All applicants including foreign residents must have photographed and fingerprinted documentations before entering Japan. This is a standard operating procedure to prevent terrorism in the country. People who cannot provide such requirements are not allowed to enter Japan. Foreigners who enter Japan will receive a class of residence. The residency classes are subdivided into different groups. Some types are temporary visitors for travelers and a variety of classes for workers, students, and family relatives of Japanese citizens or residents. 

Entering Japan

There are 2 types of visas in Japan. These include seal type visas and stamp type visas.  The seal type visa, which is placed on the passport, are used overseas for Asian countries like Hong Kong, Philippines, and Thailand.  Stamp type visas are issued for residents of non-Asian countries.

Japanese Immigration Laws

The immigration Control Act of Japan specifies the basic legal structure for foreigners settling in Japan in terms of position in residence. This Act  has an alien registration system to control and monitor foreigners who are entering Japan. This immigration control act was issued in May 2000. 

Japan Patriot Act

The Japanese has legislation for foreigners who illegally enter the Japanese territory. The Japan Patriot Act made it more difficult for foreigners to enter Japan. Those who want to entered Japan are required to pass important documents. These requirements include:

•    a valid visa;
•    an identification card;
•    certificate to act as proof that the individual has no criminal record; and
•    a letter stating the reasons for the individual’s intentions of staying in Japan.

Types of Landing Permission in Japan

Non-working

The common entry status of those visiting Japan goes under a temporary visitor category. The temporary visitor permit is issued for 15 up to 90 days. This depends on the reason of the visit and the country of origin.

Working permission

Work permits have a huge number of classes. Most work permits are valid for one up to three years except for those who have entertainment permits.

Entertainment permits are valid for three up to six or even twelve months. An employer is usually essential to serve as the applicant’s guarantor. The applicant can work for any employer within the range and length of their landing permit.

Children and Spouses

Dependent children and spouses of foreigners who are allowed entry in Japan are given landing permissions for the same length as their parent or spouses.  Dependent children and spouses of Japanese nationals can receive landing permits or permissions for 1 up to a maximum of 3 years. Generally, the first landing permission valid from 1 to 3 years can be extended upon the first and second renewal.

Long-term residency

Long-term residency or nationality is specialized in categories of residency.  This is normally given to refugees. A  Japanese descendant from abroad among other groups overseas can be granted long term residency.

Permanent Residency

The permanent residency is the highest form of Japanese landing permission. This gives the owner the right to work and live within the Japanese territory. A permanent resident enjoys the benefit of being able to successfully apply for loans. Loan applications by foreigners who are not permanent residents of Japan are usually denied.

Types of Visas

Student Visa

The student applicant who wants to study in Japan is required to get a student visa at a consulate outside of the country or within the Japanese embassy. This is done to enter Japan on a status of residence with permission for long term schooling in the country.  Student applicants are prohibited to engage in other activities once they get permission from the immigration office of Japan or in their school.

Work visa process

When the applicant enters Japan, the individual will potentially be on a tourist visa exemption.  This is valid for 90 days. The owner of the validated passport may get an extra ninety days extension if the reason and circumstances agree with the law and the holder’s intention. The holder must leave Japan before the exemptions expire but can return almost immediately and get another 90-day visa extension.

Applicants are not allowed to get involved in any form of employment in Japan without a working visa. This process has a loophole because if in case the applicant gets a job and the company wants to sponsor the applicant, the individual can apply for the working visa permit in the Japan immigration office without ever setting foot outside Japan.  

Visa Eligibility

Foreigners are prohibited to work in Japan if they do not have a proper Japanese working visa. There are several ways to get a working visa.  Some of them are listed below.

• Marry a Japanese citizen – If a foreigner can find a Japanese citizen who is willing to marry the applicant, then the Japanese citizen will be able to help the foreigner get a work permit.
• Get a working holiday – the applicant should be under thirty years of age to get this type of visa.
  

Japanese Immigration Rule

According to the  immigration rule issued in 2007, all foreigners over the age of sixteen should be photographed and fingerprinted before being granted entry rights to Japan. Foreigners refusing to comply will be denied entry. Foreigners who go through the photographed and fingerprinted Japanese system can stay and work in Japan. The rule applies to foreign nationals including re-entry permit owners, permanent residents and visitors except holders of special permanent visas. This fingerprinted and photographed system is used to prevent smugglers and terrorist travelers from entering Japan.