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）
As a rule, submitting the documents on the category-by-category list published on the website of the 出入国在留管理庁 is enough. That said, we recommend submitting, as extra material, anything that is likely to work in your favour towards permission. Rather than sending in a large pile at random, it is important to explain in a 理由書 (written explanation) what each document is meant to prove.
An enquiry from an international student who has been offered a job at the very company where they worked part-time.
As a rule they are. The documents are simplified for each category.
A Category 2 company meets the standards set by the 出入国在留管理庁 and is recognised as having a certain level of reliability. For that reason the documents to submit are simplified. This is because the 出入国在留管理庁 is working to make screening more efficient, and applications from Category 1 and Category 2 companies tend to move through document screening relatively smoothly, on the basis of the company's reliability.
Even so, where the screening officer judges it necessary, you may be asked to submit further documents later.
If they are likely to work in your favour towards permission, we recommend submitting them as extra material.
It depends on the case, but we think that information that works in your favour should be provided actively. That is all the more so for an occupation where views can differ on how far the work is recognised as specialised, or at a time of year when applications are heavy.
For example, if you have worked part-time at the company that has offered you the job, a tax payment certificate proving that you paid your taxes properly while doing so is useful extra material: it shows "an awareness of complying with the law in Japan" and "a serious attitude to work". This overlaps with the "good conduct" that is given weight in screening for permanent residence and naturalisation, and it may give a good impression in a change of status of residence as well.
At the same time, please make sure that you worked up to 28 hours per week, which is the scope of 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted).
Do not send documents in at random. Explain in a 理由書 what you want each one to prove.
Please avoid submitting a large pile of documents at random. What matters is to be clear about "why I am submitting this document" and "what I want this document to prove", and to add a short explanation in a 理由書.
For example, it is a good idea to mention it in the 理由書 in a form such as: "I worked part-time at the company that has offered me the post. I approached the work sincerely and met my tax obligations properly. This shows my intention to settle in Japan and my attitude of complying with the law." You then attach the tax payment certificate as extra material, so that the connection is clear.
In recent years there has been a trend towards giving more weight to specialised knowledge and skills.
For a vehicle mechanic under 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」, views used to differ at times on how far the work was recognised as specialised. In recent years, however, as vehicles have become more advanced, there has been a trend towards giving more weight to specialised knowledge and skills.
Completing an industrial specialised course at a vocational school and being due to receive the title of 「専門士」 (senmonshi), and the fact that the company offering the post values your ability, are strong points. It is also important to show, with documents proving the curriculum and the subjects taken, that the content of the specialised course is closely connected to the work at the company offering the post.
Yes. As a company that meets the standards set by the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan), the documents to submit are simplified.
Yes. We recommend submitting material that is likely to work in your favour towards permission, with an explanation added in a 理由書 (written explanation).
For example, a tax payment certificate where you worked part-time at the company that offered you the post. It shows an awareness of complying with the law and a serious attitude to work.
Please avoid submitting a large pile at random. What matters is to be clear about what you want to prove and to add a short explanation in a 理由書.
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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.