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Official status

JapanSpecial cases

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Explore pathways in Japan Read the five questions ↓

What exactly is the official special programme/status and why does it exist?

'Official' is a Japanese status of residence for people engaged in official duties of a foreign government or international organisation recognised by the Government of Japan, and for members of their household, excluding activities covered by the 'Diplomat' status. The official source does not state why the status exists.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Why the status exists (its policy purpose) is not stated.

Which specific population, role, circumstance or historical/legal situation does it cover?

Persons engaged in official duties of a foreign government or international organisation recognised by the Government of Japan.

See recorded sources

What circumstance, event, relationship, nomination, invitation or status activates access?

Access is triggered by being engaged in the official duties of a foreign government or international organisation recognised by the Government of Japan, or by being a member of the same household as such a person (excluding cases covered by the Diplomat status). Applications require a note verbale or other document issued by the foreign government or international organisation certifying the person's status and official business.

See recorded sources

What sponsor, authority, nomination, certification, evidence or other step must occur before the status can be obtained?

A note verbale or other document issued by the foreign government or international organisation certifying the person's position and official business must be submitted (for Certificate of Eligibility, change, extension and acquisition applications).

See recorded sources

What immigration status and rights result, how long do they last, can family be included, and what happens if the special qualifying circumstance ends?

Status of residence 'Official'; periods of stay are 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months, 30 days or 15 days. Family members belonging to the same household as the official are also covered (activities under the Diplomat status excluded). Extension is applied for when continuing the activity. The official source does not state what happens when the official duties end.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • What happens when the official duties end is not stated.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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