Introduction

Many foreign professionals in Japan hold the Highly Skilled Professional visa, and may have family members living overseas. This visa is based on a point system and offers various preferential treatments not only for the applicant but also for their spouse, children, and sometimes parents. This article explains the crucial points for renewing your visa when your dependents reside outside Japan, and strategies to avoid rejection by immigration authorities.

Family-Related Arrangements under the HSP Visa

Both HSP types (i & ii) enable the applicant to sponsor spouses and children via “Dependent” or “Designated Activities (Nos. 33/34)”. Parents can accompany you under strict conditions, such as a household income over 8 million yen, especially if a spouse is pregnant or has young children.

Key Points for Overseas Dependents

1. Point Calculation at Renewal
   A minimum of 70 points is required for extension, using the same Point-based System as for initial applications. Even with overseas dependents, providing documentation to prove actual financial support (remittance records, communication logs, etc.) is critical.
2. Family Relationship Documentation
   Documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of kinship are mandatory. Originals or certified copies from official government agencies abroad, with translations, should be attached.
3. Proof of Ongoing Financial Support
   Evidence of consistent financial support—such as remittance records and budgeting logs—must be presented.
4. Evidence of Sufficient and Stable Income
   Submit taxation certificates, tax payment receipts, and salary statements proving your ability to support your dependents.
5. Relationship with Permanent Residency or Status Change
   If you plan to apply for permanent residency or change your residence status, reconfirm updated requirements as they may differ if your family composition or income changes.

Tips to Avoid Rejection

• Prepare a complete set of required documents supporting your qualifications and points
• Demonstrate clear proof of family relationships and support arrangements
• Double-check all income and tax records for omissions
• Consult experts or immigration authorities about issues such as separation, bereavements, or insufficient contact
• Never submit forged or incomplete documents
• Choose the proper visa status (“Dependent” or “Designated Activities”) for each family situation

Example Scenario (With Modified Details)

Mr. A (age 35, IT engineer) holds HSP (i) and his wife (33) and children (ages 5 and 7) reside overseas. He remits monthly living expenses and submits remittance records, official certificates (marriage and birth, notarized), and income documentation at renewal. Due to full supporting documentation, his renewal was approved.

Common Mistakes & How to Prevent Them

• Support is unclear (no consistent records)—save proof of remittances and expenditures
• Family certificate is a copy, not original—submit government original with certified translation
• Points fall below 70 at renewal—review calculation and supply supporting evidence

Conclusion

For HSP holders with overseas family, visa renewal hinges on thorough documentation of family ties, financial support, and income. Always verify requirements and procedures with local immigration offices and official government resources, and consult experts as necessary. Requirements and documentation may change, so check the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Bureau’s websites regularly.