Hi, I have been in Japan around 8 years now and currently on a 5 year working visa which will expire end of Next year ..
I went to my home country for like a month for vacation and came back to Japan in August to continue my job… But in about 3 weeks time, due to a sudden family issue I had to go back to my home country and will have to remain there around 4 months, working from home for the same company..
As my visa will expire next year end, am planning to renew my visa plus I am thinking of applying for PR in the future…
Do you if these 4,5 months that am out of Japan can effect with my chances of getting PR ? I am a bit worried and stressed about it, so appreciate your genuine feedback please 🥺
5 comments
Yeah. It’s possible that it will affect your PR application if you stay out of Japan for more than 90 consecutive days.
To get PR, you must live in Japan for 10 consecutive years(this becomes shorter under certain condition like you have a spouse visa). If you are out of Japan for long, they would not see it as consecutive.
Anyway, if you really have no choice but go back, you have to get a proof of your situation. For example, you have to go back because your family is sick, then just get a proof from a hospital then submit it when you apply for PR.
You’d better ask a lawyer
If you’re working for the same Japan-based company, not moving out from your current dwelling and still paying taxes/utilities/pension/etc, you’re very likely still a resident in the eyes of the Emperor.
If you’re on a 5-year visa – assuming you get another 5-year visa when you renew next year – then it’s clear that you’re already in a strong position viz. immigration officials, so as long as you’re up to date on everything else you *should* be fine when you apply (because remember, you can’t apply until you hit the 10-year mark).
You’ll hardly be the first PR applicant with such circumstances – immigration understands that our families are often thousands and thousands of miles away, and Shit Happens and sometimes you have to go and take care of things. If anything it shows that you’re responsible and care about your family, both of which are obviously rated highly here.
That said I do agree with the other poster – this is exactly why you hire a lawyer to help you with the process, because they will know how to present this situation in a way that doesn’t reflect negatively on you.
I don’t think so.
If you have 5 year visa you can stay out for no more than one year.
I went to Taiwan for less than one year working remote for Japanese company (my son born in Osaka but I took him to Taiwan so my wife family could help a little), that time I was 8 years in Japan , came back apply PR no issues (this year).
As long ur visa don’t cut (re entry) you are ok and is count as consecutive. I also apply PR for my son (3 years half now ) and no issues for him as well.
Important note is that you need to keep ur Japanese address and tax payment, ur company should not change ur working address.
Call immigration, they will tell you the same , but just for your peace of mind .
Yes, if you are outside Japan for 90 days consecutively or 100+ days total in a year, you are giving immigration a reason to deny your application for PR for not having 10 consecutive years in Japan.