Ministry of Justice Guidelines
8 Checkpoints for Renewal Review
Renewal = Performance Review
Have you cleared "all" of the following 8 items?
These are important points based on the Ministry of Justice guidelines.
Eligibility for residence status
Have you divorced, withdrawn from school, or resigned from your job? It is a prerequisite that the status or contract forming the basis of your visa continues.
Compliance with Standards
Do you still meet the specialized standards from the time of entry, such as maintaining national qualifications or securing a company office?
Actual Activities
[Most Important] Simply being registered is not enough. Do you have actual cohabitation, good attendance, and are you engaged in your original duties?
Good Conduct
Criminal records are, of course, out, but repeated traffic violations and violations of permission to engage in activity other than that permitted by the residence status (part-time work hours) are also out.
Assets and Skills to Support Livelihood
Do you have a stable income to live in Japan? The entire household will be reviewed.
Appropriate Working Conditions
Is the company adhering to the rules, such as paying salaries as per the contract and enrolling in social insurance?
Fulfillment of Tax Obligations
Are you delinquent on resident tax? This is a mandatory check item for renewal.
Fulfillment of Notification Obligations
When moving or changing jobs, did you notify the local government office or immigration office within 14 days?
Hello everyone. I am Shizuka Wakabayashi, an Immigration Specialist.
I will explain the "8 review points" indicated in the Ministry of Justice's "Guidelines for Permission or Non-Permission of Extension of Period of Stay." Renewal is a "report card of your past life in Japan."
① Eligibility for residence status
It is questioned whether "the status or contractual relationship that forms the basis of that residence status still exists."
- Spouse visa: The marital relationship continues.
- Student visa: Student registration continues.
- Work visa: Employment contract, etc., continues.
② Compliance with Landing Permission Standards
Whether you continue to meet the specialized standards from the time of entry, etc., at the time of renewal.
③ Actually Engaging in Permitted Activities
Important! It's not just about being registered; the "actual activities" are strictly scrutinized.
- Spouse visaIs there actual cohabitation and mutual cooperation as a married couple?
- Student visaAre attendance rates and grades good?
- Work visaAre you actually performing specialized duties, not simple tasks?
④ Good Conduct
Crimes are, of course, unacceptable
Repeated violations indicate poor conduct
Exceeding 28 hours per week is unacceptable
⑤ Assets and Skills to Support an Independent Livelihood
An economic foundation that allows for independent living without relying on public assistance is required (judged on a household basis).
⑥ Appropriate Employment and Working Conditions
Whether the company has enrolled in social insurance, pays salaries as per the contract, etc.
⑦ Fulfillment of Tax Obligations
This is an absolute condition.
Payment of resident tax, in particular, is mandatory. If there is even one year of delinquency, renewal will generally be denied.
⑧ Notification Obligations Stipulated by the Immigration Control Act
- Notification of "Place of Residence" when moving (within 14 days)
- Notification of "Affiliated Organization" upon resignation/job change (within 14 days)
Summary
These 8 points are "common-sense rules," but daily adherence leads to a smooth renewal. If you have any concerns, do not ignore them; please consult with a specialist.
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