Winning a 5-year term for renewal of "Gi-Jin-Koku" visa - Post-transfer procedures and social insurance

Many foreigners working in Japan are aiming for a "five-year" period of stay. After that, they are looking forward to "applying for permanent residence". However, in the midst of their daily work, many people inadvertently forget their obligations under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act or feel insecure about renewing their status depending on their employment status.

In this issue, based on actual consultations we receive, we will summarize important points to avoid negative evaluation at the examination for renewal of the period of stay.

1. What if I forgot to submit the "Notification of Institutional Affiliation" after changing jobs?

When you change jobs, you must submit a "Notification of Contractual Organization" to the Immigration Office within 14 days. If you have neglected to do so for more than a year, your first priority is to submit it "now".

• Impact on screening:. Delayed notification can be a factor in determining that the status of residence is not good. Compliance with laws and regulations will be strictly monitored, especially if you wish to apply for permanent residence in the future.
• Response: It is wise not only to simply submit a notification, but also to accompany it with a "statement of reasons (statement of remorse)" that explains why you were late and how you will improve in the future. By sincerely explaining the fact that you "did not know" or "forgot," and by showing that you will meet deadlines in the future, you should make every effort to have your report judged to be free of malicious intent.

2. "Social insurance at work" or "National Health Insurance by yourself"?

Normally, when you work full-time as a regular employee, the company enrolls you in social insurance (health insurance and employee pension), but in rare cases, you may pay for your own National Health Insurance and National Pension.

• Immigration Perspectives:. The Immigration Bureau will focus on "whether social insurance premiums have been properly paid. If there is no non-payment or arrears, self-payment itself is not an immediate reason for disapproval.
• Impact on 5-year visas:. However, those who work for a company with social insurance and have it deducted from their salary tend to be more likely to be regarded as having greater social stability. If the company is a social insurance-eligible business, switching to enrollment through the company can be a positive factor toward extending the period of stay (5-year visa).

3. Checklist for obtaining a 5-year visa

In order to step up from a 3-year visa to a 5-year visa, the following factors will be considered in a comprehensive manner

• Proper Notification:. Has the above-mentioned notification of change of employment been submitted on time?
• Stable annual income:. A high annual income of over 7 million yen is highly valued as a contribution to Japan and stability in life.
• Payment of taxes and fulfillment of official obligations:. Not a single day late on taxes, pensions, or health insurance. The use of tax transfer (automatic withdrawal) is particularly appreciated as a mechanism to prevent forgetting to pay taxes.
• Company size and stability:. The management status and category of the company you work for will also have an impact.
• Language skills: (English) JLPT N2 or above is a great weapon to show your adaptability to Japanese society.

Conclusion: Early consultation creates "peace of mind

The concerns of "will my previous mistakes affect the renewal?" and "will I be able to work my way up to permanent residence with my current work style?" can be resolved by consulting with a specialist. In particular, if you are late in notifying us of a change in employment or if you are paying taxes under a special employment status, attaching solid explanatory documents to your application is a shortcut to a "5-year visa.

Start preparing now to make your next renewal not "just a continuation" but an opportunity to step up.