Why is screening for a permanent residence visa taking longer?

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）

What is this enquiry about?

This is for people who tell us that screening is taking a long time, or that they are repeatedly asked for extra documents.

How much longer has the screening period become?

It has been pointed out that what used to take about 6 months to 1 year now often takes more than 1 year.

Many applicants, and the specialists who support them, have pointed out that the screening period for a permanent residence visa has become longer than it was. Until a few years ago it was common for a result to come 6 months to 1 year after applying, but now it is not unusual for it to take more than 1 year, and cases have been reported in which screening was still not finished after nearly 2 years.

This delay is a heavy burden for applicants. Not only does it make it harder to plan for the future, but when it overlaps with the time to renew your status of residence, the anxiety also grows. For people working at a company, it may also affect career plans such as promotion or changing jobs.

Why is the screening period getting longer?

A combination of factors is thought to be at work: more applications, stricter screening, the screening system, and the international situation.

1. More applications
   The number of foreign nationals working or studying in Japan is on an upward trend, and with it the number of applications for a permanent residence visa has increased. The statistics also show that applications for permanent residence have risen year by year, and applications may be building up at a pace beyond what the screening side can process. New routes for applying, such as applying for permanent residence using the points system for highly skilled professionals, are also thought to be adding to the number.
2. Stricter screening
   It has also been pointed out that the screening itself may have become stricter than before. This is thought to be because, from the point of view of keeping Japanese society safe and secure, an applicant's conduct, financial situation and degree of settlement in Japan are now judged more carefully.
3. The current state of the screening system
   If the number of screening officers, the systems and so on cannot keep up with the rising number of applications and the more advanced screening, a trend towards longer periods is hard to avoid. There are also thought to be many cases in which screening is held up by mistakes on the applicant's side, such as errors in the application forms or missing attachments.
4. Changes in the international situation
   With the international situation said to be more complex and the risks of terrorism and international crime said to be higher, more careful screening is also thought to be part of the picture.

Which points in particular are looked at strictly?

Income and tax, conduct, and whether public duties have been carried out tend to be checked more strictly.

• Stable income and your tax situation: How stable your income has been over the past few years, and your payment of income tax, resident tax and so on, are checked strictly. If there are arrears or unpaid amounts, it becomes more likely that permission will be difficult
• Whether there is poor conduct: Traffic offences, a criminal record, and any record of breaching the 入管法 (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act) such as overstaying are checked strictly. Even a minor offence may have an effect
• Whether public duties have been carried out: Your payment of National Health Insurance and National Pension contributions is also checked. If there are periods when they were unpaid, permission may not be granted
• Your contribution to Japanese society: Whether you have lived in Japan over a long period and have ties with the local community, and whether you take part in volunteer activities and the like, may also be taken into account

Note that Japanese language ability is not a requirement for permanent residence. A standard such as JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) N2 or above is not a requirement under the law either, so there is no need to put off applying until you have obtained a certificate.

What can I do now?

Prepare early, put together accurate documents, and keep your residence situation stable.

1. Prepare early and put together accurate documents
   An application for a permanent residence visa needs many documents, and some take time to collect, so please start preparing early. Check the latest list of required documents, and gather items such as your withholding tax certificate, 納税証明書 (tax payment certificate), certificate of residence and 在留カード (Residence Card) early. Documents written in a foreign language need a Japanese translation, so please have them translated accurately. Fill in the application form carefully and accurately.
2. A stable residence situation and good conduct
   In principle, an application for a permanent residence visa requires that you have lived in Japan continuously for at least 10 years. During that time, you are also expected to have had a stable residence situation under a work status or a residence-based status. Check the expiration date of your period of stay carefully and do not forget to carry out the renewal procedure, live in accordance with Japanese law, and pay income tax, resident tax, National Health Insurance contributions, National Pension contributions and so on without delay.
3. Ties with the local community
   Taking an active part in the local community may be looked on favourably as showing that you are settled in Japan. Take part in the neighbourhood association or in volunteer activities, and build good relations with the people who live nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• Does a late tax return affect screening for permanent residence?
• Can my spouse apply for permanent residence at the same time, even on a work visa?
• What changes when you get a permanent residence visa, and what do you need to watch out for?
• Does age count against you in the screening for permanent residence?

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. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.