bobby12 0 Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I'm not really thinking of applying, but just wondered how long you had to be in Japan etc to get a PR. I looked on this page, which seems the be the governments offical info on it: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyuu/eizyuu.html If you read it, it gives zero solid information about how to get PR. Its like it has been written by an 8 year old. I genuinely think they have made it as difficult to read and understand as possible. They migt as well just say 'if we like you, you are in - just apply and take your chance' Link to post Share on other sites
NoFakie 45 Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 If you're married, you can apply when you get the three-year visa. The number of years in Japan doesn't matter so much, basically because they won't give you the three year one until they think you're okay. For single people, ten years unbroken employment visas is what you need. Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I just applied for my visa last month and spoke with them about P.R. I have been here 9 (fack me!) years now and when I mentioned my current position, having tenure, and a few other things they said I should apply and would (most likely) get it. Think there are several factors involved when the select who is/isnt qualified. Link to post Share on other sites
bobby12 0 Posted March 7, 2008 Author Share Posted March 7, 2008 I got a 3 yr spouse visa a few months back. I was on a 1-year on my first year, then straight away I got a 3 year. So I can apply for PR now or I have to wait until the 3-year is gonna expire? Link to post Share on other sites
bushpig 0 Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 You can apply at any time before the visa expire Bobby12, but you should allow at least 6 months before it expires. Two guys I work with got theirs after the first 3 year spouse visas. No probs. Link to post Share on other sites
indosnm 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Bobby, I Applied for the PR the day I got my 3 year (after the initial 1 year). No hassle for you, a few for you wife.. but a pretty easy process and free too! Link to post Share on other sites
bobby12 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Author Share Posted March 8, 2008 oo, sounds good. i always thought it took like 15 years. if i end up staying in japan nex year ill have to get me one. Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 application process takes about 6 months Link to post Share on other sites
fjef 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Mine took 10 1/2 months to process - 6 months is quick... Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 they must like me better then Link to post Share on other sites
bushpig 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 my two mates got theirs in about 3 months Link to post Share on other sites
sunrise 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 mine took 4. Link to post Share on other sites
indosnm 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 I got mine under 3 months. I was really suprised. I think something about changing passports and needing to leave the country helped me?? Anyways.. Just a waiting game, unless you need it soo bad it doesn't really make any diff. Does anyone know what happens to a PR if you leave the country? As I'm leaving soon I was thinking it might be better if I try and keep it? Can't think of any benefits in keeping it as I can always get my spouse visa again if I need one. Link to post Share on other sites
aomorigum 0 Posted March 9, 2008 Share Posted March 9, 2008 A few of my friends applied. One it took 4 months and the other one just over 6 months. Link to post Share on other sites
tsondaboy 0 Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 Not about PR, but I just changed my visa status from 留学 "foreign student" to 教授 "professor". It only took, an astonishing for Japan bureaucracy standards, 2 weeks from the day I applied. Link to post Share on other sites
bushpig 0 Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 Indo, it is valid as long as you have a valid re-entry permit, which effectively means you have to come back every 3 years minimum to renew that. That there is one piece of BS that they need to scrap! Link to post Share on other sites
sunrise 0 Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 what? and lose the money they make from it? Link to post Share on other sites
tripitaka 0 Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 This article's worth a read. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20060912zg.html You don't have to be here 10 years to get PR provided you meet some criteria. Being an English teacher is looked upon as less desirable these days so you have to talk it up if that's your way of earning a crust. Link to post Share on other sites
bobby12 0 Posted March 10, 2008 Author Share Posted March 10, 2008 Quote: The cost of the application -- 8,000 yen -- is only paid if the application is successful. This is better than, say, Australia where they charge you thousands of dollars just to apply for a work visa. My wife also paid a fortune for her student visa to come to the UK. We also paid a fortune to the UK embassy to register my daughters birth. So Japan seems to still be naive to the profitability - I guess this is one area where 'no change' works in our favour. Quote: While permanent residents need not ever apply for a visa again, they must, like regular foreign residents, get re-entry permits before they leave the country. In a way, whats the point of having it then? Its just a stamp of approval and nothing more. You still have to pay the gaijin tax and jump hoops every 3 years. Link to post Share on other sites
tripitaka 0 Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 Originally Posted By: bobby12 Quote: While permanent residents need not ever apply for a visa again, they must, like regular foreign residents, get re-entry permits before they leave the country. In a way, whats the point of having it then? Its just a stamp of approval and nothing more. You still have to pay the gaijin tax and jump hoops every 3 years. In my case, the point of having PR is to be able to operate my own business without relying on a sponsor. Also, I expect it will help if I plan to buy property and borrow money with fewer hassles. Link to post Share on other sites
fjef 0 Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 Here are 2 articles about current changes in the immigration tightening up on foreigners issue: http://www.japaninc.com/tt456 http://www.japaninc.com/tt458 The second article applies mostly to dual nationals but I think it sets the tone for the current attitude of the government. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 I heard the hoops you needed to jump were easy ones. Just the re-entry thing, is that right? Which is much easier than getting the visa done. Link to post Share on other sites
brit-gob 9 Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Yes I think when you have the permanent one, you only have to go and get the re-entry stamp and that is really easy. Getting visas is a much more involved process. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 I'll stick my head out here; it's actually Permanent Resident status right? Link to post Share on other sites
sunrise 0 Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Interesting read, fjef, thanks. Link to post Share on other sites
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