Q: I am a foreigner living in Japan, and need to submit an application for an extension of my work visa. As I am too busy with work to go to the immigration office myself, can a friend or family member submit my application on my behalf?
A: No, generally a friend or family member may not submit your extension application on your behalf. This is because the immigration system in Japan has a general policy to allow only self applications, where the applicant in question must submit his or her own application. The only exceptions for this are (i) cases where the applicant is under 16 years of age, in which case a parent can submit an application on the applicant’s behalf, or (ii) cases where the applicant is unable to go to the immigration office due to physicall sickness, mental sickness or other serious causes (please note that being “too busy with work” is not considered a serious cause).
To the contrary, you can appoint an authorized immigration lawyer to submit applications on your behalf, no matter what the reason (e.g. you are too busy, for convenience or you would feel better with professional help, etc.). Immigration lawyers have the authority to submit almost all types of applications on your behalf.
＊This entry is for informational purposes only, and may not apply in all cases. Please feel free to make an inquiry via e-mail for assistance regarding your special case.
ADVANTAGES OF USING OUR IMMIGRATION SERVICES
◆All correspondence available in native English
◆No additional charges for Japanese translation of English application documents
◆No frustrating long waiting hours at the Immigration Office!
