RetireJapan

Hello All

I've been working in Japan for more than 12 years and currently have a 5 year spouse visa. Just wondering my options to transition from spouse visa to PR if I am no longer employed?

I've been employed my whole time being in Japan and I plan to get the application in this week. But will soon be taking "involuntary retirement" (kicks in around end of July).

There's a good chance my application will overlap with my last day employed.

Anyone tried (and hopefully succeeded) in a transition to PR if they don't have a job?

Cheers

In theory, ability to support yourself should not be a factor in PR from the spousal route. Not sure I would want to test that out though. In any case, if you get your application in while still employed there is no need for them to know that you have subsequently become unemployed.

Beaglehound wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 8:44 am In theory, ability to support yourself should not be a factor in PR from the spousal route. Not sure I would want to test that out though. In any case, if you get your application in while still employed there is no need for them to know that you have subsequently become unemployed.

You are required to inform immigration if your employment status changes during the application period. In Tokyo, applications typically take 6-12 months.

Tsumitate Wrestler wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 9:03 am

Beaglehound wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 8:44 am In theory, ability to support yourself should not be a factor in PR from the spousal route. Not sure I would want to test that out though. In any case, if you get your application in while still employed there is no need for them to know that you have subsequently become unemployed.

You are required to inform immigration if your employment status changes during the application period. In Tokyo, applications typically take 6-12 months.

Ah, ok sorry, mustn't have noticed that when I applied.

The main thing for PR is to convince the inspector that you are good for Japan.

Paid a lot of tax, supporting wife + family going forward are good reasons. You might have to get creative about how you'll do that if you don't have any more income sources lined up.

I was similarly worried when I applied for PR. Covid was raging and I was concerned the company I was working for would go belly up.

Pretty much the day I became eligible, I got my application in. I checked and checked and checked the paperwork I submitted.

I got the result in 3 and a half months and I successfully got PR. So if you nail the paperwork, there’s a chance you might get PR before your situation changes.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice.

I think my best chances is if I pay a specialist to get my application together incase things get complicated.

Any recommendations?

Well, I can only speak from what I have heard from some others, Make sure all the city taxes, national taxes, health insurance, and pension payments are up to date and paid for. Then, stick it in, and wait. I have heard a few getting rejected because they have fallen behind on payments. Back in the day, it was a little bit easier, as I didn't have a real job. But I had a couple of Japanese kids, so it was much easier, but i have heard of a few married, just getting renewed visas again and again.( but they hadn't paid up the taxes, pension, and health insurance)

How far back do they go with the checks?

I've been employed in a big company up until now would expect everything to be order.

However, I've still to gather all the certificates etc.

For spouse I believe it is the last 3 years, and your spouse has to be above board too.

You could also apply via the 10 year route. Then your spouse's situation probably won't matter, but you'll still need to provide data for yourself including 5 years worth of tax payment certificates, and also find a guarantor (I'm not sure if spouse works as a guarantor in this case, I'm guessing almost nobody who can do the spouse route does the 10 year route).

https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Permanent_residency

That page summarizes the issue and also links to the official requirements on the immigration website. If your experience reveals new info please feel free to update the wiki article.