If you are considering applying for a Permanent Resident Visa, this is a must-see! This section explains the key points and example sentences of a letter of reasons!
A Permanent Resident Visa is a status of residence that allows you to stay in Japan without any restrictions on the period of stay or the type of work you can do. For this reason, the examination process is time-consuming and rigorous. Here, we will explain the “Letter of Reason” to be submitted when applying for a Permanent Resident Visa.
What is a Permanent Resident Visa?
A Permanent Resident Visa is a visa (status of residence) that allows permanent residence in Japan. Unlike other visa statuses, there are no restrictions on the period of stay, and you are basically free to choose the type of work you can do. However, the requirements are stricter than those for other statuses of residence. However, the requirements are stricter than those for other statuses of residence, and the examination process takes a number of days.
If you have a permanent resident visa, you can stay in Japan even if you divorce your Japanese spouse. If you have a spouse visa, you will lose your status of residence if you divorce your Japanese spouse. In this case, you will have to change to another status of residence, or if that is not possible, you will have to return to your home country.
Points of the Statement of Reason
When you apply for a permanent residence visa, you will submit an application form and necessary documents to the Immigration and Residence Office. In addition, you must also submit a “Statement of Reasons,” which describes the reasons why you wish to stay permanently.
There are no specific rules regarding the number of pages or words in the “Statement of Reasons,” but generally it should be two to three pages of A4 paper. It can be handwritten or computer-generated.
There is no particular rule regarding the format, but here is an explanation of the general structure of a “Statement of Reasons.
First, at the top of the document is “Dear Minister of Justice,” to which the permanent residence visa is addressed, and below that is the title, which may be either “Statement of Reasons,” “Reason for Application,” “Reason for Applying for Permanent Residence,” or “Motive for My Desiring to Live Permanently in Japan. Under the title, the applicant’s name should be written.
Next is the main text. The applicant’s self-introduction should be written first, but only the applicant’s name and nationality are required. Next, the following personal history should be written.
・Date of arrival in Japan
・Reason for coming to Japan
・Activities after entering Japan
・Current situation, length of stay, etc.
Naturally, the information you provide must be the same as the information you have already submitted to the Immigration Office. If there are any discrepancies, you may be questioned or pursued later.
Next is the applicant’s current situation.
・ Current job
・ Applicant’s family situation
・ Current financial situation and fulfillment of official obligations (e.g., tax payment)
・ Number of years of current status
・ Current income
・ Establishment in Japanese society
・Japanese language ability
If there is anything that may be a negative point in the permanent residence examination, provide an explanation. For example, explain in an easy-to-understand manner that you were in arrears of social insurance premiums in the past, but paid them later in a lump sum and are currently not in arrears.
Next, the most important part of the “Statement of Reason” is the reason why you wish to stay in Japan permanently. For example, you should state in an easy-to-understand manner that you are married to a Japanese national, have lived in Japan for more than 15 years, have your main base of living in Japan, and wish to continue living in Japan.
Also, show that you meet the requirements for a Permanent Resident Visa. For example, you should show that you have no criminal record, that you have not failed to pay taxes or social insurance premiums, that you have contributed to Japanese society through your work, and that you have no problems with your Japanese language ability.
Example
Dear Minister of Justice
Statement of Reasons for Application
Name of the applicant
My name is ……. and I am a U.S. citizen. I am applying for “Permanent Resident” status.
I hereby explain my background and the reason for my application.
About my history from the time I came to Japan to the present
I was born in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., and graduated from high school and college in my home country. In order to utilize the XX……. that I acquired in college, I started working for XX company in Japan in XX……. ・・・・
About my job situation
I am currently working for a XX company. My job description can be found at ・・・・・. I would like to contribute to Japanese society through my current job in the future.
About the reason for my application
I have three reasons for applying for “Permanent Resident” status: First, XX ・・・・. Second, XX ・・・・. Third, XX ・・・・.
The above is my background, current situation, and the reason for my application. I would appreciate your kind permission.
2000-07-01
Summary
The “Statement of Reasons” is a document that is considered quite important in the permanent residence visa application process. Be sure to describe your past history, how you came to Japan, your current situation, and the reason for your application in an easy-to-understand manner.
