FAQ

I want to get permanent residency status. What are the qualifications?

First, I will ask you what your current status of residence and job is. Based on your answers, I will explain to you the qualifications for you to get permanent residency status.

How do I fill out the residency period renewal application, and what documents are necessary?

First, I will ask you what your current status of residence is. Based on your answers, I will explain to you how to fill out the residency period renewal application, and what documents you will need.

I got a divorce with my Japanese spouse. I want to change my residency status from “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” to a visa so that I can stay in Japan.

Before explaining the necessary procedures, I will need to confirm your Japanese language ability, period of stay in Japan, livelihood (if you have a job/can financially support yourself) etc.

I want to continue living in Japan, but what status of residency is applicable to me?

First I will confirm with you what current activities you are engaged in, to see which status of residency is applicable to you, and then I will advise you on what status of residency is the best fit for you.

I want to bring my family (parents, children) here too.

I will ask you about your current status of residence, the ages of your child(ren), the livelihood of your parent(s), and whether they would be financially covered if they moved to Japan. I will explain the necessary conditions based upon your responses.

My employer won’t recognize my work-related injury.

Please consult with the Labor Standards Inspection Office with jurisdiction over your workplace.
Be prepared to tell them the time and date of the injury, how it happened, and how your employer has done afterwards.
(Reference) If because of moving etc. you are unable to go to the Labor Standards Inspection Office with jurisdiction, it is possible for the case to be transferred to said office. In addition, the Labor Standards Inspection Division, Foreigner Consultation Corner offers interpretation in Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese.

I was laid off by my employer.

If there were less than 30 days between when you were notified of your dismissal to the day of your dismissal, you are eligible for severance pay. Please report this to the Labor Standards Inspection Office with jurisdiction.
If you object to the dismissal, and want to fight it as an unfair dismissal, through the services of the Labor Office, you will begin procedures for a labor tribunal and a trial. For the labor tribunal you will likely want to consult with a lawyer.
(Caution) Your labor contract, work conditions written notification, time card, pay-slip etc. are very important documents. Make sure to keep them even if you leave your job.

My employer won’t pay me my wages (includes overtime pay)

Gather documents such as your work conditions written notification, past pay-slips, work record (Something which shows your work hours, overtime hours, working during days off etc., and if you are able to make a copy, a copy of your time card), and make a report to the Labor Standards Inspection Office with jurisdiction.

My employer won’t sign me up for social insurance (employment insurance, social insurance).

When your employer won’t sign you up for employment insurance, please consult with Hello Work.
(Please bring documents which can confirm the hours you’ve worked, such as your work conditions written notification, time card etc.)
※Eligibility for employment insurance: Those who under their contract are expected to work over 20 hours a week, for over 30 days.
When your employer won’t sign you up for social insurance, please consult with the Pension Office.
(Please bring documents which can confirm the hours you’ve worked, such as your work conditions written notification, time card etc.)
For those who want to include their family in their insurance, more detailed explanations such as about income are necessary.
※Eligibility for social insurance: Under their contract are expected to work minimum 3/4ths the amount of a regular employee (approx. 30 hours), who are not exempt.

”My employer won’t let me take paid leave” “My wage amount isn’t as promised”

Please report this to Labor Standards Inspection Office.

I have experienced power harassment/sexual harassment/pregnancy discrimination at my workplace/by a coworker(s).

Please consult with the Hiroshima Labor Bureau Employment Environment etc. Office

I want to find work.

Please consult with the foreigner employment service corner at Hello Work.
※For the above employment/labor-related issues, please consult if needed with the Labor Standards Inspection Division, Foreigner Consultation Corner and the foreigner employment service corner at Hello Work. (For technical intern trainees, please consult with the native language consultation service at the Organization for Technical Intern Training)

I am the victim in a criminal case.

First I will listen carefully to your accounting of the case, and then I will explain the procedures in filing a criminal case. Then I will explain how to get civil compensation.

I am being accused in a criminal case.

I will explain the possibility of arrest or detainment, the likelihood of being convicted as guilty or not, and how to proceed with trial procedures.

I want to divorce my spouse because of their infidelity.

I will explain the likelihood of being able to receive reparations, cautionary points for divorce (parental responsibility, child-rearing expenses, distribution of property, divorce costs etc.), as well as introduce you to divorce arbitration.

I would like to receive my inheritance, but there is another successor.

I will first ask you about your inheritance, and once I explain how to receive your inheritance, I will introduce you to partition of an estate mediation.

I want to cancel my contract, and get my money back.

I will have you bring your contract in, and will explain whether you can cancel your contract, expectations of outcome if you take it to trial, the probability of recovering your money etc.

Please introduce me to somewhere I can learn Japanese.

If you live in Hiroshima City and want to learn simple Japanese communication skills, I will introduce you to the Hiroshima International Center’s one-on-one Japanese practice program. If you don’t know any Japanese or do not live in Hiroshima City, I will introduce you to a Japanese class close to you.

I would like medical interpretation when having a medical examination at the hospital.

While the Hiroshima International Center does not directly receive requests for medical interpretation, we send interpreters based on requests from the hospitals we cooperate with. Please consult with the hospital first. (Refer to the Hiroshima International Center homepage for hospitals we cooperate with)