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What has changed in the online residence application system (オンライン在留申請システム)?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) / Published  / Last updated

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)

Answer

The heart of this update is simpler identity confirmation using the マイナンバーカード, and a wider range of applications that can be made by smartphone. That said, the standards applied in screening have not themselves been relaxed, and supporting material such as a letter explaining the reasons for employment is as important as ever.

What is this enquiry about?

This is a guide for foreign employees and for the company staff who handle applications, where a work visa is to be extended or changed online.

What can you do with the new functions?

Identity confirmation using the マイナンバーカード has been added, along with a function for obtaining income and individual resident tax information.

More applications by smartphone, and a simpler process

Until now a PC and a card reader were needed in many situations, but the smartphone app has been given more functions. What you read for identity confirmation is the マイナンバーカード.

Attaching income and individual resident tax information

Since 19 March 2024 (令和6年3月19日), where the user category is "the foreign national themselves", it has been possible to obtain income and individual resident tax information (the information shown on a certificate of taxation or of exemption from taxation) through マイナポータル (Mynaportal) and attach it. This saves the trouble of collecting the certificate at the municipal office, scanning the paper and uploading it.

There are 2 things to note. First, a 納税証明書 (certificate of tax payment) is not covered and cannot be obtained through this function. Second, 永住許可申請 (Application for Permanent Residence) is itself outside the scope of the online residence application system. Please check with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau what you can leave out in your own case.

What are the benefits of applying online?

2 points: you can see how screening is going in detail, and you can apply at weekends and at night.

What should you still watch out for when applying online?

The standards applied in screening have not been relaxed. If anything, because data is easier to cross-check, more accuracy is called for.

A written explanation and supporting material matter as much as ever

Even though income and individual resident tax information can now be obtained through マイナポータル, a letter explaining why that work is needed, and documents explaining your particular circumstances, remain important. Uploading in PDF form is the norm, but how easy the documents are to read, and whether the reasoning holds together, still decide whether permission is granted.

Documents required for each company category

The items you enter online and the documents you need to attach change with the size of the company (its category). Working out in advance which category your company falls into, and which documents you should have in electronic form, is the knack of using the system smoothly.

What are the benefits of asking a gyoseishoshi to handle it?

They can put together the supporting material for a complex case properly, and respond quickly when further material is asked for.

Individuals and companies can use the new system themselves, but asking a gyoseishoshi with specialist knowledge lets you get the most out of applying online.

A gyoseishoshi puts together the supporting material for a complex case properly through the online system, and deals with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on your behalf. When a request for further material comes through the system, they can answer quickly and accurately from a specialist's point of view, which holds down the risk of denial.

Behind the convenience, automatic cross-checking of data on the screening side is also advancing. Accurate data entry combined with convincing supporting documents is the shortest route to permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you read for identity confirmation?

The マイナンバーカード. The smartphone app has been given more functions, and you confirm your identity by reading the card.

Do I no longer need to attach a certificate of taxation or a certificate of tax payment?

Since 19 March 2024 (令和6年3月19日), where the user category is "the foreign national themselves", you can obtain income and individual resident tax information (the information shown on a certificate of taxation or of exemption from taxation) through マイナポータル and attach it. However, a 納税証明書 (certificate of tax payment) is not covered. 永住許可申請 is also itself outside the scope of the online residence application system.

Is it easier to get permission if I apply online?

The standards applied in screening have not themselves been relaxed. If anything, because data is easier to cross-check, more accuracy is called for.

Do I still need a letter explaining the reasons for employment when I apply online?

Yes. Even when official documents are linked automatically, a letter explaining why that work is needed, and documents explaining your particular circumstances, remain important.

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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. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.