to know. I think we would stand out A LOT if I wore a wedding dress. I wonder what the people at the embassy would think I'm glad her interview went smooth. I hope she can get her passport back soon!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-08 20:46:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ Jun 8 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey everyone, Just got word from my wife that she passed her interview. She texted me when she got out then I could call her for just a little while until she had to get on the train. She said that it was really easy but she had to wait for a long time. Will get more details tonight when we skype. So good luck and best wishes to all of you too. Sorry, Akiko, didn't get chance to ask her what she was wearing yet, but will ask her tonight. kden, cya all later, vny Congratulations!!! Yaay! I'm so excited for you!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-08 06:19:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Laura - Sorry to hear what you had to go through. But I bet you'll be much happier once you get done with the k-1. And thanks for the advice on what to wear. I've been to the embassy for my parent's employment visa interview... but that was years ago and everything is a bit blurry. I really hope you hear something from them soon! vny - Thanks again. Let me know how your wife's interview goes. Genartic1 - Hey welcome to visajourney. I live in Kanagawa, very close to Tokyo but I had to get my police certificate at the headquarters in Kanagawa. In Tokyo, I think where your wife needs to go is in Chiyoda-ku (2-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). Your wife needs to take her passport, family register, resident certificate, and a document to prove what the police certificate is for. Phone number is 03-3581-4321 Ext. 58114/58115 if you need more info. I'm not sure if they will forward fingerprints to Hong Kong but she may want to ask when she goes to get her fingerprints at the police. Best wishes to you.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-07 08:06:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Thanks! I've been really nervous about it too. More about my past in Hawaii than anything though. Cause when i went through all my old passports, it seems I've been in and out of Hawaii 14 times! Crazy... You two will be fine. Waiting is painful, but it sure is worth it in the end. Thanks again for all your help and support! QUOTE (vny @ Jun 5 2009, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ Jun 4 2009, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (vny @ Jun 5 2009, 04:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ Jun 4 2009, 04:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What is the proper dress code for the interview? Thanks! Wedding dress!!! Oh and tux for your fiance since he will be there with you! lol good one. Your interview is soon! Good luck! Yup, her interview is on Mon 6/8, but will actually be Sun here so will find out soon. Been having hard time sleeping lately with worry, but everything should go fine. It is just all this waiting that has been killing me. I will ask her what she wears, but I really don't think it makes that much of a difference as long as your relationship is real. That is what they really want to know. And since Bronson will be there, I don't think you should have a problem. Best wishes to you and klester and Johnny & Yumi, who also have their interviews on the 22nd. I guess you all can meet there and have a few drinks after. Have one for me too. ????!!! vny	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-05 09:37:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ Jun 5 2009, 04:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ Jun 4 2009, 04:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What is the proper dress code for the interview? Thanks! Wedding dress!!! Oh and tux for your fiance since he will be there with you! lol good one. Your interview is soon! Good luck!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-04 19:49:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	What is the proper dress code for the interview? Thanks! Edited by Akiko, 04 June 2009 - 09:18 AM.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-04 09:17:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (klester @ Jun 4 2009, 02:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well, I woke up to some good news! As I said in my previous post, the embassy said they hadn't received our DS-230 and couldn't schedule our interview. So on Monday, I had Chiaki mail the DS230 and the attachments to the embassy, and was planning to try next Monday (giving them some buffer time) to re-schedule the interview for July. But, yesterday, two days after sending the DS-230 to Tokyo, Chiaki got an e-mail basically saying "Thanks for your DS-230 and attachments, we have gone ahead and scheduled your interview for June 22nd". So they had some knowledge of the goings-on with our case and followed up by giving us our original scheduled day! Hurray! Now I just have to hurry and send Chiaki all the forms she needs from my side! Yay! I'm so happy for you two! Now we all have interviews on June 22nd! I hope we will all be able to get out of there with smiles. Good luck to everyone!!