"I want to continue living in Japan forever..."

The status of residence "Permanent Resident" fulfills that precious desire. When applying, the "Statement of Reasons", which conveys your "feelings for Japan," "your journey so far," and "your dreams for the future," plays a very significant role.

*Although the term "Permanent Resident visa" is commonly used, such a visa does not exist.
Also, please be aware that there is no such right as "permanent residency" in Japan. It is strictly a "Permanent Resident" status of residence, which merely means there is no limit on the period of stay.

But,
"What should I write in the Statement of Reasons?"
"How can I write it so my feelings reach the immigration officer...?"
"I look at examples, but I can't find one that fits my situation, and I'm troubled..."
Are you facing these kinds of concerns?

It's alright! In this article, a specialist in statuses of residence will carefully and clearly explain, one by one, the "writing recipe" for completing a Statement of Reasons that will resonate with your heart, much like spreading out a recipe in the kitchen.

After reading this, you should feel, "I think I can write this!" Now, let's create the best Statement of Reasons together!

1. First, the Basics! The Somewhat Important Relationship Between Permanent Resident Applications and Statements of Reasons

Just as preparation is crucial in cooking, there are basic things you should know before writing your Statement of Reasons.

What Kind of Status of Residence is "Permanent Resident"?

Many of you may already know this, but being a Permanent Resident is like a "special ticket" that allows you to live in Japan with peace of mind indefinitely, without worrying about renewing your period of stay. There are many benefits, such as expanded work opportunities and easier access to housing loans.

How is the "Statement of Reasons" Viewed in the Examination?

While many documents are submitted for a Permanent Resident application, the Statement of Reasons is like a unique, special letter that allows you to convey your "true voice" to the immigration officer. The officer tries to perceive your warm personality and your sincere feelings for Japan from the Statement of Reasons, things that cannot be conveyed by numbers alone.

Furthermore, by explaining the reasons behind any circumstances that may appear negative in your documents, while also showing sincere reflection, you can make a better impression on the immigration officer.

It might make you a bit nervous, but that's precisely why you want to prepare it wholeheartedly, isn't it?

2. Before Crafting Your Statement of Reasons! "Three Mindsets" and "Important Things" to Know

It's finally time to prepare for writing your Statement of Reasons. But before that, just like the "secrets" to making delicious and nutritious food, there are important points you should know.

What are the "Main Examination Points" for a Permanent Resident Application? (A Little Bit of Technical Talk)

The Statement of Reasons also plays a role in gently reinforcing, with words, that you meet these points.

• "Are they living in compliance with the rules?" Point (Good Conduct Requirement)
• "Can they live independently in Japan?" Point (Independent Livelihood Requirement)
• "Are they a person who will be a plus for Japanese society?" Point (Conformity to the National Interest Requirement)
  • Basically, you must have lived in Japan for 10 years or more, with at least 5 of those years on a work-permissible visa.
  • You must be properly paying taxes, pension contributions, and health insurance premiums. This is very important!
  • The period of stay of your current visa must be the longest possible. And so on...

*Of course, for those who are married (to a Japanese national or Permanent Resident), or those with special skills (such as Highly Skilled Professionals), the conditions may be somewhat relaxed.

Regarding this, there is an explanatory article on the Permanent Residence Guidelines, so please refer to that as well.

The "Three Mindsets" When Writing Your Statement of Reasons – You'll Be Fine if You Follow These! –

• No lies! Be honest and convey things as they are.
• "Just because" won't get the message across! Add specific episodes.
• Be thorough and write with sincerity. Typos and omissions are a waste! Immigration officers are human too, so carefully written documents leave a good impression.

"Who is Best to Write It?" – Conveying it in Your Own Words is Best! –

Basically, it is best if the applicant writes it themselves. Thoughts expressed in your own words will resonate most strongly with the immigration officer.

However, if you're "a little unsure about Japanese expressions..." or "want to convey things more effectively," specialists like us, Gyoseishoshi lawyers, can help you give shape to your thoughts. Let's work together to create the best Statement of Reasons.

3. [Secret Recipe Revealed!] The Perfect Cooking Guide for Your Permanent Resident Application Statement of Reasons

Thank you for waiting! Finally, here is the specific writing recipe for the Statement of Reasons. Let's go through it together.

