MonkeyBoy wrote:
> On Oct 10, 4:27 pm, CL <flot...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> MonkeyBoy wrote:
>>> I've still got plenty of time remaining on my current working visa
>>> here but also now qualify to obtain a spouse visa.  My question is
>>> that if I were to move back to the US in the next few months is it
>>> worth me getting my spouse visa here prior to that return as opposed
>>> to waiting until I'm back in the States and getting it if/when needed
>>> in the future?
>> Getting your visa fixed in Wa is always preferable to asking at an
>> Embassy and it takes far less time.
>>
>> What is the current rule on spouse visas?  When I got my first one, they
>> were only giving one year visas three times and then they'd start giving
>> three year visas if you were still married after that.  One BIG
>> advantage to a spouse visa is that you now get a re-entry permit for the
>> same number of years as your visa instead of having to renew annually.
>>
>> If they give you a three year visa right away, it can remove the
>> pressure of moving back ... although there is the problem of not having
>> any Japanese tax receipts for your next visa renewal if you don't live
>> here.
>>
>> --
>> CL
> 
> CL, thanks for the info.
> 
> In your last paragraph, regarding the Japanese tax receipts I'm sure
> if I understand what you said.  Do you mean that they will ask for tax
> payment receipts when I go to renew a spouse visa?

Showing that your taxes are paid is one thing they will ask you to 
submit.  There are ways to get around this requirement if you ask at the 
information and help section, but it varies from visit to visit, I am 
told.  IIRC, there is a list of required documents on the 
English-language Immigration site.

-- 
CL