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I plan to apply for permanent residence under 「高度専門職」 (80 points). How will my past traffic violations (3 blue tickets, 4 points deducted) affect the examination?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 20 October 2026　／　Supervised by 瀬戸了輔行政書士

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）

Who this article is forAn enquiry from the applicant himself or herself about an application for permanent residence under 「高度専門職」 (80 points).

Answer

If there are traffic violations on blue tickets 3 times (about 4 points deducted in total), given the recent stricter practice, it is said that this may be assessed quite negatively in the permanent residence examination, and it is important to explain to the applicant before applying that a denial is possible. In the 理由書 (written explanation), it is said to be better to state specifically not only the fact of the violations but also how they came about, the applicant's remorse, and measures to prevent recurrence.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from the applicant himself or herself about an application for permanent residence under 「高度専門職」 (80 points).

Enquiry type: visa (permanent residence)
Application type: 永住許可申請 (Application for Permanent Residence)
Situation: The applicant holds 「高度専門職」 (Highly Skilled Professional) (80 points) with a 5-year period of stay. The spouse and child are under 家族滞在 (Dependent) with a 5-year period of stay. The family has lived in Japan for about 5.5 years. Tax, pension and health insurance are deducted from salary, with no unpaid amounts. In 2022 there were traffic violations on blue tickets 3 times, with about 4 points deducted in total. The applicant plans to apply for permanent residence.
Questions: (1) With traffic violations on blue tickets 3 times in 2022 (about 4 points in total), how should the chance of permanent residence be considered? (2) Should the 理由書 (written explanation) state specifically not only the fact of the violations but also how they came about, remorse, and measures to prevent recurrence?

How do 3 blue-ticket traffic violations and 4 deducted points affect the permanent residence examination?

Given the recent stricter practice, they may be assessed quite negatively.

Given the recent stricter practice, it is said that this may be assessed quite negatively. For that reason, it is important to explain clearly to the applicant before applying that a denial is possible.

How specific should the written explanation be?

It is considered better to write specifically not only the fact of the violations but also how they came about, remorse, and measures to prevent recurrence.

It is said to be better to state specifically not only the fact of the traffic violations but also how they came about, remorse, and measures to prevent recurrence.

If I cannot get an application appointment, can I apply without one?

Even at times when appointments are hard to get, it is possible to apply at the same-day reception without an appointment.

Even when appointments are hard to get, for example in the period before a fee revision, it is said that you can go to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) without an appointment and apply at the same-day reception. If you do not mind waiting for a long time, this is one option.

Frequently Asked Questions

If there are several blue-ticket traffic violations, does permanent residence become difficult?

Given the recent stricter practice, it may be assessed quite negatively, so it is said to be important to explain the possibility of denial in advance.

Do I need to write something like a letter of remorse in the written explanation?

It is said to be better to state specifically not only the fact of the violations but also how they came about, remorse, and measures to prevent recurrence.

Can I apply for permanent residence even if I cannot get an appointment?

It is said to be possible to go to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) without an appointment and apply at the same-day reception.

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This 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. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.