Been married for 9 years, living in Japan for 6 on spouse visa. I own my home, I speak Japanese and run a domestic Japanese business. White male from North America.
I’ve just recently picked up my new resident card last week and once again received a 1 year period of stay, having again requested a 5 year visa with ample explanation and all documents in order.
This year in particular, I included final offer letters for a group of clients wanting to sign with my company — the caveat having been the expectation that I’d finally receive a longer period of stay. They have told me bluntly they “simply cannot invest in a potential that could take flight in 365 days”. I won’t go into further detail about my business as not to doxx myself, but this is a very understandable requirement given the industry and contractual agreement(s). So while I am immensely frustrated and quite frankly sick to my stomach, I unfortunately do understand. That said, this was my last shot on this, as they’d graciously held out for an added 2 years for me, but are now moving forward with another contract. I’m absolutely gutted. I’d been working on this contract for years.
I also included multiple reference letters from the business association in my prefecture, character reference from my 89 year old neighbor who is the head of the neighborhood committee and has vouched for me immensely, as well as recommendation from a head of council in my city. This all on top of a cover letter, family photos, and the standard “above and beyond” application one could expect in trying to pursue stability in a 3~5 year period of stay. Even went with a blue background for the required application photo.
On Wednesday I was also again just denied another financing contract due to “the contract period exceeding your period of stay” to finance equipment for my business. My wife is fed up (with the system thankfully, not with me) with having to sign off on what feels like anything and everything for me, “like a child”. I’ve gone through the same hoops with denials for mobile phone plans (straight monthly plans are a non-issue, but I need the capacity for standard device financing on contract, specifically for me business), bank accounts and credit cards… I’m watching myself get senselessly further and further behind as opportunities pass me by and can’t make heads or tails of what I’m doing wrong. I’ve forcibly run my entire operation with cash while competitors are able to take advantage of unbelievably low interest rates and I can’t acquire so much as a decent credit card.
I have ample savings, assets, stable marriage, successful business (against all odds and frustrations with these limitations). I have never had a late payment, pay all my bills, taxes, and have never received even a traffic ticket. I am enrolled in community volunteering and support locals however possible.
I need financing to take my business to the next level and need stability beyond a coin toss every 365 days. I’ve paid scriveners through various highly rated firms, as well as a self-renewal, and continue to end up with the 1 year term. I sold everything in my home country to be here and commit myself to being a model example. I have sacrificed the means of ever being able to own a home again in my home country, watching that possibility further run away year over year while I’ve dedicated my life to my wife and this country.
As an aside, My wife and I wanted to adopt a cat. We made the “mistake” of proper disclosure in listing the 2 of us on the application and that we “should have” simply applied under her individually, but I don’t believe this is a good habit. Through the interview screening, we were informed we were “unfortunately ineligible” and to “please try again once you’ve received permanent residency”. They didn’t care that my wife herself is a citizen, explaining to us that it is against policy if either spouse is a temporary residency status holder. I have wanted to pursue permanent residency, but am of course ineligible with a 1 year period of stay.
I hit my wits end after chatting with a “long-time freelance private english teacher” at immigration while we waited for our numbers to be called. We spoke in English, because he admittedly“can’t speak any Japanese”. He was complaining about inflation and how far behind he is with bills, going so far as having his power cut off multiple times at his rental apartment, very low wage, and “no real hope or plan for the future”. He walked out with a 5 year visa.
What can I do to achieve a longer period of stay? Does anyone have any experience with being issued 1 year periods of stay, and what changed the outcome when you were finally granted a longer period?
The firms and scriveners I’ve spoken to have always told me the pattern is 1-1-3 from initial COE into the first 2 renewals for spouse visa. My experience is clearly very different.
I’m seeking any and all advice here. Thanks.