Step 1: Gather the Basic Ingredients! – The Framework of the Statement of Reasons –

1. Title: Something simple like "Statement of Reasons for Permanent Resident Application" is fine!
2. Date and Signature: Don't forget the submission date and your signature.
3. Addressee: Write "To the Minister of Justice" or "To the XX Application Department, XX Immigration Services Agency."
4. Your Profile:
   • Name
   • Residence Card Number
5. Your Story from "Encountering Japan" to "Me Today":
   • When did you first come to Japan? For what purpose? Your story begins there.
   • Try to write clearly in chronological order about graduating from a Japanese school, what kind of work you've done in Japan, what kind of visa you've lived on, etc. Past part-time job experiences can also be wonderful episodes showing your connection with Japan.
   • Point! Don't just list events; adding a brief comment about what you learned from those experiences and how you adapted to life in Japan will add much more depth.
6. Introduction to "My Current" Happy Life in Japan:
   • About Your Work:
     • What kind of company, in what position, and what kind of work are you doing? How many years have you been doing it?
     • How are you contributing to Japanese society through your work? (e.g., Helping everyone with your specialized skills! Created a new service!)
     • Subtly convey that you have a stable income (make sure it matches your salary certificate!).
   • About Your Family, Daily Life:
     • Do you have family living with you? Their names, relationships, nationalities, visa types, etc.
     • How are you and your family enjoying life in Japan together? Let them know your family loves Japan too!
     • If your children attend a Japanese school, that's also a great selling point.
   • About Your Home:
     • Is it your own home? Or rented? How long have you lived there? Show that you have a stable place to live.
   • Keeping Promises! Important Public Duties:
     • State that you are properly paying taxes (resident tax, income tax, etc.), pension, and health insurance premiums. This part is really, really important!
     • If you've accidentally committed a traffic violation or something similar, be honest about it, show that you've reflected on it, and explain in your own words that you're careful not to repeat it. Concealing things will only cause more worry.
   • Connection with the Community, Japanese Language:
     • Do you have any episodes of participating in volunteer activities, attending neighborhood festivals, or getting along well with your neighbors?
     • If you've passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), definitely write it! Also, specifically explain how you use Japanese in your daily life and at work.
7. "Why Do You Want to Live in Japan Permanently?" Speak from Your Heart:

   Let's convey your feelings in your own words, with sincerity, so the immigration officer thinks, "This person's feelings are wonderful," "I want them to stay in Japan." Try thinking from these perspectives:

   • "I love Japan!" Heartwarming Episodes:
     • The wonderful aspects of Japan you've discovered while living here, your favorite culture and customs.
     • Important people you've met in Japan (friends, colleagues, neighbors).
     • "I want to continue living in this Japan!" Your strong feelings, along with your unique episodes.
   • "My Future Self" Dream Plan in Japan:
     • Once you become a permanent resident, what kind of life do you want to lead in Japan? What dreams do you want to achieve? (e.g., I want to advance further in my career! I want to live securely with my family! I want to interact with local people through my hobbies!)
     • It's even better if it's not just a fantasy, but a concrete plan that makes them think, "It seems achievable if they do this!"
   • "What I Can Do for Japan" Declaration (Past and Future):
     • How have you been able to help Japanese society through your work and activities so far?
     • As a permanent resident, how do you want to give back to Japanese society in the future? (e.g., I want to be more useful to Japan with my expertise! I want to participate more actively in volunteer work! I want to help revitalize the community!)
     • Instead of just "I'll do my best!", imagining concrete actions will greatly increase your persuasiveness.
   • "With My Family, Forever in Japan" Passionate Feelings:
     • Your strong desire to continue living securely in Japan with your important family (especially if your spouse or children are Japanese nationals or permanent residents, mention that too).
     • Reasons why Japan is the best for your family, such as your children's education.
   • "I Love This About Japan!" Respect for the Culture:
     • What aspects of Japan do you find attractive and resonate with?
     • Conveying that you understand and cherish Japanese culture and rules also leads to a good impression.
8. If There's Anything Else You Want to Convey in Conclusion...:
   • It's also nice to mention your relationship with your guarantor and your feelings of gratitude.
   • If you have something to reflect on from the past (like a minor traffic violation), be honest about it, explain that you've reflected on it, and that you're careful not to repeat it. Honesty is best!
   • If there are any other selling points you definitely want to convey, summarize them briefly.

Step 2: Seasoning Variations! – Tips for Case-Specific Examples –

Everyone's situation is different, so Statements of Reasons are also unique to each individual. Here, we'll give you hints on what kind of seasoning (points) would be good for several cases. (These are just hints, so please find your own original seasoning!)

