Useful Columns

"If I hire an administrative scrivener, a fee will be incurred, but is it really worth it?" Many people are probably hesitating with this question. Actually, considering the "hidden costs and risks" involved in applying on your own, hiring a professional can often end up saving you both time and money in the long run...

More and more companies are struggling with such issues after hiring and offering jobs to talented foreign nationals, such as "could not join the company because the visa was not granted" or "had to leave the company because visa renewal was denied." Employment visas (such as "Technology, Humanities, International Services...") that companies need to keep in mind...

There is no end to the number of people who come for consultation after being rejected for "insufficient proof" because they went to the immigration office counter thinking, "If I apply myself, it won't cost anything." Once you are rejected, the hurdle for reapplying increases dramatically. This time, an expert who handles a large number of status of residence applications annually...

What is causing the greatest anxiety and concern within the foreign resident community is the tightening of permanent residency rules, including the introduction of a "permanent residency revocation system." With detailed guideline adjustments underway for full-scale implementation starting in 2027, this legal revision threatens the status quo that until now allowed permanent residency to be semi-permanent once obtained in Japan...

Regarding the revision of the guidelines for permanent residence permits, it is often discussed as "stricter control" from the perspective of the Ministry of Justice and immigration management. However, the essential perspective does not stop there. This revision, especially regarding Japanese language proficiency (equivalent to CEFR B1 / high JLPT N3 to N2 level)...

"It seems the review rules for permanent residency are getting stricter." "Shouldn't I apply right now, before a revocation system is established through a legal revision..." As news about the revision of the Immigration Control Act and the stricter screening criteria spreads, people feel rushed by this anxiety to gather documents and make a last-minute rush to apply for permanent residence...

When foreign nationals working in Japan bring their families (spouses or children) from overseas, or when changing visas within Japan, what is important is the "Dependent visa." One of the most strictly examined points in the application is the "ability to support dependents" (ability to pay expenses) of the person bringing them over (the supporter)...

"Technology/Humanities/International Services" (hereinafter "Tech/Humanities"), the most popular status of residence for hiring foreign nationals. Based on the Immigration Services Agency's guidelines (revised April 2026), this clearly explains the hiring criteria and practical precautions that employers must thoroughly understand...

Against the backdrop of a worsening labor shortage, a growing number of companies are getting serious about recruiting and utilizing foreign human resources. When accepting foreign talent, the most important and cautious decision required is "which status of residence (visa) they should be hired and allowed to work under." Representative working-type statuses of residence include "...".

Japan's policy on accepting foreign nationals is at a historic turning point. In addition to a fundamental review of the conventional "Technical Intern Training Program" and the creation of a new "Training and Employment" system with the clear objectives of securing and developing human resources, legislative amendments have been advanced to lay the foundation for an inclusive society, such as revising the administration of the permanent residency permit system...

In recent years, an increasing number of companies are hiring foreign nationals as regular or contract employees. However, when hiring foreign employees, it is important not to forget about "visa (status of residence) renewal. If the employee does not renew his/her status of residence before it expires, he/she will be in Japan illegally, and the company will be...

For foreign nationals living in Japan, the status of "permanent resident" is a major milestone in their careers and lives, as it frees them from the hassle of visa renewal procedures and allows them to gain social credibility and easier access to housing loans. However, a turning point in policy is now approaching, significantly raising the requirements for "permanent residency" permission...

As of November 2025, the Immigration Bureau is in the midst of a full-scale transition to IC cards for residence cards, and it has finally become clear that the transition will be complete by the end of 2026. The plastic card will be replaced by a new residence card with an IC chip equivalent to a My Number card. ...

Residence Management to be Digitally Accelerated on June 14, 2026The "Specified Residence Card" is finally set to begin operation on June 14, 2026 (counter acceptance from June 15). This card will combine the functions of the existing "Residence Card" and "My Number Card" into a single card. Voluntary acquisition: Not mandatory for all, but for those who wish...

In the midst of a labor shortage due to the declining birthrate and aging population, foreign students are a valuable asset to the workforce. However, when hiring them, it is necessary to properly understand the rules specific to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act), which are not applicable to Japanese part-time workers. In particular, the "28-hour-per-week limit" is lenient...

Good news for foreign residents living in Japan and companies that employ foreigners! The "Residence Card" and the "My Number Card," which have previously been bulky and separate in your wallets, can now be combined into a single card. It's called the "Tokutei Zairyu Card." Starting June 2026...

When renewing "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" status (Spouse Visa), the screening process tends to become stricter year by year, and particular attention should be paid to the following points. 1. stability and continuity of marital life Continuity of cohabitation: In principle, it is most important that the couple lives together and is substantially married....

⏳ 1. Introduction: Why is my visa application so slow? Many people spend anxious days wondering when they will be granted a visa (status of residence) after applying for one. The examination period at the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) is usually from one to three months, but some applicants may wait as long as six months...

Nishijin brocade, Kyoto dolls, and Kyoto fans live and breathe in the city of Kyoto. These traditional industries, which have been nurtured in the capital for millennia, are now facing an unprecedented shortage of successors. Parents are faced with such difficult decisions: "We want to pass on our skills, but we can't attract young people" or "Do we have no choice but to close our workshops?.

We receive many inquiries from hotel and inn owners and cleaning companies about hiring foreign nationals with specified skills for guest room cleaning. In fact, when hiring foreign nationals with specific skills for room cleaning, there are two ways of hiring: one is to hire them in the "lodging field" and the other is to hire them in the "building cleaning field.