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-06-04 09:09:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Johnny & Yumi @ May 30 2009, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ May 29 2009, 05:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Johnny & Yumi @ May 22 2009, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Japan Filers! I was wondering if I could get your input. My fiancee and I applied for a K1 and everything has been going well. Since I was planning on coming to Tokyo in June, I was hoping to attend the interview with her. She applied for her interview time on the Embassy's website on May 8th. She then made her EasyPay on the 12th. She had no response since then, so she applied again on the 18th. She is getting a little worried about it, but I read on the site that it could take up to 14 working days to get a response. My question is to you all is, how long has it taken you to get a response from the Embassy about the interview date? Thanks! Hey when Yumi made her easypay, what did she pay it with, yen or dollars? Thanks Akiko! Best of luck to you as well! Oh, and to answer your question, she paid in Yen. She sent me a copy of the receipt. Thank you!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-30 07:30:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (Johnny & Yumi @ May 22 2009, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Japan Filers! I was wondering if I could get your input. My fiancee and I applied for a K1 and everything has been going well. Since I was planning on coming to Tokyo in June, I was hoping to attend the interview with her. She applied for her interview time on the Embassy's website on May 8th. She then made her EasyPay on the 12th. She had no response since then, so she applied again on the 18th. She is getting a little worried about it, but I read on the site that it could take up to 14 working days to get a response. My question is to you all is, how long has it taken you to get a response from the Embassy about the interview date? Thanks! Hey when Yumi made her easypay, what did she pay it with, yen or dollars?	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-29 07:33:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Johnny, I'm happy you got your interview date! The 22nd, here we come! Best of wishes to you. Klester, I'm sorry to hear that... but I'm sure at this rate, you will get your date soon too! vny, Thanks! I got my expack and I just got my medical exam results today. So I'm pretty much ready to go. My fiancee booked his flight as soon as I told him our interview day was confirmed. I'm so excited for all of us!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-29 05:56:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	I find this unfair. I requested my interview date just yesterday and I got a reply from the embassy through email today. I find it unfair for other people, those who have requested dates before I did. Why aren't they processing things in order? So I've been scheduled to the 22nd of June. I'm happy I got my interview date but yet angry. I really hope you guys get an answer soon. I'm sorry I got my date before yours...	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-28 08:49:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	So I tried requesting from the embassy website yesterday. It said it takes from 5 to 14 days for them to give you the interview date. I hate how this has to be online. I would much rather receive a letter or something tangible. I didn't get anything after I sent in my DS230. I actually sent it with 2 photos attached instead of faxing it. I hope you guys can get interview dates soon! And vny, I'm glad you enjoyed your trip! My fiance plans to come for the interview. But I don't know when that will be... so we'll see.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-27 20:36:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (klester @ May 27 2009, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Johnny, did you ever get a reply about the interview? My fiancee submitted a request on the 17th, and we still haven't heard back either Hey I just sent in my Packet 3 last week. Do I get anything else after? Or do I have to request an interview date? I hope you get a response from them soon!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-26 23:19:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	I read somewhere that the DS-156 form has to be printed back to back. Is that true?	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-11 06:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (potatoboss @ May 11 2009, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello! I am new here. My husband and I are filing the I-130 for him in Tokyo this week. Hopefully everything will go well! Welcome! And best wishes with your journey!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-10 22:02:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (bikozu @ May 10 2009, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm going to be in Kawasaki with my fiancee for 3 months starting in 33 days!! I'm really excited, I just got my passport thats awesome Hope you have fun!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-09 21:50:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (s-luvs-k @ May 8 2009, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hajimemashite just thought I would say hi and ask if anyone here is originally from Kawasaki-shi or kanagawa-ken. thats where my wife is from. And also if anyone is living near tennessee. hajimemashite! I live in Kanagawai-ken. Pretty close to Kawasaki, actually.