Applying again for a 定住者 visa: how is Japanese ability reassessed?

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?

A person whose 定住者 visa was denied partly because of concerns about Japanese ability wants to know how it will be assessed when applying again.

Is there a direct Japanese-ability requirement for a 定住者 visa?

There is no direct requirement of a set level or above, but it is an important consideration.

No law lays down a direct requirement that a 定住者 visa application needs Japanese ability "at such and such a level or above". The Regional Immigration Services Bureau does, however, weigh up as a whole whether the applicant can live stably and independently in Japanese society. In doing so, Japanese ability is taken into account as an important sign of the ability to communicate, of adapting to daily life, and of how far you have joined society here. Where Japanese ability was part of the reason for a past denial, you need to show clearly, when you apply again, that this has improved.

How is Japanese ability assessed when you apply again?

Everyday conversation, accuracy in making yourself understood, reading and writing, and the impression you give at interview.

• Everyday conversation: whether you can communicate smoothly with Japanese people day to day.
• Accuracy in making yourself understood: whether you can understand and convey complex content and shades of meaning accurately.
• Reading and writing: whether you can read and write at the level daily life needs, such as documents from public offices or notices in shops.
• The impression you give at interview: whether you can communicate smoothly in Japanese with the officer at the interview.

How should I present and prove my language skills?

A JLPT certificate, a concrete account of how you have studied, and concrete examples of your part in Japanese society.

1. Using the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): if you have not sat it before, do so, and aim for a certificate at a high level such as N1 or N2. Submitting a certificate at a higher level than before is clear proof that your language has improved.
2. A concrete account of how and what you have studied: attending a Japanese language school, taking online courses, language exchange and so on, with concrete details of your study hours and the materials you used.
3. Concrete examples of your part in Japanese society: how you carry out your work, how you use Japanese in local activities, contact with friends and acquaintances, hobbies you pursue in Japanese — show the reality of being part of Japanese society and using the language.
4. A positive attitude at the interview: make a point of communicating in Japanese more readily than before, and answer clearly and accurately.
5. Submitting a language diary or study record (optional): a record of your daily study, or a diary written in Japanese, is another way to show steady effort.

Alongside improving your language, it is a basic premise that you also meet the other requirements, such as a stable base of life and good conduct. Prepare thoroughly, so that nothing is missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.