Expert Explanation! Key Points to Remember While Waiting for Your Naturalization Decision

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1. Introduction

After submitting your naturalization application and completing the interview, you enter the screening period.

However, just waiting is not enough!
During this time, the Legal Affairs Bureau may request additional documents, and changes in your personal situation—such as moving or changing jobs—require proper reporting. Failure to handle these matters correctly could delay or negatively impact your application.

In this article, we will explain the screening process, important things to watch out for, how to handle additional document requests, and what to do if your situation changes.

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2. How Long Does the Screening Process Take?

✅ Typical Screening Period

The process usually takes 6 months to over a year.

📌 Special Permanent Residents / Spouses of Japanese Citizens → About 6 months
📌 General Foreign Applicants → About 1 to 1.5 years

👉 The exact duration depends on your personal circumstances and the workload of the Legal Affairs Bureau.

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3. Important Things to Watch Out for During the Screening Period

Here are the key points to keep in mind while waiting for your naturalization results.

✅ ① Always Respond to Communications from the Legal Affairs Bureau

• You may receive requests for additional documents.
• The bureau may contact you via phone or mail, so if your contact information changes, inform them immediately.

👉 Ignoring communications can cause delays in the screening process!

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✅ ② Report Any Major Life Changes to the Legal Affairs Bureau

If any of the following changes occur during the screening period, you must report them to the bureau.

📌 Job Change or Resignation
→ Submit new employment details (company name, address, employment contract, salary certificate).

📌 Moving to a New Address
→ Submit a new resident certificate (住民票 / jūminhyō).

📌 Marriage, Divorce, or Childbirth
→ Submit proof, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

📌 Passport Renewal
→ Submit a copy of your new passport.

👉 Failing to report these changes may negatively affect your application!

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✅ ③ Keep Up with Tax and Social Security Payments

Unpaid taxes or social insurance premiums can be a serious problem for your application.

📌 Double-check payments for:

• Resident tax, income tax, property tax
• National health insurance and pension contributions

👉 If your income changes, you may be asked to submit updated tax documents!

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4. How to Handle Requests for Additional Documents

✅ Why Are Additional Documents Needed?

The Legal Affairs Bureau may request extra documents if they need more information to verify your eligibility.

📌 Additional income or tax-related proof
📌 Employment contracts or work verification letters
📌 Family relationship documents (e.g., birth certificates)
📌 Additional nationality verification from your home country

👉 You must submit the requested documents by the deadline to avoid delays!

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✅ What to Do If Additional Documents Are Requested

📌 ① Contact the Legal Affairs Bureau Immediately
→ Confirm exactly which documents are needed and how to obtain them.

📌 ② Prepare the Documents as Soon as Possible
→ Some documents, especially from overseas, may take time to process, so act quickly.

📌 ③ Submit the Documents as Instructed
→ Check if you need to submit them by mail or in person, and ensure they arrive on time.

👉 Delayed submissions may extend the screening period!

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5. What If You Want to Withdraw Your Naturalization Application?

If you decide to withdraw your naturalization application, you must notify the Legal Affairs Bureau and submit a "Naturalization Application Withdrawal Request" (帰化申請取り下げ届 / kika shinsei torisage todoke).

📌 Explain your reason for withdrawing (e.g., job or family situation changes).
📌 Previously submitted documents may not be returned.

👉 While you can reapply later, withdrawing an application may impact future applications, so think carefully before deciding!

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6. Conclusion: Stay Proactive During the Screening Period!

The screening period is not just about waiting—it requires active communication and responsibility.

📌 Always respond to Legal Affairs Bureau communications
📌 Report any life changes, such as moving or changing jobs
📌 Stay on top of your tax and social security payments
📌 Submit any requested additional documents quickly

By handling these matters properly, you can ensure a smoother and faster approval process.

In Part 6 (Final Chapter), we will discuss "What Happens After Naturalization Approval and Life as a Japanese Citizen."