Is your visa renewal difficult?
Self-diagnosis check
Is your renewal 'simple' or 'difficult'?
If even one of the following applies, it will be a
'high-difficulty renewal'.
There was a 'change' in circumstances
'Poor' residence status
If any of these apply, documents from the Immigration Bureau's website alone carry a high risk of denial.
You need to prove your eligibility yourself with a 'statement of reasons' and 'additional documents'.
Hello everyone. I am Shizuka Wakabayashi, an Immigration Specialist.
Applications for those who have cleared all the review points explained last time and have no particular change in circumstances are called 'simple renewals', and proceed relatively smoothly.
On the other hand, for those with even a slight concern, it will be a 'high-difficulty renewal'. This time, we will explain the two key points that determine this.
Point ① for difficult renewals: Change in circumstances
If circumstances change compared to the previous application, the examiner will carefully re-evaluate whether it is appropriate to continue your residence.
● If you changed jobs
The 'stability of the new company' and 'relevance of job duties to academic background' will be reviewed from scratch.
● If your income significantly decreased
Doubt will arise regarding the requirement of 'sufficient assets to support an independent livelihood'.
● If you divorced or were bereaved
Since you lose the premise of a spouse visa, renewal is generally not possible. You need to promptly apply for a change to a 'Long-Term Resident' or work visa.
● Company's business deterioration
In cases of deficit settlement or insolvency, the review will be stricter from the perspective of 'whether salaries will continue to be paid stably'.
Point ② for difficult renewals: Poor residence status
- Unpaid taxes/social insurance premiums: Overdue resident tax, in particular, is fatal.
- Legal violations/traffic violations: Even minor traffic violations, if repeated, will be considered 'misconduct'.
- Failure to fulfill notification obligations: If you fail to notify within 14 days after moving or resigning.
- Violation of activity outside scope of visa: This includes international students exceeding 28 hours per week.
What to do for 'high-difficulty renewals'?
There is a high possibility of denial with only the minimum documents from the Immigration Bureau's website.
"Why did the situation change?" "Why couldn't the obligations be fulfilled?" "Reasons why residence is still appropriate"
You need to actively submit a 'statement of reasons' explaining these, and 'supporting documents' to back it up, to resolve the examiner's concerns.
Summary
Reflect on your own situation, and if there is even one point of concern, it is not a 'simple renewal'. It is recommended to start preparations early, and consult with a specialist if necessary.