Is it all right to ask for 5 years as the desired period of stay when I extend?

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?

An enquiry from a person on 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 whose first extension is coming up.

Will I get the period I ask for?

Not necessarily. It is quite possible that screening will result in 1 year or 3 years.

Even if you write the period of stay you want on the extension application, that period is not necessarily the one that will be granted. The period of stay is decided by the Minister of Justice, looking at each applicant's circumstances as a whole.

What is looked at when the period is decided?

4 points: the stability of the company, your residence record, the contents of your activities, and the periods of stay you have had so far.

1. The stability and continuity of the organisation you belong to (your company)
   The size of the company, its results, its track record in employing foreign nationals, its compliance record and so on are examined. There is a tendency for a longer period to be granted where the company is a large and stable one.
2. The applicant's residence record
   How you have complied with the law so far (traffic offences, payment of taxes and social insurance and so on), the stability of your employment, and the continuity of your activities are assessed.
3. How specialised and continuous your activities are
   It is judged whether the work you do fits the requirements of the status of residence, and whether you are likely to go on carrying out specialised activities in future.
4. The periods of stay you have had so far
   Where your period of stay has been short (for example at a first extension), permission is often granted starting from a relatively short period.

Does writing 5 years count against me?

Normally it does not. Asking for 5 years does not in itself cause an application to be denied.

Even if screening concludes that 5 years is difficult, in most cases a period such as 3 years or 1 year is granted instead, and asking for 5 years does not normally, in itself, cause an application to be denied.

If your company's situation and your own are stable and you feel confident, asking for 5 years lets you show that you want to settle in Japan for the long term and contribute here.

Whichever you choose, the most important thing is to gather the documents you must submit, and to show with objective evidence and a 理由書 (written explanation) that you can go on carrying out specialised activities in Japan on a stable basis. The first extension in particular is an important screening that shapes your periods of stay from then on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• My period of stay is 1 year every time. What do I need to get 3 years?
• Do I need a 就労資格証明書 even if I still have period of stay left?
• When can I start the procedure to extend my work visa?
• Part of the residence tax is unpaid. Can the 「特定技能」 period of stay still be extended?

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.