Introduction

When applying for Permanent Resident Status in Japan, one of the required documents is the “Letter of Guarantee.” For many foreign applicants, securing a guarantor is a significant hurdle. As a result, some turn to “guarantor agency services.” However, using such services carries serious risks. This article explains the risks of using a guarantor agency service for permanent resident applications and effective countermeasures.

Role of the Guarantor and Screening Criteria

The guarantor for permanent residence must be a Japanese national or a permanent resident. The guarantor’s role is to support the applicant in complying with Japanese laws and fulfilling public obligations. Unlike a joint guarantor, the guarantor does not bear legal or financial responsibility; their responsibility is moral only.

The Immigration Services Agency uses the existence of a guarantor to assess whether the applicant is well-adapted to Japanese society and trustworthy. If an applicant cannot secure a guarantor despite living in Japan for many years, it may be seen as a lack of social roots, lowering the credibility of the application.

Risks of Using a Guarantor Agency Service

A guarantor agency service introduces a third party, with no personal connection to the applicant, as a paid guarantor. The risks include:

• High Risk of Rejection
  Immigration authorities emphasize the relationship between the applicant and the guarantor. If it is discovered that the guarantor is a complete stranger arranged through an agency, the application is highly likely to be rejected as a “formal guarantee”.
• Loss of Credibility
  Paying money to secure a guarantor is not seen as a legitimate method in Japanese society, greatly damaging the applicant’s credibility.
• Future Impact
  If an application is rejected due to use of a guarantor agency, this “inappropriate application history” may affect future applications, making approval more difficult.
• Risks for the Guarantor
  Agency-provided guarantors often do not know the applicant well, and may lose social credibility themselves. If they fail to fulfill their guarantee, they may be disqualified from acting as a guarantor for others in the future.

Example Case

For example, Mr. A (Chinese national, 30s) had lived and worked in Japan for over 10 years and wished to apply for permanent residence. With no family or close friends in Japan and unable to ask his boss, he used a guarantor agency service and listed a complete stranger as his guarantor. Immigration authorities questioned the unclear relationship, and his application was denied. In a subsequent reapplication, the previous inappropriate guarantor selection was noted, leading to another rejection.

Why You Should Avoid Guarantor Agency Services

• Immigration authorities focus on the substantive relationship between applicant and guarantor; formal guarantees are not accepted.
• Using such services may be seen as evidence of insufficient integration into Japanese society.
• If the same agency guarantor is involved in multiple applications, information may be shared among authorities, risking blacklisting.

Countermeasures to Avoid Risks

• Ask Someone Close to You
  First, ask family, close friends, or a workplace supervisor who is a Japanese national or permanent resident.
• Participate in Community Activities
  Engaging in local volunteer work or community organizations can help build social connections, making it easier to find a guarantor in the future.
• Consult a Professional
  Consult an administrative scrivener or legal specialist in immigration matters for proper advice. If you cannot find a guarantor, explain the situation honestly and attach a statement of reasons.
• Avoid Unnatural Guarantor Selection
  If you cannot explain the relationship with the guarantor or if money is exchanged, reconsider the application.

Conclusion

While using a guarantor agency service for permanent resident applications may seem like a quick fix, it carries significant risks such as application rejection, loss of credibility, and negative impact on future applications. Building a solid foundation in Japan and seeking a guarantor through legitimate means is the best path to obtaining permanent resident status. If you are unsure, consult a professional to avoid risks and ensure a successful application.