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-08 08:40:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ May 5 2009, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ May 4 2009, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you so much for all the information. This whole thing is a bit complicated huh? I think the only thing I need to get translated is the family register. Unless I need to the the police certificate done as well. But I heard they give you copies of it in English also. I guess I can translate it myself then. It shouldn't be too hard. Anywho, I hope you have a safe flight! Sorry to be so long winded. It was really a mess when we did the paperwork. We were so confused. But yep, I think for you just the family register. To notarize or not is the decision you have to make. As far as the police record, you will receive it sealed, and my wife told me that they told her it was already translated in four languages. I think the medical stuff is sealed too and is also already translated. Good luck. Now, I just hope they let me in the country. I read today that a flight from LA was quaranteened at a hospital because one of the passengers was feeling sick. This damn swine flu thing. Oh well, I'll just hope for the best. No need to apologize. I'm just really thankful someone's here to help me with this. It really helps to have someone, ya know? Good to hear that the police certificate & medical is already translated. i think I read that somewhere also. And once its sealed, its not supposed to be opened so I understand why they translate it for you in the first place. I really hope your flight goes well! Its all over the news. They're checking every single flight at the airport. Thanks, again.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-05 09:59:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ May 5 2009, 04:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ May 4 2009, 02:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Okay, thats really good to hear. I went through all my old passports and I seems I entered the U.S. about 14 times. Pretty crazy. i don't even remember taking so much trips! You should definitely check out the Minato Mirai area. Its very pretty and they're having a big event right now to celebrate the 150 anniversary of the opening of the port there. Theres also a China town. I think its the only China town in Japan. And in Shin-Yokohama, theres a ramen museum if you like ramen. I've never been there but I heard its a good attraction. Theres also a Kirin Beer Villiage if you like to drink. You can drink fresh beer and stuff. Though I really recommend Kamakura. There are a lot of temples to see and a lot of good food! Its a small old fashioned city where they have little shops to the sides. They have a lot of good wa-gashi (Japanese sweets). Kamakura and china town are places you walk around and eat like everything they have to offer. hahah. And, If you like the ocean there are places like Shonandai and Fujisawa to visit. There is so much to see here! Yokohama has a lot of things, its very international because it has the biggest port. My fiance plans to come next month. It'll be his third time visiting here. We plan to go all over, as always haha. Thinking about it just excites me Good luck with the interview! I'm sure you guys will be fine. You two seem like wonderful people. BTW, did your wife have to get any translations for her documents? I'm not too sure where I should go for that. Am i supposed to get it done professionally? I know the k-1 and cr-1 are different visas. I'm just asking, if you don't know then thats cool. Hey Akiko, Thanks for the info. Will definitely check out some of those places. I saw the ramen museum on one of the shows here in Hawaii (Ultimate Japan) and I told my wife I wanted to go there. So that’s definitely one on the list. And the Beer Village is a must!!! I didn’t know about that!!! Definitely must partake in some of that!!! hihihi!!! I think she said we are going to Kamakura too and to Minami-Itou. Her old company has a time-share there so she will be able to use that. Sounds good to me because it will be free!!! But I’ll keep in mind those other places too cause we will be there a few days and we probably will just be walking around or catching the train to where ever. I can’t wait, only one more day I have to come to work and I’m off. As for the translations, yes, you will need to get it translated. As for you (K-1), probably only the Family Register. We had to do our marriage certificate too, but I had to get that professionally translated here in Hawaii for one of my mortgage documents and that cost me a $130 so we already had that for the Visa. For her family register, she actually did the translation herself. We weren’t really sure if we really needed to get it notarized though because on the Tokyo embassy website, one place specifically says it is not necessary to have translations notarized (and it is underlined on the website) and you just have sign a statement saying the translation is complete and accurate and you are competent to translate. This is the words on the website: Translations of non-English documents: All foreign language documents must be accompanied by full English translations. Translations need not be made by a professional translator; they can be completed by any competent person. