{"id":217,"date":"2025-11-28T21:24:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T12:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7jo.jp\/en\/?page_id=217"},"modified":"2025-11-28T21:28:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T12:28:49","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/7jo.jp\/en\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Understanding Japan\u2019s Visa and Status of Residence System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is the difference between a \u201cvisa\u201d and a \u201cstatus of residence\u201d?<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n\n\n\n

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Visa<\/strong>\uff1a a document issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate that allows you to enter<\/strong> Japan.
Status of residence(Zairyu-Shikaku)<\/strong>\uff1a the legal permission that allows you to live and work<\/strong> in Japan after you arrive.
Even if you have a visa, you cannot work in Japan without the correct status of residence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a more detailed explanation, please see our full guide: \u201cThe Difference Between Visa and Status of Residence.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>

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What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n\n\n\n

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A COE is an official document issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for people who wish to enter Japan for mid- to long-term stays. If you have the COE, you can smoothly apply for your visa to enter Japan.
After the COE is issued, you apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy\/consulate, then enter Japan and receive your residence card.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>

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How long does immigration screening usually take?<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n\n\n\n

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Processing time varies depending on the application type and status of residence, but standard cases usually take 1\u20133 months<\/strong>.
Complex cases may take longer.
We will advise you of the expected timeline based on your situation.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>

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What is a Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener\/Immigration Specialist )?<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n\n\n\n

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A Gyoseishoshi is a nationally licensed legal professional in Japan who prepares and submits documents to government agencies.
Those with \u201cCertified Application Agent\u201d status are authorized to submit immigration applications on behalf of clients.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>

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About Our Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What can a Gyoseishoshi (Immigration Specialist) do for me?<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n\n\n\n

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Our office is staffed by Certified Application Agents<\/em> (\u201c\u7533\u8acb\u53d6\u6b21\u884c\u653f\u66f8\u58eb\u201d), who are authorized to submit applications to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on your behalf.
We will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n