Marcos Brindicci/Reuters While the US mulls over limiting immigration, in Japan the federal government has just loosened the requirements for new, highly-skilled immigrants to become permanent residents.

Under the new law, which will take effect in March, applicants with multiple degrees who earn a high salary will only need one year to become residents. The change reflects Japan's desire for more workers with advanced skill sets.

But that's not the only way to uproot your current life for a new one in the island nation.

For anyone who's thought of moving to Japan, here's how you actually do it.