Introduction

Applying for permanent residency in Japan is a major goal for many foreign nationals. However, if application documents or explanations are insufficient, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan may reject the application due to “insufficient explanation.” Even if your application is denied, if you correctly identify the cause and take appropriate measures, you still have a good chance of obtaining permanent residency. This article explains key points to note when reapplying after being pointed out for insufficient explanation, based on the latest guidelines and official information.

Basics of Permanent Residency Application and Stricter Screening

A permanent resident application allows you to obtain the “Permanent Resident” status, which removes restrictions on period of stay and activities in Japan. The application requires submission of a passport, residence card, permanent residence application form, photo, and other necessary documents. Screening has become stricter each year, and since the 2019 guideline revision, the approval rate is around 50%.

Main Reasons for Denial and the Meaning of “Insufficient Explanation”

Main reasons for denial include:

• Not meeting requirements such as annual income or number of dependents
• Unpaid or delayed payment of taxes, pension, or insurance premiums
• False or concealed information in the application
• Incomplete documents or insufficient explanations

“Insufficient explanation” means that the documents or explanations submitted are not enough for the examiner to determine if requirements are met. For example, if there is not enough explanation or evidence regarding long-term overseas stays or income stability, this may be pointed out.

Checking the Notice of Denial and Identifying the Reason

If denied, first check the “Notice of Denial” from the Immigration Services Agency. This often states, “It was not recognized as conforming to Article 22, Paragraph 2, Item 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act,” without specifying details.

Therefore, bring the notice and visit the immigration office to directly ask the examiner, “Which part was insufficiently explained?” You can only confirm the reason once, so prepare questions in advance and consider having a specialist such as a Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) accompany you.

Key Points to Note When Reapplying

1. Thoroughly Analyze the Reason for Denial

• Accurately identify which documents or explanations were lacking based on what was pointed out at immigration.
• Also check for other overlooked issues.

2. Supplement Required Documents and Explanations

• Add missing documents or explanations so that the examiner has no doubts.
• For example, for long-term overseas stays, attach business trip orders or statements of reasons for travel; for income, attach pay slips or employment certificates.

3. Avoid False or Contradictory Explanations

• Ensure there are no contradictions with previous applications. Even when preparing new materials, maintain consistency.
• False applications are strictly prohibited and may result in revocation of status.

4. Improve Payment Status of Taxes, Pension, and Insurance

• If there were unpaid or delayed payments, pay all dues and attach proof.
• For pension and insurance, it is recommended to accumulate at least one year of on-time payments before reapplying.

5. Get a Pre-Check by a Specialist

• Have a Gyoseishoshi or other specialist check your application documents for any deficiencies or insufficient explanations.
• Advice from a specialist greatly increases the success rate of reapplication.

6. Timing of Reapplication

• If the reason for denial was incomplete documents or insufficient explanation, you can reapply as soon as improvements are made.
• However, if requirements such as income or tax payment records need time, wait until those are met before reapplying.

Example Cases

[Case A]
Applicant B was denied due to frequent overseas business trips in the past year, leading to doubts about Japan being their main base of life. For reapplication, B attached business trip orders, travel schedules, and materials showing their life in Japan, and carefully explained the reasons for travel and their base in Japan. As a result, B obtained permanent residency.

[Case B]
Applicant C was denied due to delayed payment of resident tax and National Health Insurance. After paying all dues and attaching proof of more than one year of on-time payments, C was approved upon reapplication.

Conclusion

If you are pointed out for insufficient explanation in your permanent residency application, it is important to accurately identify the reason for denial and supplement the necessary documents and explanations. By providing honest and consistent explanations, improving your tax and pension payment status, and having a specialist pre-check your application, your chances of success increase greatly. Permanent residency screening is becoming stricter each year, but with careful analysis and appropriate action, obtaining approval is fully possible. If you find it difficult to handle on your own, consider consulting a specialist such as a Gyoseishoshi.