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and correct and that he or she is competent to translate the foreign language into English. For example, the statement written on the translation may read: “I, [insert name], am competent at translating [insert name of foreign language] to English, and I certify that the above translation is true, complete and correct,” followed by the signature of the translator. It is not necessary to have the translation notarized. But there is another place that said was specific to the Tokyo embassy from the NVC website that says it must be notarized. See this site: http://travel.state....L-0001-0711.pdf So we were kind of confused, but I just told her since we went this far already, just get it notarized and pay the fee because at this point, we spent so much money already, what’s another $100 bucks or so. So she went to get it notarized. That was pretty expensive, I think she said about 12000 yen. So really not sure what to tell you there, but getting it notarized will not hurt, except in your wallet. If you do decide to get it notarized, the embassy website has a list of recommendations on notary (See bottom of this page. http://tokyo.usembas...tacs-7126a.html ) Opps, sorry, this is getting kinda long. Anyways, thanks for your recommendations on places to visit. I am so looking forward to this trip and seeing her again. I just wish I could be there with her at the interview, but I guess that’s not going to happen. So good luck with your paperwork and enjoy his visit there too. I'm sure you will. Later, vny Thank you so much for all the information. This whole thing is a bit complicated huh? I think the only thing I need to get translated is the family register. Unless I need to the the police certificate done as well. But I heard they give you copies of it in English also. I guess I can translate it myself then. It shouldn't be too hard. Anywho, I hope you have a safe flight!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-04 21:03:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Okay, thats really good to hear. I went through all my old passports and I seems I entered the U.S. about 14 times. Pretty crazy. i don't even remember taking so much trips! You should definitely check out the Minato Mirai area. Its very pretty and they're having a big event right now to celebrate the 150 anniversary of the opening of the port there. Theres also a China town. I think its the only China town in Japan. And in Shin-Yokohama, theres a ramen museum if you like ramen. I've never been there but I heard its a good attraction. Theres also a Kirin Beer Villiage if you like to drink. You can drink fresh beer and stuff. Though I really recommend Kamakura. There are a lot of temples to see and a lot of good food! Its a small old fashioned city where they have little shops to the sides. They have a lot of good wa-gashi (Japanese sweets). Kamakura and china town are places you walk around and eat like everything they have to offer. hahah. And, If you like the ocean there are places like Shonandai and Fujisawa to visit. There is so much to see here! Yokohama has a lot of things, its very international because it has the biggest port. My fiance plans to come next month. It'll be his third time visiting here. We plan to go all over, as always haha. Thinking about it just excites me Good luck with the interview! I'm sure you guys will be fine. You two seem like wonderful people. BTW, did your wife have to get any translations for her documents? I'm not too sure where I should go for that. Am i supposed to get it done professionally? I know the k-1 and cr-1 are different visas. I'm just asking, if you don't know then thats cool. Edited by Akiko, 04 May 2009 - 07:27 AM.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-04 07:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ May 3 2009, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ May 2 2009, 05:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey thanks for the answer. I'm in Yokohama, close to Tokyo. And I am planning to make appointments at the Tokyo British Clinic soon. I've only lived in Japan for a few years. I was raised in Hawaii, but it they don't require police certificates from the U.S., right? I should just call the police headquarters since it seems every place requires different things. Thank you again! Hey Akiko, No problem. I hope everything works out for you. For my wife, after we got the NOA2, she went ahead and did the police records and medical. It was a good thing too, because we actually was delayed in sending in one of the forms waiting a few days for her police record to be finished. So I would say, do it as soon as you can. Even the medical too. She had to go for two appointments. I think she needed to get some vaccinations too. Oh, so you lived in Hawaii for a while now. Why are you back in Japan? Actually, I've been trying to get a job in Japan in Yokosuka. I work at Pearl now and was hoping to get a job in Yokosuka. But I'm going to visit her next week. Leaving on the 6th and we will go around Japan and even go to S. Korea because she had some extra miles on one of her airlines mileage clubs. And we will visit Yokohama on the 14th-15th too. But on the 15th, she planned on us going down to Yokosuka so I can see what the place is like. I hope I can get a job there. Anyway, I wish you the best and don't wait to do any of your things because it seems that in Japan, they are pretty good about everything, as long as you have the NOA2. Was told the medical is good for a year, so no problems there. K-den, Matane, bye bye, Laters, vny Hey. I moved back after I graduated high school because my whole family moved back here. I was actually in Hawaii under my parent's visa the whole time. I hope the embassy doesn't question me too much about my past. I've been back and forth from Japan to Hawaii and its a really complicated thing. Since I was under my parent's custody throughout the whole thing, I would not have a clue if they asked me things in detail! And I thought vaccinations aren't required for the k-1? But I guess it differs for everyone. Which reminds me, I need to look for my vaccination record from when I lived in Hawaii... Good luck with your job in Yokosuka! I live in Yokohama and I haven't been there myself hahah. And enjoy your trip here. Though travelling might be a hassle right now with the swine flu and all... I should be back on track again once golden week is over. Since all the offices and what not are closed right now. Anyways, best wishes to you too. And thanks for all your advice. It is very appreciated.