Cheap Flights, IRS Delays

Word to the wise, kids, always have savings put back for when job opportunities arise far away. Unforeseen circumstances drained my savings right before I applied to this job, which would have left me in a really tight spot if I didn’t have such amazing parents.

And on that note, we get to the important bits.

The flight to Japan.

I spent quite a while looking high and low for the best flight deals. Here’s what I found:

• http://www.statravel.com

They’re a booking agency that caters specifically to young adults, teachers, and students for the cheapest flights to anywhere. I’d highly recommend at least giving them a look before shopping around anywhere else. Always shop around, though. It can be a difference of hundreds of dollars if you just buy the first ticket you find.

While getting your ticket is a big accomplishment, your visa is even more important.

Around July 17, 2012, I received my certificate of eligibility from the Narashino BoE along with general information about my new job and place of employment.

Once you get your certificate of eligibility, make certain not to waste any time sending it, your passport, and your visa application form in to your consulate/embassy’s visa department. The consulate in Atlanta usually has a very quick turn around time, but there’s always the chance of delays. I sent mine through the post office with next-day guaranteed delivery, a return envelope with postage and address filled out, and tracking for less than $25. You can find more information about work visa’s here (or at the appropriate consulate site for your area).

Those tax forms I mentioned in an earlier entry became the last, vital piece of information I was concerned with before my flight. I sent in my forms on May 30th of that year and didn’t get my return forms until July 30th (painfully close to me departure date). Be sure to get those sent in as early as possible. I cannot stress that enough when dealing with a government agency.

Delays, delays, delays. They’re the rule, not the exception.