Has anyone ever managed to bring all the documents required for your extension of period of stay or change of status of residence in 1 try?
It’s been almost 15 years and about 10 renewals for me. I double check the list and the tables linked in the official lists. I bring all those documents, plus the ones I got asked previous years just in case.
Not once have I gone out of the immigration office without the little envelope to send extra required documents.
Am I stupid? I am not good at administering papers and all, maybe I’m just stupid. But I swear 25% of the documents required are not written on the official website. The way they make those lists with links linking to more tables with links is an obscure maze that doesn’t help anyone.
Why can’t their be a simple list of all documents required? Is every situation different to require an extra document that is not written anywhere?
Edit: sounds like I’m the problem. Thank you for the reality check
13 comments
I’ve renewed it numerous times and always been sent away with one or two documents in hand that they didn’t end up needing (secondary proofs I bring along that relate to ones stated on the official list). I’m not sure how they’re managing to request entirely different documents from you after ten rounds, unless your living conditions have been changing wildly over that time.
You don’t even specify what you brought vs what they asked for.
Is there a reason why immigration might be constantly suspicious of your applications/renewals?
Like are you constantly changing jobs? Constantly getting married/divorced? Are there discrepancies in your paperwork? Undisclosed side jobs?
Never had an issue with my renewals. Sounds like you’re just a walking red flag for immigration so they keep asking for additional verification it sounds like.
Done it four times, never had to return with any forgotten documentation.
Yes. I have bad news if you ever want to apply for PR btw…
I recommend using the Japanese website for the best info rather than their English site, I’ve found discrepancies before
Do you do it in Japanese or English?
That makes a difference. I guess you are not submitting all the required documents as it should be. The format might be wrong.
It’s not an answer to your question. But now you can apply for visa extension online.
I applied for work visas (3 different companies made me do it), 1 marriage visa, 2-3 renewals for those visas, and PR all by myself.
It was very straight-forward, just gather the documents on the immigration website, bring them in. They never asked for more documents. My favorite was the essay portion of the spouse visa application. (Or at least it felt like an essay) That was a tale of love, romance, and a dream… I joked with my wife that I should write a book.
That said, they could be asking for more documents due to some specific circumstances with your case. Maybe I’m just a boring guy.
As a bit of context, I have always had high reading comprehension test scores in my own native language growing up, and I had read a lot of Japanese novels and news websites in my free time for fun before coming to Japan. I passed JLPT 1-kyu (pre-“N”-era’s highest level) before coming to Japan as well.
To change or status, I just went there and explained what I wanted to do. The woman handled me the papers I needed and was it. The second time, I checked on the website and printed all needed. Could you name what documents for exemple?
i recently did a visa type change and there absolutely were documents they requested that were NOT on the list on their website (Japanese ver). my Japanese is fine and I’m autistic so I’m very good at checking lists and reading requirements – I thought I was going insane. (I’m sure some of it was due to my personal circumstances, but surely not all, since there were really basic documents too….)
Been here for 20+ years. Not once have I ever getting such treatment. Guaranteed 5 years everytime. One thing I notice is seems like many don’t attach a å››å£å ± of their current company. Could that be the reason?
Btw applying for PR and its crazy complicated. lol
Just going through the renewal process from HSP-A to B and I first went in with just the application file and they obviously sent me away with a list of required documents.
Got everything together, including lots of updated company docs, and was told the only likely missing documents was an official certificate from my ward showing national and local tax (even though this is shown in the annual tax slip, it’s not accepted)
So you’re not the only one but I also fully expect to go in a few times and adjust accordingly
First year asked for extra documents. New job.
Second time extra documents. New visa type.
Third time onwards. Never been asked again. Same documents every time. Taking note after the first time(s) what I missed and making a note on my calendar for a year later knowing I’d probably forget the same document. (Which I did and the memo worked)