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-03 07:11:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ May 2 2009, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ May 1 2009, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey guys. I just got my birth certficate/family register and I am planning on getting my police certificate once golden week is over. For the police certificate, I need passport, inkan, birth certificate, and a residence certificate. Am I right? Which means I will have to go and get my residence certificate and the kuyakusho(?). How long does it usually take for the police certificate to come in? Arigatougozaimasu Akiko-sama!!! I'm not sure of everything my wife needed when she went to get the police certificate but I know she just took a copy of the NOA2 and they said it was okay. She only had copy that I emailed to her. But it took 2 weeks for them to do the police certificate. She did it in Ageo-shi in Saitama, where she is now living with her parents. She was living in Musashino for 15 years before she moved back with her parents after we got married last year. She also was able to do her medical at the same time with the NOA2. She just looked up the approved Doctors that is listed on the Tokyo embassy website and went to one of them. I think it was the Tokyo British Clinic, but I'm not positive. You can look here http://tokyo.usembas...facilities.html Oh, but I'm not sure if you are in Tokyo area??? Anyway, good luck!!! Matene, bye bye vny Hey thanks for the answer. I'm in Yokohama, close to Tokyo. And I am planning to make appointments at the Tokyo British Clinic soon. I've only lived in Japan for a few years. I was raised in Hawaii, but it they don't require police certificates from the U.S., right? I should just call the police headquarters since it seems every place requires different things. Thank you again!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-02 10:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Hey guys. I just got my birth certficate/family register and I am planning on getting my police certificate once golden week is over. For the police certificate, I need passport, inkan, birth certificate, and a residence certificate. Am I right? Which means I will have to go and get my residence certificate and the kuyakusho(?). How long does it usually take for the police certificate to come in?	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-01 22:47:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (vny @ Apr 30 2009, 09:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just wanted to say Konnichiwa. Didn't know there was a Japan thread until just now. Our Case just finished NVC on April 15, 2009 and my wife is scheduled for interview on June 8th. Will be visiting her next week, leaving on 5/6 and will miss the interview. Any way Konnichiwa. Matane. Good luck with the interview!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-05-01 22:09:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	QUOTE (redglasses @ Apr 23 2009, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Akiko @ Apr 23 2009, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi everyone. I didn't know a regional forum existed til now. I filed in September and I finally got my NOA2 a week ago. Right now, I'm trying to gather all the documents needed for the interview. So the documents must be translated to English. Does anyone know where I can go to get them translated? And, my fiance plans to be here for the interview. Should I still provide as much evidence of relationship as I should if he wasn't coming with me? Its really nice to know that there is a forum for Japan. Because there really aren't Japan filers on the main forums. Thank you! Hi Akiko, When my husband filed my IR1 petition at the US embassy Tokyo, I translated Japanese official documents by myself. We didn't need them to be translated by a professional. I am not quite sure about K1 though. If you need professional services, take a look at the US embassy Tokyo website at http://tokyo.usembas.../tacs-7110.html They have a list of interpreters. Good luck. Thank you! I will try looking into the website you provided.	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-04-23 02:59:00
Asia: East and Pacific	All Japan Filers	Hi everyone. I didn't know a regional forum existed til now. I filed in September and I finally got my NOA2 a week ago. Right now, I'm trying to gather all the documents needed for the interview. So the documents must be translated to English. Does anyone know where I can go to get them translated? And, my fiance plans to be here for the interview. Should I still provide as much evidence of relationship as I should if he wasn't coming with me? Its really nice to know that there is a forum for Japan. Because there really aren't Japan filers on the main forums. Thank you!	Akiko	Female	Japan	2009-04-22 21:05:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	When People Say "Login Fail..."	yes, it is when you try to log in to the payment site, that is all.	Indy&Benji	Female	Indonesia	2009-10-24 00:55:00