Preparations

I'm preparing yet again to depart for Japan. This time is a little different though.

As you may have noticed, the blog title and layout have changed. Since this blog is now going on two years, I felt like it was time for a change. I felt this way looked much sleeker and was easier to read.

I am returning to Japan this time for work. Although there may be a few posts about work in general, specifics about the company and work will not be disclosed. This is out of respect for the company's and my privacy as well. This blog is intended to just be a slice-of-life for my readers.

That brings us to what am I doing now?

I have not yet left for my position. As of right now, I am waiting on my visa. The visa process in Japan is not standardized, which means applicants have to apply four or five times before all of the paperwork is accepted. The company/university/etc. has to apply on the person's behalf. This organization then works with the Japanese government to try to get a Certificate of Eligibility, which allows the recipient to apply for a visa at their local embassy. Without a visa, the applicant cannot rent an apartment, get a phone, qualify for health care, get the equivalent of a "Green Card," or any other number of things. I am currently waiting on my Certificate.

Filling out all of the paperwork to get the Certificate takes around 3-4 months if everything goes smoothly. Receiving the visa from the embassy takes between 3 business days to 1 week.

If all goes well, I will leave in roughly a week.