Not for me personally, but a friend of mine was anxious about PR application, so I mentioned that if she wanted someone to consult with and double check for her maybe she should hire a lawyer. She said that hiring a lawyer makes it look like you think your situation is a long shot, or something like that, and so you’d be looked at more critically for PR.
Now, I know a lawyer is absolutely not necessary for PR application in most situations, you just go gather up your docs and submit them – it’s relatively straight forward. But, if someone did want to contract a lawyer just to, idk, sooth their anxiety about doing something wrong, or to have someone submit the documents for them because they don’t have time, or whatever reason, does that actually “look bad” for your application? It seemed to me like being able to afford a lawyer might look good for you, or might not really impact it one way or another. Idk. I guess I’m just wondering if what my friend said is true out of interest.
Edit: sorry, by lawyer I did mean judicial scrivener
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No one but the officer assigned to the application can really answer the question, but I’d guess it has no impact whether a lawyer is used or not, in and of itself.
Of course, in some situations lawyers will add value to the application, but I still would think the final application stands alone.
It’s scrivener not lawyer. And your friend is wrong. As opposite they’ll feel more comfortable explaining required documents to someone with experience.
I used a lawyer for my PR application and it went through without any problems. I didn’t know enough about the process at that time to feel comfortable enough doing it myself. The application package my lawyer put together made it extremely difficult for them to find a reason to deny it.
It’s better, easier, and faster to use a lawyer [edit: or Judicial Scrivener as revised by OP] and they know the drill. They can also ask and get hints back if an application needs help. And they go to Shinagawa and stand in line instead of you!
This is a guess but as applications from lawyers and Judicial Scriveners are usually more precise, complete, typed, and easier to process, it might even be advantageous to use a lawyer.
Better Call Saburo (avoid him)
It’s so easy to do by yourself. I have no idea why anyone would use a lawyer. I would only use a lawyer if I were a darker skinned person from a country which the Japanese think is inferior to Japan.
It’s much easier than even just a few years ago to do the application by yourself.
That being said, using a lawyer does not make you “look bad”.
In my opinion, it’s the opposite.
The lawyers know what to look for, the pitfalls, know if your particular situation/application could do with a bit of N extra touch, etc.
Is the cost worth it? That’s up to the individual (I did it).
I was super busy at work, and had a new baby. Didn’t have the time to run around to collect everything and go to immigration. Wanted the peace of mind to know that everything was being handled.
I just completed mine, and it was entirely intermediated by an agency. It cost me nothing (thanks, employer), and I’m perfectly willing to believe what everyone else has said that DIY is also easy.
I bring it up just to say that the idea “using an intermediary makes you look desperate” is dumb. Using an intermediary means “I thought it was a better use of my time and money for someone else to handle the little shit,” which is certainly not a desperation play.
There are plenty of well paid people in Japan who outsource it to someone who can manage the task quicker, faster, & better without issues. Also a guarantor may feel more comfortable providing their personal info directly to your consultant. If you are single & your guarantor is a work friend etc this is a great option. Using someone to do your PR application does not look sketchy at all.