This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
If you are working under a status of residence for employment and bring your child to Japan, your child's status of residence will in principle be 「家族滞在」. However, where the child has a long-term illness and needs special care, screening tends to be harder. There is room to consider 「定住者」 instead, with humanitarian considerations treated as a 「特別な理由」 (special reason). In either case, screening is strict.
A mother working under a status of residence for employment wants to bring her child, who has a long-term illness, from her home country.
The rule is 「家族滞在」. But screening tends to be harder, both on the ability to support the household and on the support relationship.
As a rule, when someone holding a status of residence for employment brings a child to Japan, the child's status of residence is 「家族滞在」. However, where the child has a long-term illness and needs special care, screening tends to be harder, for the reasons below.
Immigration looks closely at whether the parent's income alone can steadily support the whole household, including high medical costs and the cost of special care.
Where the child has a long-term illness, it is easier to show that the parent is the one who supports the child. At the same time, there are cases where a concern arises that the child may be judged unlikely to become independent in the future.
There is room for humanitarian considerations to be accepted as a 「特別な理由」.
Where an application under 「家族滞在」 is difficult, there is room to consider 「定住者」.
「定住者」 is a status of residence granted where the Minister of Justice, taking a special reason into account, permits the person to live in Japan. Where a child with a long-term illness is being brought to Japan, humanitarian considerations may be accepted as a 「特別な理由」. The following 4 points carry particular weight.
A detailed written explanation, medical certificates from doctors in both countries, proof of your ability to support the child and of the family relationship, and documents showing that housing is in place.
Expect screening to cover the medical costs after the child arrives, and the long-term arrangements for raising the child, so prepare as fully as you can.
In an application of this kind, careful screening is to be expected, covering the situation in Japanese healthcare, the burden of medical insurance premiums, and even who would care for the child if something were to happen to the parent. This is therefore a very difficult application. You need to prepare the material above as fully as possible, and to proceed carefully.
The most important things are to show clearly, with objective medical certificates, the limits of treatment in the home country and the need for treatment in Japan, and to show convincingly, with concrete proof of income and assets, that the mother can support the child on her own.
Unlike an ordinary application, this kind of application calls for a very detailed explanation of your individual circumstances, together with a good deal of supporting material. Applying on your own is not impossible, but we recommend consulting a specialist who knows immigration procedures well. Please do not push yourself too hard, and put your family's health first.
When someone holding a status of residence for employment brings a child to Japan, it is in principle 「家族滞在」. Screening does tend to be harder, and there is also room to consider 「定住者」, with humanitarian considerations treated as a 「特別な理由」.
Showing objectively, with medical certificates from doctors in both countries, that the child cannot receive sufficient treatment in the home country, or that the advanced medical care available in Japan is needed. The need for humanitarian consideration, the applicant's ability to support the household, and the spouse's consent also carry weight.
Submit a document explaining why the husband is staying in the home country (work, caring for family, and so on), together with something such as a letter of consent showing that he consents to the child living and being treated in Japan.
Tax payment certificates and tax assessment certificates for the past few years, certificates of savings balances, and proof of assets such as real estate. A household budget statement showing monthly income and spending is also useful.
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Get a free consultationThis article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.