When children who came to Japan under Dependent status grow up and want to continue living and working in Japan, what residence-status options may be available?
A major factor is when they came to Japan and how long they received education in Japan.
- If they have lived in Japan since elementary-school age or earlier: if employment is secured after high-school graduation, a change to Long-Term Resident status may be considered when the applicable requirements are met.
- If they came to Japan during junior-high-school age or before entering high school: after high-school graduation and securing employment, a route through Designated Activities and later to Long-Term Resident status may be considered. Additional requirements may apply, such as having a parent in Japan act as guarantor.
- If they came to Japan while attending high school: after graduation and securing employment, a change to Designated Activities may be considered subject to applicable requirements, which may include Japanese-language ability.
Therefore, even if a parent later returns home or does not obtain permanent residence or naturalization, a child’s history of living in Japan under Dependent status and receiving Japanese school education while still a minor may leave a path for continuing to live and work in Japan.