~ Preparing for the preliminary interview for naturalization at the Legal Affairs Bureau ~
Hello, this is Kou of IMS. Although the daily COVID numbers are starting to decline, I wonder when things will truly return to normal.
Today I would like to explain about the preliminary interview at the Legal Affairs Bureau, which is the first step towards applying for naturalization.
Preliminary Interview
A person who wishes to naturalize (such a person is called a "naturalization applicant") first checks with the Legal Affairs Bureau (sometimes a "Branch" of the Legal Affairs Bureau) that deals with nationality and has jurisdiction over the address where they live.
Please note that Branch Offices of the Legal Affairs Bureau do not handle naturalization.
To apply for a preliminary interview for naturalization, first call the Legal Affairs Bureau directly and inform them that you wish to apply for naturalization. The Legal Affairs Bureau will then ask you about your address requirements and other basic requirements (situation). If you answer the questions frankly and it is generally determined that you are eligible to apply for naturalization, you will be guided to an appointment for an interview. Recently, appointments for interviews are by appointment only, so you will decide the date and time of your interview by comparing your schedule with the Legal Affairs Bureau's interview slots.
Interview Preparation
Bring your passport and original residence card to the Legal Affairs Bureau for the interview. During the interview, you will be asked a variety of questions, but the main questions you will be asked are as follows:
The counselor at the Legal Affairs Bureau will interview you about your status (place of birth, kinship, etc.), occupation, and past violations (criminal or traffic violations), etc. At this time, you should explain the facts truthfully. Through this interview, the counselor at the Legal Affairs Bureau will determine whether you meet the requirements to apply for naturalization.
*The content of the interview may differ depending on the type of status of residence you hold.
*The interview and other procedures may differ slightly depending on the Legal Affairs Bureau (Branch).
If it is determined that you meet the requirements for naturalization, you will then receive an application form for naturalization, a list of documents to attach, and a guide to applying for naturalization.
They will also helpfully explain to you which documents to obtain and from where (this may vary from counselor to counselor).
Starting the Application
Once you have been given the forms for the naturalization application package and instructions on what documents to submit, it means that the Legal Affairs Bureau has made a tentative decision that you satisfy the requirements to apply for naturalization, so it is time to start preparing your application for naturalization.
Some people are nervous or afraid of what they will be asked during the interview, but it is important not to lie during the interview and to tell the facts of the situation as they are. If you lie or hide the facts, and it is revealed in the documents you actually submit at the time of application, you may end up in trouble.
This concludes my explanation of the first step in the naturalization application process, the preliminary interview.
In order to apply for naturalization, various documents must be collected from Japan and your home country, and the volume of these documents is enormous.
We have a wealth of experience in naturalization applications, so if you are considering naturalization in the future, feel free to contact us. We will support you through the entire process until your application for naturalization is accepted by the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Please refer to our naturalization application support website for more information:
https://kika.attorney-office.com/
You can also contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
