Permanent Residency - how long did it take?

[soundofsilver]

I was just wondering if any other members of this forum have managed to get permanent residency in recent years, and, more specifically, how long you were without your passport. I am in the process of getting my documents together but am still wondering when to begin the application, as I've heard that the Immigration Bureau need to keep your passport for the entire process (correct me if I'm wrong). Given that this can apparently take up to 4-8 months, I am a bit concerned that I would be unable to leave Japan for that length of time.

A colleague of mine says it only took him 3-4 weeks to get his application processed but his situation was slightly different from mine (U.S. citizen, already on spouse visa). I am married, but would be switching from Humanities/Intl. Services Visa and I am a British citizen. Can anyone let me know how long it took for them? Especially if you were in similar circumstances to me. Thanks in advance.

[RetireJapan]

It's been a while since I got PR, but I think it took about six months, and I don't remember the immigration office needing my passport.

Easiest way of clearing that up would be to phone them and ask.

Anyone else?

[MyTime]

I got permanent residency fairly recently. I took several months, but I'm pretty sure they don't keep your passport during the application process because I distinctly remember traveling abroad during the processing period.

I remember it because I remember the Japanese immigration officer at the airport looking at his screen and saying, "Ah, I see you are currently applying for permanent residency" after he "beeped" my passport. Kind of surprised me at the time that that information was included in whatever it is that pops up when they do that.

[soundofsilver]

Thanks to you both - that's quite reassuring. I was hoping to start the process in the next couple of weeks but do a bit of travel over the summer.

Easiest way of clearing that up would be to phone them and ask.

Good point!

[goodandbadjapan]

I'm another who doesn't remember having to give them my passport.

[N00bster]

I am currently applying (sent application almost 6 months ago) and still waiting for the outcome, and I can also confirm that I have my passport with me.

[soundofsilver]

Thanks all - very helpful.

NOOBSTER> So did you just have to show your passport when you submitted it or something?

[RetireJapan]

Good luck N00bster -hope you get good news soon

[N00bster]

NOOBSTER> So did you just have to show your passport when you submitted it or something?

Passport and Zairyuu card if I remember correctly (the exact list of documents is listed on the site). Both were promptly returned to me (after copy and probably verification).

Good luck N00bster -hope you get good news soon

Thanks! On the paper I should be good, and considering the amount of taxes I pay I believe the Japanese government has every incentive to keep me around, but I still hope things will go as planned.

What surprises me is that there is no way to check whether the application is indeed being processed - what if it gets lost? You have no way to know.

[Cornishguilt]

I just recently applied for a PR visa, and it took almost exactly 5 months to come through. I can also confirm that they don't keep your passport .