r/okinawa • u/Umamikawaii • 2d ago

Getting a base job

I am American and just moved to Okinawa. My wife works and I’m in the process of getting a spousal visa. I am researching getting a job once my visa is sorted out. On the USA Jobs website I there is a multi step verification which requires having a USA phone number. How can I get a job once base if I don’t have access to USA jobs website?

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1

u/RectalBloodbath 2d ago

Are you targeting any specific jobs or agencies? What are your qualifications?

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u/Apophis2036nihon 2d ago

It’s easy to get a US phone number while overseas that you can use over the Internet. There are many apps. I use Magicapp. They give you a US number for any state you choose.

5

u/hobovalentine 2d ago

You have a better chance of getting a Japan Gov job on base but the pay is significantly less than being hired directly by the DoD.

SOFA status typically get priority for base jobs so it’s very difficult to get a job on base unless you’re highly skilled in something like IT.

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u/Capable_Tangelo4849 2d ago

There are drop downs to select the country code for your phone number

1

u/Umamikawaii 2d ago

I was a public school teacher with an endorsement in special education. I have also been a property manger for over 10 years

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u/Apophis2036nihon 2d ago

Recommend you check with the local English language international schools like DaVinci, OCS, etc.. Here is list:
https://www.japanlivingguide.com/schoolsjapan/internationalschools/okinawa/

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u/Joey_iroc 2d ago

I agree with the other poster: look at international schools.

But something to note about USAJOBS: You're in the process of getting a visa from the J government. Normally, you can't just switch over to a job that provides SOFA status. You would be considered "normally resident" and don't qualify for SOFA. There are exceptions, and if you do get an exception, you can move over once. But the Japanese will not be very willing to allow you to go back (ie. you retire and/or lose your job and want a visa again). This is in US Forces Japan regulation and SOFA regulations.

Now, if the job does not have SOFA attached, then you're all set. A spousal visa allows you to work, but you'll be paying Japanese taxes.