Hello, this is Kuwahara of IMS.
The government declaration regarding self-restraint against going outside has finally ended, but the current summer weather makes walking outside with a mask hot and exhausting. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced that we do not have to wear a mask if we can keep distance from other people, but that is difficult to do in Tokyo. For the time being, it seems that wearing a mask wherever you go is mandatory. It would be a good idea to be more careful about heat stroke this year.
Currently, immigration restrictions on travelers from abroad have not been lifted yet, and the Immigration Bureau continues to issue irregular responses such as renewing visas and how to receive them. However, it seems that this information has not been conveyed much to foreign residents, so the Tokyo Immigration Bureau is still crowded. In the meantime, I've had a rise in consultations from people who are thinking about permanent residency. Maybe it's because they have more time to spare to think about the application process? The examination period for permanent residence usually requires around 10 months. Due to the current backlog at the Immigration Bureau, though, it may take up to a year or more. If you are thinking about applying, why not take this opportunity during your free time?
Our regular fictional client John is also one of those thinking about applying for permanent residence. Will his application go smoothly? Click here for the previous installment.
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"Hey, Miki-chan, do you have a moment?" John was sitting at the living room computer, looking at the screen with a troubled face.
"What is it?"
"What does this say?" John pointed to a web page on the Immigration Bureau's website. It was a long, detailed list of the documents required for a permanent residence status.
"What does what say? ...Oh wow, I think I'm going cross-eyed. I don't want to read anymore!" (*1) Miki gave up reading.
"If you think it's bad, imagine how I feel!" John scratched his head, and his expression was troubled. "I have no idea what I need to apply for permanent residence."
"Do you want to call IMS?" Miki asked.
When John and Miki decided to apply for John's permanent residence, they decided they would try it themselves before consulting with IMS.
"Well... let's ask Immigration first," John said. "Where is the phone number... oh, is this is? The 'Permanent Residency Examination Department'?"
[Ring ring, ring ring. "This is the Immigration Bureau. All lines are currently busy. Please try again later."]John shook his head. "I can't get through." (*2)
"Let's try our best a bit more," said Miki.
John decided to stay calm and read through the web page word by word.
"Hah! I think I've got it! Though there are still some places where I don't know what it's saying..."
Miki felt a little depressed when she saw the list of necessary documents John gave her. "It was a lot of work to get your Dependent visa, but there are even more documents for a Permanent Resident visa, huh?"
"Yeah," said John in agreement. "It's like a green card, so I guess it can't be helped. But I'm not entirely confident..."
The two looked at each other.
"Shall I ask IMS?"
~~~
At a later date, John and Miki called IMS to let them know of their situation. They signed the consultation contract and then accompanied Sean to the IMS office in Nishi-Shimbashi.
"Hello! It's been a long time. Thank you for choosing our services for your Permanent Resident application."
"I tried doing it myself, but I didn't understand all that was needed. There are just so many documents," John said sheepishly.
"That's okay. We'll make a list of documents that you need for your application. If there's anything you don't understand, just let us know and we'll explain it in detail."
Huh, John thought, I'm glad I came!
"Here are the documents you need for your Permanent Resident visa application."
John and Miki looked at the list. It was much smaller and easier to read than the one on the Immigration Bureau's homepage.
"Is this all there is?" Miki asked, now anxious. "It's different than what I saw online."
"The Immigration Bureau's homepage has necessary documents for everyone. But some are unnecessary in your case, so we narrowed the list down."
"I see," said John. "So what's this Letter of Reason?"
"It's an explanation of why you live in Japan. You don't have to have it, but it's just in case you want to answer the question using our format. Just let us know if you want to use it."
Why I live in Japan, huh? There's a lot of reasons...
To be continued...
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*1: This is the Immigration Bureau's web page that outlines the application for Permanent Resident visas. http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/16-4.html
The necessary documents for your application are further classified according to your situation.
*2: Even if you call the Tokyo Immigration Bureau, you may not be connected, or they may not be able to answer your question. Since IMS Legal Professional Corporation visits the Immigration Bureau every week, we always have the latest, up-to-date information. In addition, if you apply using our services, you can check the status of your application at any time without going to the Immigration Bureau yourself.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