• For those who have worked hard in jobs (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, etc.):
  • Seasoning Point: Confidently appeal that you have worked stably for a long time in a Japanese company and contributed with your specialized skills and knowledge! Also, talk about your future career advancement and how you want to contribute to the Japanese economy.
  • Aroma of the Example: "At XX Company, as a professional in XX, I have successfully led many projects for XX years. I want to continue using my skills to further vitalize the XX industry in Japan!"
• For those who are the cherished spouse of a Japanese national or Permanent Resident:
  • Seasoning Point: Specifically describe your happy married life with your partner, the warm home you've built in Japan, your future life plans together in Japan, and your good relationship with each other's families.
  • Aroma of the Example: "I married my husband (wife), XX, in XX year, and we have been building a happy home in Japan for XX years, caring for each other. Our child (XX years old) also loves their Japanese nursery school (school), and we sincerely wish for our whole family to continue living amicably with the local community in this beloved Japan."
• For those with special talents! Highly Skilled Professionals:
  • Seasoning Point: As a Highly Skilled Professional, specifically explain what activities you've engaged in, what wonderful achievements you've made, and how much you've been able to contribute to Japanese industry or academia. They expect you to continue utilizing that talent in Japan!
  • Aroma of the Example: "As a Highly Skilled Professional, I was able to achieve the groundbreaking result of △△ in research and development in the 〇〇 field. This significantly advances Japan's 〇〇 technology, and as a permanent resident, I intend to continue to exert my utmost efforts for the future of Japan."
• For those who have settled in Japan as a "Long-Term Resident":
  • Seasoning Point: Convey that you have firmly established yourself in Japanese society, are leading a stable life, and have a strong desire to continue living in Japan.
  • Aroma of the Example: "For 〇〇 years, I have lived in Japan as a Long-Term Resident, actively participating not only in work but also in local volunteer activities. Japan is already an important second home to me. I wish to continue living peacefully as a member of this country, contributing to society."

★Important Spice! The examples are just for reference. Adding plenty of your own unique episodes in your own words is the best secret ingredient!

Step 3: This is NG! "A Little Caution" to Avoid Failure

Even delicious food can be ruined by small mistakes... Let's also learn the points to "avoid" in your Statement of Reasons.

• Just saying "I like it" or "I'll do my best" might not convey your feelings... Why do you like it? How will you do your best? Explain specifically!
• Lies and exaggerations can lead to a loss of trust. Honesty is best!
• If it's only complaints and criticisms about Japan, the immigration officer will be troubled... Convey your positive feeling of "I want to live in Japan!"
• Too many typos or omissions might make them think, "Hmm?" Review it carefully before submission. Using AI for proofreading is also an option.
• If what you say differs from other documents, they'll wonder, "Which one is true?" Keep the content consistent.
• Wait a moment before using examples from the internet as they are! It's a waste if your personality disappears.

4. Level Up! Secret Techniques for Crafting a Statement of Reasons that "Resonates Deeply" with the Immigration Officer

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, next are the pro tips! These are hints to make your Statement of Reasons even more attractive.

• Instead of "I'm doing my best!", say "I obtained the XX qualification!" Conveying with specific numbers and facts increases persuasiveness!
• Convey your feelings of "gratitude" to Japan specifically! Not just "I did volunteer work," but something like, "I participated in XX volunteer work for XX years and helped with XX."
• "I really want to live in Japan permanently!" Express that passionate feeling in your own words. Words from the heart, not by-the-book phrases, resonate the most.
• Peace of mind with a "Final Checklist" before submission!
  • Are there any typos or omissions?
  • Are the date, name, and address correct?
  • Does it say the same thing as your other documents?
  • Is it written in words that anyone can understand?
  • Were you able to specifically write your feeling of "I want to live in Japan permanently!"?
  • Were you able to properly convey "I want to do this for Japan"?
  • Isn't it filled with only negative words?
  • If possible, it's a good idea to have family or friends proficient in Japanese read it and give you advice!
• Handwritten? Typed? Which is better? Either is fine! Typing might be easier for corrections and readability. If handwritten, write neatly and with sincerity. Be sure to sign it by hand.

5. "Hmm, This is Still Difficult..." In Such Cases, Please Consult Specialists Like Us

Crafting a Statement of Reasons is a crucial step in the permanent resident application process that you'll want to approach with particular care. However, if you think, "I'm anxious doing this by myself..." or "I want to make an even better Statement of Reasons!", please feel free to reach out to "specialists" like us, Gyoseishoshi lawyers.

What's it Like to Ask a Specialist? (Merits)

• You can be properly informed about the latest examination information and the points immigration officers look for.
• A professional will fully support you in creating your unique, best Statement of Reasons.
• You can also have your documents checked, giving you peace of mind.
• It might help reduce the anxiety of "What if it's not approved...".

Things to Consider... (Demerits/Points to Note)

• Asking a specialist will incur costs.
• The content of services and fees vary depending on which specialist you ask. Please choose carefully.

Doing it Yourself! Final Checkpoints for You

If you decide to try it yourself without relying on a specialist, just one more time before submitting!

• Have a trusted friend who is good at Japanese or someone from your company read it and get advice on any unclear parts.
• It's reassuring to check the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency's website one more time.

6. Finally: We Are Cheering You On with All Our Might!

Crafting a Statement of Reasons for a permanent resident application is truly a lot of work, isn't it? However, if you refer to the "recipe" shared in this article and prepare each part with sincerity, your wonderful feelings will surely reach the heart of the immigration officer.

The "Permanent Resident" status of residence is an important key to making your future in Japan shine even brighter. We would be truly happy if this "Statement of Reasons recipe" could help you unlock that key.

We sincerely hope your permanent resident application goes smoothly! We are cheering for you from the bottom of our hearts!