Useful Columns

⏳ 1. Introduction: Eliminating Concerns about the Screening Period for Visa Applications After applying for a visa (status of residence), the screening period, or "when will I be approved?" is a major concern that directly affects living and working in Japan, as well as hiring plans of companies. The Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau of Japan) website provides a guideline...

For companies wishing to hire foreign nationals as full-time employees, obtaining status of residence is an important procedure that cannot be avoided. Among these, "Technical/Humanities/International Services" is the work visa required for hiring foreign nationals for office work. In this issue, we will introduce a successful case where a visa was successfully obtained...

In this era of globalization, more and more companies are considering hiring international students. However, an important procedure called **"Change of Status of Residence "** is required when hiring. In this article, we will explain what you need to know to properly hire international students from the perspective of an administrative scrivener. Why foreign students...

When you want to hire a foreigner, simply signing an employment contract is not enough to have him/her work in Japan. In order for a foreigner to work legally, it is necessary to obtain a **status of residence (work visa)** appropriate to the nature of the work. In this article, we will discuss the requirements for companies hiring foreign nationals...

Japanese society is facing a serious shortage of labor. In order to solve this problem, the **Specified Technical Skills** status of residence was introduced. In this article, we will provide an overview of the "Specified Technical Skills", the industries and occupations covered, application requirements, procedural flow, and points to note from the perspective of an administrative scrivener. 1. 1. "Specified Skills"...

In order for a foreign national to engage in white-collar work in Japan, it is necessary to obtain a status of residence (work visa) for "Engineer/Humanities/International Services. In this article, our expert administrative scriveners will explain the application requirements, the flow of procedures, and common cases of disapproval in an easy-to-understand manner. 1. "The...

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.