Inviting an unemployed sister on 短期滞在: what to watch
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
An application for a 短期滞在 visa for the purpose of visiting relatives is possible. Even if your sister has no job, it can be handled by submitting documents showing that the inviting side has the financial strength to cover the costs of the stay. The key points are a clear purpose of stay, a clear intention to return home, and accurate documents.
What is this enquiry about?
An enquirer with permission for permanent residence in Japan wants to invite her unemployed sister, who lives in China, on a 短期滞在 visa to visit the family.
Subject: status of residence (在留資格「短期滞在」 / Temporary Visitor)
Situation: The enquirer has permission for permanent residence in Japan. Her sister, who lives in China, would like to come to Japan on 短期滞在 for about 1 month to see the enquirer's family (her husband and children). The sister has no job at present, and the enquirer plans to bear the travel and living costs.
Question: In this case, can the sister obtain a 短期滞在 visa? What should be watched when applying?
Can an unemployed sister obtain a 短期滞在 visa?
A 短期滞在 visa for the purpose of visiting relatives is generally accepted.
An application for a 短期滞在 visa for the purpose of visiting relatives is possible. There are, however, several important points to watch when applying.
A clear purpose of stay: it has to be clear that the purpose of the visit to Japan is a family visit, to see relatives. If sightseeing or another purpose is included, that has to be stated accurately as well.
The period of stay: the period of stay on a 短期滞在 visa is normally decided as 15 days, 30 days or 90 days. You have to apply in line with the period you want.
Ability to meet the costs of the stay: where the applicant has no job, it has to be clear who will bear the costs of the stay in Japan, and how. If the inviter bears them, documents proving that person's financial strength (proof of income, certificate of bank balance and so on) have to be submitted.
A clear intention to return home: the 短期滞在 visa permits only a temporary stay, so you have to show that the applicant intends to return home when the period of stay ends.
Accurate documents: the application form and the attachments all have to be filled in accurately and prepared without any gaps.
What documents should be prepared?
There are documents to prepare on the sister's side, and documents for the 身元保証人 in Japan, that is, the enquirer.
Examples of documents the sister prepares in China: the visa application form, passport, photograph, documents proving the family relationship (such as a notarised certificate of kinship), documents proving the travel and living costs (if she has savings of her own, a certificate of them), and documents showing her intention to return home (a return flight booking confirmation, a certificate of employment if she has one, proof of property and so on).
Examples of documents the 身元保証人 (guarantor) in Japan prepares: the 身元保証書 (letter of guarantee), certificate of residence, certificate of employment or proof of income, tax payment certificate, certificate of bank balance, the 招へい理由書 (letter explaining why the sister is being invited, setting out the specific purpose and background), the 滞在予定表 (schedule of stay), and copies of documents proving the relationship (such as a notarised certificate of kinship).
Documents drawn up in Chinese may have to be accompanied by a Japanese translation. The required documents and the procedure can differ depending on the Japanese embassy or consulate-general where you apply, so please always check in advance. If documents are missing, or if the intention to return home is judged not to be sufficiently shown, the visa may be refused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the person being invited obtain a 短期滞在 visa even without a job?
It may be possible. Where the inviter bears the costs of the stay, documents proving that person's financial strength have to be submitted.
How is the period of stay on a 短期滞在 visa decided?
It is normally decided as 15 days, 30 days or 90 days, and you have to apply in line with the period you want.
Can documents in Chinese be submitted as they are?
Documents drawn up in Chinese may have to be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
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.
