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From: Eric Takabayashi <etakajp@yahoo.co.jp>
Newsgroups: fj.life.in-japan
Subject: How long did it take anyone recently to get a US visa for their spouse?
Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2004 22:34:48 +0900
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I can't believe the paperwork it will take
(in Osaka or from the US), to try to get my
family to Hawaii in time for me to attend
school, or if that will even be possible.
It's quite possible that the paperwork
(including trying to sponsor a family with no
income for two or more years) is more trouble
than moving home is worth.

In contrast, all I had to do to come to Japan
or get a permanent resident visa was submit a
handful of handwritten forms to the local
office and sit on my ass at home for a few
weeks for a post card. It took my wife's
signature on a piece of paper to "prove" she
could support ME in Japan. Her financial
sponsor (apparently not me) needs to read and
fill out a 16 page form, for starters. WTF?

Is there anyone here who accomplished this
recently (preferably post 9/11)? Only person
I know back home in such a situation is a guy
with a Japanese wife who hasn't shown up yet.

Eric Takabayashi