Nagoya

๐Ÿ›‚

Immigration Services

Assistance with visa applications, residency management, and local immigration offices.

Sections

1. Immigration Services Overview in Nagoya

Nagoya is served by the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau, which handles most immigration-related matters, including visa applications, residency status changes, and re-entry permits. Additionally, local municipal offices (ward offices) handle residency registration and related procedures.

2. Key Immigration Categories

Here are the main categories of immigration services you may need in Nagoya:

A. Visa Application and Status of Residence

  • Purpose: Apply for, renew, or change your visa/status of residence.
  • Examples: Work visa, student visa, dependent visa, spouse visa, etc.
  • Where to Go: Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

B. Residency Registration

  • Purpose: Register your address in Japan after arriving or when moving within Japan.
  • Where to Go: Your local ward office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, kuyakusho).

C. Re-entry Permits

  • Purpose: Obtain permission to leave and re-enter Japan while maintaining your residency status.
  • Where to Go: Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

D. Naturalization and Permanent Residency

  • Purpose: Apply for permanent residency or Japanese citizenship.
  • Where to Go: Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau (for permanent residency) or Legal Affairs Bureau (for naturalization).

3. Key Offices in Nagoya

Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau

  • Address: 5-18 Shoho-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8601
  • Access:
    • From Nagoya Station, take the Aonami Line to Nagoya Port Station (about 25 minutes). The bureau is a 5-minute walk from the station.
  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed on weekends and public holidays).
  • Website: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Ward Offices (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, Kuyakusho)

  • Each ward in Nagoya has its own office for residency registration. Examples include:
    • Naka Ward Office: For central Nagoya residents.
    • Minato Ward Office: For residents near the port area.
  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM (closed on weekends and public holidays).

4. Step-by-Step Procedures

A. Visa Application or Renewal

  1. Determine Your Visa Type:
    • Check the visa category that matches your purpose (e.g., work, study, family).
  2. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Application form (available on the Immigration Bureau website or at the office).
    • Passport and residence card (if applicable).
    • Photo (4 cm x 3 cm, taken within the last 3 months).
    • Certificate of Eligibility (if applying for a new visa).
    • Supporting documents (e.g., employment contract, proof of enrollment, financial statements).
  3. Submit Application:
    • Visit the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
    • Pay the application fee (if applicable) using revenue stamps (shunyu inshi), which can be purchased at the bureau or nearby convenience stores.
  4. Processing Time:
    • Typically 2-4 weeks, but it may vary depending on the visa type.
  5. Receive Your Visa/Residence Card:
    • You will be notified when your application is approved.

B. Residency Registration

  1. Visit Your Local Ward Office:
    • Go to the ward office that corresponds to your address in Nagoya.
  2. Bring Required Documents:
    • Passport.
    • Residence card (if you already have one).
    • Proof of address (e.g., lease agreement).
  3. Complete the Registration:
    • Fill out the residency registration form.
    • Receive your My Number card application form (optional but recommended).
  4. Processing Time:
    • Registration is completed on the same day.

C. Re-entry Permits

  1. Determine the Type of Permit:
    • Single re-entry or multiple re-entry.
  2. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Application form.
    • Passport and residence card.
  3. Submit Application:
    • Visit the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
    • Pay the fee (ยฅ3,000 for a single re-entry permit, ยฅ6,000 for multiple).
  4. Processing Time:
    • Usually completed on the same day.

D. Permanent Residency

  1. Eligibility:
    • Typically requires 10 years of continuous residence in Japan (exceptions for spouses of Japanese nationals or highly skilled professionals).
  2. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Application form.
    • Passport and residence card.
    • Proof of income and tax payments.
    • Letter of guarantee from a Japanese citizen or permanent resident.
  3. Submit Application:
    • Visit the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
    • Pay the application fee (ยฅ8,000).
  4. Processing Time:
    • 6 months to 1 year.

5. Costs and Fees

  • Visa Application/Renewal: ยฅ4,000 (revenue stamp).
  • Re-entry Permit: ยฅ3,000 (single) or ยฅ6,000 (multiple).
  • Permanent Residency: ยฅ8,000 (revenue stamp).
  • Residency Registration: Free.

6. Important Considerations

  • Language Barrier: Most forms and procedures are in Japanese. Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or hire a translator if needed.
  • Peak Times: Immigration offices are busiest in the morning and around lunch. Arrive early to avoid long waits.
  • Revenue Stamps: These are required for most applications and can be purchased at convenience stores or post offices near the immigration bureau.
  • My Number Card: This is a national ID card that simplifies administrative procedures. Apply for it at your ward office after registering your address.

7. Additional Resources

  • Nagoya International Center (NIC):
    • Offers free consultations for foreigners, including legal and immigration advice.
    • Address: 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya.
    • Website: Nagoya International Center
  • Immigration Hotline:
    • Call 0570-013904 for assistance in English and other languages.

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to handle immigration services in Nagoya. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!