Foreign nationals who have received a Certificate of Eligibility must submit the necessary photographs and application documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country to apply for a visa. The documents required for a visa application at Japanese diplomatic missions abroad are listed on the websites of each diplomatic mission. As requirements may vary by country, please be sure to check before applying. }
The time it takes from application to issuance of a visa varies by country, but can be as quick as a few days to a week, and as long as two weeks. The validity period of the Certificate of Eligibility is generally three months, and entry into Japan must occur within this period, so it is necessary to apply for a visa well in advance.
Even if a foreign national possesses a Certificate of Eligibility, there is a possibility that a visa will not be issued if the individual falls under the reasons for denial of landing, or if there are doubts during the interview conducted at the embassy, etc. Although it is a rare case, caution is necessary. Once the visa is approved, it will be affixed to the submitted passport.
The criteria for the Specific Skills Visa are indeed clearly defined by the Immigration Control Act and the regulations of the Ministry of Justice, but the actual business scene varies by organization and its operational environment, and unforeseen situations can arise. Therefore, it is not uncommon to face unique cases not specified by law.
For such unclear parts, it is necessary to inquire with relevant organizations as needed and explore appropriate countermeasures. Furthermore, the application process and review standards may vary depending on the industry targeted and the administrative agency in charge, so it is important to check carefully.
Although the Specific Skills Visa is said to be relatively easy to obtain, companies need to meet many requirements, such as establishing a support system and complying with legal regulations, which requires time and effort for proper preparation.
If it is discovered after application that the conditions are not met, or if re-application is necessary, it may require more time and effort than expected. Therefore, before applying, it is advisable to carefully check whether the tasks to be undertaken conform to the specific skills and whether preparations are complete. Additionally, seeking support from administrative scriveners or lawyers during the application process can be a good option.