Key Points
- Foreign nationals will submit residence permit applications through new online portal
- The platform is being rolled out in phases. The platform was opened only to students in November of 2020 and is now also available to foreign nationals applying for a residence permit and a work permit
- If additional documents are needed to support the application, notification will be sent and a response must be provided within 15 days
Overview
Applicants will need to create an account on the portal to be able to have access to any open cases. The online portal will give applicants the ability to view case status and upload documents instead of providing physical copies. If fingerprints were originally requested with the foreign national’s visa application, they will not be required to provide them again. Once the application is submitted, an “extension of rights” certificate will be issued which will allow for travel. If approved, the applicant will receive a certificate of approval and then will be able to pick up the permit at the prefecture. If fingerprints were not collected previously, fingerprints will be taken when the permit is picked up.
Looking Ahead
As of now, neither ICT applications or change of status applications are included in the rollout but we will continue to provide updates as we receive them.
