Yes, a Japan work visa can be converted to a permanent resident visa provided you fulfil the eligibility requirements for it. To be able to qualify for PR with a Japan work visa, you must meet the 10-year residency requirements in Japan, reside in the country on a valid work visa for at least 5 years out of the 10 years, amongst other criteria. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, wherein highly skilled individuals can apply for a Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa in Japan, which grants them fast-tracked permanent residency in just 1-3 years, depending on their points in the points-based system.
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What are the eligibility criteria to convert a Japan work visa to a permanent resident visa?
To qualify for a PR status in Japan on a work visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as a minimum residency requirement, having a valid full-time work visa for a minimum of 5 years, including other criteria such as maintaining good conduct, having sufficient funds, and meeting the legal requirements for a PR visa in Japan.
The eligibility criteria to convert a Japan work visa to a permanent resident visa are as follows:
- Continuous residency: You must have lived in Japan for at least 10 continuous years
- Valid work visa: You must reside in Japan on a valid work visa for a minimum of 5 out of the 10 years.
- Criminal record: You must not have a criminal history or a criminal record
- Good conduct: You must maintain good conduct throughout, including not having any unpaid insurance or taxes, and no traffic violations
- Sufficient funds: You must have enough funds or financial resources to support your stay in Japan, which can be demonstrated through tax records or proof of a stable income.
- Current visa status: Your current visa must have a valid residence status of at least 3 or 5 years.
There are certain exceptions to the above-listed eligibility criteria to convert your Japan work visa to a PR. The exceptions include qualifying for a Japan PR visa through the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) or if you are married to a Japanese national. The Japan HSP visa allows highly skilled professionals to apply for a PR visa in just 1-3 years, depending on the points scored in the points-based system.
- Apply for PR through Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa: You can apply for a Japan PR visa in 1 year if you score 80+ points, or in 3 years if you score 70+ points through the points-based system. The point-based system for the Japan HSP visa assesses candidates based on factors such as age, education, minimum salary, and work experience.
- Applying as a spouse of a Japanese national: You can qualify for a faster permanent residence if you have been living in Japan for a minimum of 3 years as a spouse of a Japanese national or PR holder.
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Steps to convert a Japan work visa to a PR
To successfully convert a work visa in Japan to a PR visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, arrange the documents required, and submit the application at the nearest Immigration Services Agency office.
Here is a quick 5-step process for converting your Japan work visa to a permanent resident visa:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for PR in Japan
Step 2: If yes, arrange the following documents:
- A valid PR application form
- An original and valid passport
- A copy of the latest passport-sized photograph (in the last 3 months)
- A residence certificate (Juminhyo)
- Proof of income (tax records, payslips, or employment certificates)
- Guarantor certificate (if required)
Step 3: Submit the PR application
Step 4: Await the application status
Step 5: Upon approval, you will be notified and can convert your Japan residence card to a PR card
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