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）
There is a real possibility that a period of several years will be granted. The key is to show with objective material that you are following the career plan set out by the 出入国在留管理庁, and to explain that the company has a steady volume of work. However, the period of stay is not decided automatically by qualifications and achievements alone. It is judged on an overall assessment that includes the company's stability, the content of the duties and the length of service.
An enquiry from a car mechanic who is now in the 5th year at the same company.
There is a real chance. Please note, though, that it is an overall assessment.
According to the 「許可・不許可事例」 (examples of cases permitted and denied) published by the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan), the desirable career path for a person working as a car mechanic under this status of residence is set out as follows.
The enquirer has cleared this path and is highly regarded by the company, so submitting solid supporting material will improve how the application is assessed.
However, the period of stay is not decided automatically by qualifications and achievements alone. It is judged on an overall assessment that includes the company's stability, the specific content of the duties and the length of service. So it cannot be said for certain that "meeting the conditions always means several years".
3 things: proof of the qualifications, the in-house award, and material showing the company's volume of work.
Attach a copy of the pass certificate, together with the letter of appointment or a copy of the notification of appointment showing that you have been formally appointed as 整備主任者 at the company and are carrying out those duties. Explain, along with your progress, that you are moving up steadily in line with the career plan.
An award is strong support for the view that you are not only skilled but also highly valued at your workplace.
Granting a period of stay of several years means that you need to satisfy the 地方出入国在留管理局 that "this company has enough work to keep giving this person the specialised duties in question, steadily, from now on". In addition to the most recent financial statements, it helps to add an explanation in a 理由書 (written explanation) of the company's order record as a whole and of the stability of the specialised duties you handle.
Always write 3 years in the 「希望する在留期間」 (desired period of stay) box.
The application form (both the applicant's part and the organisation's part) has a box for the 「希望する在留期間」 (desired period of stay).
If you write 1 year here, or leave it blank, you may be taken to be asking for 1 year, and may simply be given 1 year. If you want several years, always write 「3年」 (3 years) — or 5 years — clearly, so that your wish is on record.
This article is based on the screening guidelines and the 「許可・不許可事例」 of the 出入国在留管理庁 as at June 2026 (2026年6月). The final decision rests with the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau), depending on each company's financial position and the actual nature of the duties.
No. It is judged on an overall assessment that includes the company's stability, the content of the duties and the length of service.
You may be taken to be asking for 1 year, and may simply be given 1 year. Always write the number of years you want.
In addition to the most recent financial statements, it helps to add an explanation in a 理由書 of the company's order record as a whole and of the stability of the specialised duties the person handles.
It does. It supports the view that you are highly valued at your workplace. Please attach a copy of the certificate.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.