Q: I am a foreigner living overseas. I would like to obtain a work visa in Japan, roughly how long will the procedure take, and when should I start preparing?
A: You would want to start preparing for the procedure at least 2 and a half months prior to the date on which you wish to arrive in Japan (but ideally, even earlier).
This is because, to begin with, it will take at least 2~3 weeks to get all of the paperwork ready (and more likely longer, if you need to ask former employers and schools for references and certificates) for the application (being an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (“COE”), which is a certificate certifying that you meet the criteria for the visa), after which you need to get them translated into Japanese. Next, after submitting the application at the Immigration Bureau in Japan (if you are living abroad, your Japanese Immigration Lawyer can do this on your behalf), there is a wait period of 1 month ~ 1 and a half months to get the result. Next, Congratulations! your application has been granted and your COE issued… but the procedure is not over yet. Your Japanese Immigration Lawyer will physically mail the COE certificate to your overseas address, which you will receive and take to the Overseas Japanese Consulate / Embassy nearest your home, and apply for a visa. Then, another wait period… and when you have successfully been issued a visa, finally you can board your flight to Japan…
＊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.
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