Thread by @ciaela

My parents have arrived in Fukuoka, after successfully applying for a temporary visitor visa through the consulate of Japan in Canada. It’s our first time together in over three years, and they’ll be staying for a month. Here’s how I did it:

First of all, I scanned this form, which is always being updated:

moj.go.jp/isa/content/00…

Qualifying citizens and exceptions where applications can be made are clarified in 2) and Note 5) - this file is always being updated so keep an eye on it.

Note: Long Term Resident is a visa status and is often misinterpreted as “someone who lives in Japan long term”, but it’s actually a step below Permanent Residency. Right now, PR, LTR, and Spouses of Nationals, or mothers of children with Japanese Nationality are most eligible.

Next, I sent an inquiry to the Embassy of Canada in Japan, they told me they couldn’t help me and directed me instead to the closest Japanese Consulate to my residence in Canada - in my case, it was the consulate in * Vancouver *. When I inquired they believed we had a shot.

Next: We were told to prepare the application. For bringing family over to visit you’ll need to prepare the documents in the middle column of page two. (Note the “Tourism”
Column is present in this package however tourism visas aren’t being issued at this time.)

They may ask for additional information. In mine, they asked for a doctors note, and confirmation that we lost our child last year (you might recall me tweeting about digging into the urn for the paperwork… yeah.) My parents needed my birth certificate & a marriage certificate.

Since it’s a whopping 4 hour drive one way to the nearest consulate for my parents (who were to apply in person) I was very nervous and “overprepared” my application, I got my tax forms (nōzei/kazei) and my bank balance certificate, added my partners passport and his zairyu card.

My parents went to apply on a Friday (April 8th) and got an e-mail that their application was approved the following Tuesday (April 12th). It took three business days to process. However, they were told their pickup date was approximately a week later on April 20th.

I booked their flights right away (and put them through Haneda because I wanted them to transfer to Fukuoka easily). Delta had great rates YVR - SEA - HND for only $1200CAD and that was with a seat upgrade. Parents said it was very comfortable, and HND was fast and easy on entry.

Next: they had to find somewhere to get the PCR test required to enter Japan. They can take it within 72 hours of departure, but its very specific. The safest way to guarantee there was no mistake was to find someone to fill out the form provided by MHLW but some charge extra 🥲

Once they picked up their VISAs and PCR tests came back negative w/ the signed form, they uploaded all the details (along w/ vaccination records) into the MYSOS app required for arrivals. If screen turns green you will be expedited through Immigration. hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/…

On the date everything went smoothly! My parents had green screens on their phones which meant their paperwork was in order, and when they arrived at HND I monitored their status and booked them on a flight to Fukuoka as soon as their on-arrival PCR was negative.

For seniors (over 60), Skymark has an amazing deal where passengers can fly last minute for 15,800en one way. These discounted tickets can only be purchased up to one day before, but saves the hassle of trying to “guess” if transfers can be made on time.

Now they are here! They are adjusting to jet lag but loving the warm weather. They do parental things like gardening and washing dishes, and I do daughter things like drive them to the beach and Nitori. I’m looking forward to making up for lost time with them. Good luck everyone!

I also want to add!! If you have any questions when applying or trying to enter Japan (non-tourism related, because nobody knows the answer to those), definitely join the Return To Japan Support Group on Facebook! I got help with my application here.

facebook.com/groups/returnt…

Apologies - Link is here:

mofa.go.jp/files/00012132…