Changing to the Startup Visa in Tokyo After Being Told There Was No Precedent

This is a case of a change of status of residence to the Startup Visa for someone aiming to start a business in Japan. The application desk explained that there was no precedent and even advised against applying, but the change was approved.

The Situation

The person who came to us was living in Japan under the “Designated Activities” status of residence and was about to start preparing a business in Tokyo. The first decision was which status of residence to pursue. After comparing several routes, we decided to proceed with the Startup Visa (a system that lets you stay in Japan to prepare a business).

Challenges Before Applying

The outlook was difficult. Among changes of status from within Japan, the only prior status named in Tokyo’s Startup Visa Q&A is “Student” (Questions 39 and 41), and a change from a different category of Designated Activities is not a form normally anticipated. If the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) does not grant its confirmation, the reasons are not disclosed (Q&A, Question 38), so a second attempt cannot be counted on. On top of that, little time was left before the period of stay expired, and applying was even discouraged.

Even so, not being anticipated is different from not being permitted under the system. After confirming that the path to a change of status was not closed, we decided to proceed.

Our Support and the Outcome

As the applicant’s proxy, our office handled everything from collecting and preparing the documents to submitting them, and took on the communication with the application desk. The key was showing, through the documents and the interview, that the applicant was likely to meet the Business Manager requirements within the preparation period. In this case, both were in English. We refined the Startup Preparation Activity Plan together, based on the applicant’s own vision, and held a rehearsal before the interview.

As a result, the applicant received the Startup Preparation Activity Plan Confirmation Certificate from the TMG, and the following application to the immigration authorities for a change of status of residence was also approved.

What This Case Shows

Being told there is no precedent is not the same as the path being closed. Outcomes vary with each person’s circumstances, but confirming what the system allows is the starting point.

How We Can Help

• Eligibility: We assess whether you can use the Startup Visa and where the challenges may lie
• Startup Preparation Activity Plan: We refine the plan with you, based on your own vision
• Application to the local government: As your proxy, we submit the documents and handle communication with the desk
• Interview preparation: We help you prepare for the interview, including rehearsals
• Immigration applications: As a registered immigration specialist, we file Certificate of Eligibility and change of status applications on your behalf
• Moving to Business Manager: We also support the later change of status to Business Manager
• English support: We work with you in English from consultation to application