1 Apply Certificate of Eligibility (submitted to Immigration Bureau in Japan) by his/her proxy such as administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi lawyers) in Japan. 2 Issuance of Certificate of Eligibility (by Immigration Bureau in Japan) to above proxy in Japan 3 An applicant applies for visa accompanied by Certificate of Eligibility at Japanese diplomatic mission abroad 4 Visa issue at Japanese diplomatic mission abroad and enter Japan 5 Enter Japan with entry visa issued in above 6 Receive Resident Card at the airport after admitting status of residence by the Immigration Officer 7 Register your address in Japan at Ward Office (Kuyakusho/Shiyakusho)

Any foreign national wishing to enter Japan must have a valid passport with a visa corresponding to his/her purpose of entry into Japan. Upon landing in Japan, the foreign national must then be screened by, and receive a landing permission stamp from, an immigration officer at the port of entry, who will decide on the foreign national’s status of residence and period of stay. However, within the context of entry and residence procedures, “visa” and “status of residence” are two terms easily and often confused. “Visa” is a recommendation required for entry into Japan received in advance from a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad certifying that the passport is valid and […]