Hello. My name is Ito from IMS Legal Professional Corporation. Gradually, the border measures are moving toward simplified procedures, and the capped number of daily entrants is increasing. I've noticed an increase in the number of requests and inquiries about Certificates of Eligibility for work visas. Perhaps this is due to the increased economic activity in the world. In particular, the "Management" status of residence has been growing in popularity, both in Japan and abroad.
Some recent inquiries also include those who wish to apply for naturalization. When we receive these inquiries by phone, more often than not, people say "I want a Japanese passport," rather than "I want to naturalize." At first, the wording of these requests was a bit surprising! But over time, your mind automatically translates "I want a Japanese passport = naturalization".
Different Types of Naturalization Applications
The application for a naturalization permit is often compared to the application for a permanent residence permit, and there are many overlapping requirements for the permit. There are three types of naturalization permit applications: "ordinary naturalization," "simplified naturalization," and "major naturalization." In general, those with work status often fall under the "ordinary naturalization" category, which requires a residency requirement of at least "5 years. For permanent residence permit applications, those with work status who do not use the highly specialized occupation point can apply for naturalization faster because the residence requirement is "10 years" or longer.
Difference From Permanent Residence
The major difference between an application for naturalization and an application for permanent residence permit is whether or not Japanese language proficiency is required. Some people sometimes worry about their Japanese language ability when inquiring about permanent residence permit applications, but Japanese language ability is not required for permanent residence permit applications. On the other hand, an applicant for a naturalization permit becomes a Japanese citizen, so naturally, Japanese language proficiency is required. In addition to speaking and listening ability, reading and writing ability are also required, and the level is said to be N2 to N3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
During the initial interview, the person in charge at the Legal Affairs Bureau will ask you various questions about your past history, and if it is deemed necessary to confirm your Japanese language level, a Japanese language test will be administered. The test includes such things as correcting hiragana into kanji, expressing your opinion in Japanese in response to questions written in Japanese, and explaining Japanese culture. The level of Japanese may be determined differently by each Legal Affairs Bureau or person in charge, but if hiragana is mixed in with katakana when it should be written in katakana, or if "particles (te-no-ha)" are not used correctly, this will be pointed out to you. Since there is no test that requires in-depth knowledge of history or culture, some may view it as less rigorous than naturalization in other countries.
The Japanese passport is sometimes referred to as the strongest passport in the world, and currently allows travel to 192 countries and territories without obtaining a visa (except in Corona circumstances). Please note that acquiring Japanese citizenship does not remove any of the events of your previous citizenship. For example, if you applied for a U.S. visa before becoming a Japanese citizen and were denied, you cannot use ESTA to travel to the U.S. without a visa, so you will need to obtain a B1/B2 visa for sightseeing or business trips.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
