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How to get a Japanese VISA (Immigration Procedures)
Foreign nationals wishing to enter Japan for whatever reason must have a valid passport and a visa issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. However, citizens of countries with which Japan has reciprocal visa exemption arrangements are exempt from this visa requirement if they are staying in Japan for a short period of time for the purpose of sightseeing or business.
A visa is a form of recommendation that certifies that there are no impediments to allowing the foreign national holding the visa to enter and stay in Japan, However, it does not necessarily guarantee that the holder of the visa will be allowed to enter Japan. All foreign nationals must undergo inspection upon landing in Japan
A foreign national who wishes to enter Japan must apply for landing permission to the immigration officer at the airport or seaport of entry. The screening officer will determine the validity of the passport, visa requirements, the validity of the visa in the case where a visa is required, purpose of entry, intended period of stay, etc. Permission to enter Japan is granted only when all entry conditions stipulated on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law are met.
There are two methods for acquiring a visa as shown below.
(a) Starting with an Application for a Visa
1. A foreign national (applicant) applies for a visa with Japanese embassy or consulate in his/her country.
2. The application documents are sent to Regional immigration bureau through Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice for consultation.
3. Reply is sent back to Japanese embassy or consulate from Regional immigration bureau through the above Ministries.
4. Notification of approval/rejecting is given to a foreign national (applicant) from the embassy or consulate.
This procedure generally takes several month.
(b) Application for a Certificate of Resident Eligibility
1. A person representing the applicant in Japan (proxy) applies for a visa with Regional immigration bureau.
2. Regional immigration bureau issues Certificate of eligibility, if all conditions are met.
3.The proxy forwards certificate of eligibility to the applicant in his/her country.
4. The applicant applies for a visa with Japanese embassy or consulate.
5. Notification of approval/rejection is given to the applicant.
This procedure takes only two weeks at earliest.
Foreign nationals who wish to reside in Japan must qualify for a relevant status of residence stipulated by the Immigration Law. There are 27 types of status of residence, and the scope of activities permitted to be conducted in Japan varies according to each status.
Please phone or e-mail to us, if you need assistance.TEL 090-7989-6778
Solicitor Mineko Onzuka Office: 4-18-13. Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, 818-0105