Top 20 Questions Beginners Ask About Japanese Visas and Status of Residence
When preparing for a long-term stay in Japan, you often find conflicting information online, which can be confusing.
In this article, we’ll provide short and accurate answers to the 20 most frequently asked questions by those preparing for their status of residence for the first time.
1. Are visas and status of residence the same thing?
No. A visa is permission to enter Japan, while status of residence is the qualification to stay and engage in activities in Japan.
2. Can I change my visa after entering Japan?
After entering Japan, you don’t change your visa but apply for a change of status of residence. Many people change from a work-related visa to Highly Skilled Professional status, or to Spouse of Japanese National status after marriage.
3. Can I change from a tourist visa to a work visa?
In principle, it’s difficult. While there are exceptional cases, you generally need to go through the procedures again in your home country.
4. Where do I apply for status of residence?
You apply at the Immigration Services Agency that has jurisdiction over your place of residence in Japan. Each agency has branch offices, so we recommend checking the information in advance.
5. Do I have to apply in person?
In principle, you must apply in person, but proxy applications by administrative scriveners are possible in some cases.
6. How long does the status of residence review take?
Usually about 1-3 months, depending on the timing of application and type of status of residence.
7. Can I leave Japan during the review process?
It’s possible in some cases, but caution is needed. Long-term departures may have an impact, so we recommend confirming with the Immigration Services Agency in advance.
8. I submitted all documents but received a request for additional materials. Is this bad?
Not necessarily. However, your response content and speed are very important. If you submit additional materials late, the review will be delayed accordingly.
9. Will they tell me the reason if my application is denied?
Specific reasons for denial are often not provided. However, you may be able to get hints through consultation.
10. Can I reapply immediately after denial?
You can, but if it’s not clear what has changed from the previous application, there’s a high chance of denial again. If you have compelling reasons to live in Japan and find it difficult to resolve on your own, seeking help from professionals like administrative scriveners is recommended.
11. Will I definitely be rejected if my salary is low?
Not necessarily. Job content, company stability, and relevance to your career are reviewed together, rather than just salary.
12. Is it disadvantageous if I work for a small business or startup?
No. However, financial status and track record of hiring foreigners may determine the period of stay (1 year, 3 years, or 5 years).
13. Can I not get a work visa if I don’t speak Japanese?
It depends on the job. It may be disadvantageous if Japanese is essential for the position, but it’s not required in all cases. However, the Japanese government is currently considering policy changes to require a certain level of Japanese proficiency for visa acquisition.
14. How serious is violating activity outside status (part-time work)?
Since it’s a violation of regulations, from the Japanese government’s perspective, it can be a decisive factor that lowers your credibility as someone who doesn’t keep promises. It’s best not to engage in activities outside your status.
15. Who determines the period of stay?
The Immigration Services Agency decides based on the review results. Even with the same status of residence, your residence card may show 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.
16. Can I get a 5-year status of residence from the start?
It’s possible, but rare for first-time applications. Usually, 1 year or 3 years is more common.
17. Can I freely change jobs with a status of residence?
No. You can only work within the scope of activities permitted by your status of residence. Permanent residence or Spouse of Japanese National visas have no job restrictions.
18. Do I need to report when I change companies?
Yes. You have an obligation to report within a specified period. Previously, you had to visit the immigration office in person, but now you can also report online.
19. Do I have to use an administrative scrivener?
It’s not mandatory. However, if your situation is complex or you have a history of denial, it’s safer to get help. Getting professional help saves more effort than applying yourself, but it does involve financial costs.
20. What’s the most important thing in preparing for status of residence?
It’s important to prepare the required documents accurately. It’s good to make a checklist of documents to submit and verify how many years of documents are needed.
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