Yes. A short initial message is used to confirm whether the matter is within the scope of this office, what basic information may still be needed, and which service may be appropriate.

It does not include a case-specific eligibility assessment, document review, HSP point calculation, or advice on whether and when to apply.

A consultation allows discussion of an individual situation within the agreed time. Decision Check is a focused review of one defined decision, such as whether to proceed, wait, prepare further, or consider another option.

Application support is a separate engagement covering agreed preparation, document work, filing support, and related tasks.

No. At the initial-inquiry stage, a brief description is normally sufficient. Please do not send sensitive identity documents until they are specifically requested through an agreed process.

The general guideline requires continuous residence in Japan for at least ten years, including the required period under an eligible work or residence status. Special rules may shorten the period for spouses, children, Highly Skilled Professionals, and certain other applicants.

Length of residence is only one part of the assessment. Other guideline requirements must also be considered.

The Immigration Services Agency currently states a standard processing period of four to six months. This is not a guaranteed completion date; actual processing may vary by office, workload, and the circumstances of the application.

No. A Permanent Residence application does not replace or automatically extend the applicant’s current status of residence. If the current period of stay will expire during review, a separate extension application must be considered.

No. A case-specific HSP point calculation, historical point review, evidence verification, or advice on the earliest application date requires a paid assessment.

For accelerated Permanent Residence routes, it may be necessary to prove the required points both now and at the relevant earlier date.

Yes. Keep receipts, payment certificates, bank records, and other proof relating to resident tax, National Pension, National Health Insurance, and similar public obligations. Proof of when a payment was made may be relevant, not only whether it was eventually paid.

A dependent spouse or child of a person holding an eligible work- or activity-based status may be able to use Dependent status. Family members of Japanese nationals, Permanent Residents, and others may need a different status-based category.

The correct category depends on the sponsor’s status, the relationship, dependency, age, and other circumstances.

The assessment may include the legal relationship, the substance and continuity of the marriage, living arrangements, livelihood, and the consistency of the explanations and evidence.

The documents required depend on whether the matter is a COE application, change, or extension, and on the couple’s history.

Not automatically. The reason, duration, actual marital relationship, communication, financial arrangements, and future plans may need to be explained and supported. The conclusion depends on the individual facts.

Yes. The service, included work, professional fee, payment timing, and expected external expenses are explained before paid work begins. If new work becomes necessary later, it is explained before an additional fee is charged.

No. Immigration decisions are made by the competent authority based on the applicable rules and the individual facts and evidence. Professional support can help identify issues and present the application accurately and consistently, but it cannot guarantee an outcome.