Residence Status & Immigration Applications

We support residence procedures for living, working, studying and joining family in Japan, from planning an application to required notifications after approval.

Coordinated support from authorized immigration filing agents

All administrative scriveners at Hokuto are authorized immigration filing agents. Our office handles consultation, eligibility checks, document preparation, application submission and responses to requests for additional information throughout the review.

What matters in a residence application

Eligibility depends not only on your intended activities, but also on education, work history, employment conditions, the employer’s business, family relationships and your residence history. A well-prepared application must explain the facts consistently with the applicable requirements, rather than simply collect documents.

Services we provide

• Certificates of Eligibility for entry from overseas
• Changes of residence status and extensions of stay
• Permanent residence applications and preparation for naturalization
• Certificates of Authorized Employment and permission for other activities
• Dependent, spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident, and Long-Term Resident applications
• Work-related statuses including Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Business Manager and Specified Skilled Worker
• Notifications concerning affiliated organizations, activities and address changes

Support for individuals

We review your current status, residence deadline and plans such as changing jobs, marriage, divorce, graduation or starting a business. Where there have been refusals or missed notifications, we examine the history and consider how to explain it in supporting documents.

Support for employers

We check the fit between the candidate’s background and duties, employment terms, company documents and reasons for hiring, and plan applications around the intended start date. We also support post-hire notifications, renewals and document preparation for multiple hires.

From consultation to application

1. Initial consultation: your deadline and objectives
2. Eligibility review and required document checklist
3. Collect evidence and prepare application forms and statements
4. Review the content and arrange submission or explain how to file
5. Respond to additional information requests and explain next steps after the decision

Case experience

For a Taiwanese client’s naturalization application, ordinary family register records did not sufficiently establish family relationships. We researched how to obtain historic records in Taiwan and secured the required materials. Where certification systems differ by country or period, we organize evidence around the facts the receiving authority needs to confirm.

Case examples are anonymized to protect privacy. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances.

Common questions

Do I need a new residence status when changing jobs?

Not necessarily. However, you must check whether the new duties fall within your current status and whether an affiliated-organization notification is required. Obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment before renewal may also be an option.

Can I consult you when my deadline is close?

Please contact us as early as possible. We review the deadline, application and available evidence and explain a realistic order of action.

Eligibility, required documents and review periods vary by nationality, receiving authority and circumstances. We assess your situation at the initial consultation and explain the appropriate approach.