Background checks have deepened too. The ISA now requests criminal records from your home country. If you have a conviction, even a minor one, you may be denied. They also verify your education credentials if your visa category requires a degree. A diploma from an unaccredited institution or one that doesn't match Japanese standards can trigger a request for additional documentation or outright rejection. Processing times have stretched from the typical two to four weeks to six to eight weeks in many cases, sometimes longer if the ISA has questions.
The renewal process is where many foreign workers feel the squeeze most acutely. A renewal that once meant submitting your current permit, a new employment contract, and proof of income now requires the same level of documentation as an initial application. If you have changed jobs in the past year, even within the same company or to a related role, you may need to reapply rather than renew. The ISA's position is that a job change is a material change in your visa status and requires a new application, not a renewal. This can cost you time and, if there is any gap between your old permit expiring and your new one being issued, you may fall out of legal status.
Employer sponsorship has become more demanding. Your employer must now submit detailed business documentation, including proof of financial stability, tax compliance, and a written justification for hiring you. Small companies and startups sometimes struggle with this paperwork. If your employer is unwilling or unable to provide it, your visa application will be denied. This has created a two-tier system: large, established companies can navigate the process; smaller firms and contract positions are riskier.
The rules around job changes and visa category switches have also tightened. Under the old system, you could change employers within the same visa category (for example, from one IT company to another) with a simple notification to the ISA. Now, a job change to a different employer requires a new visa application, even if the role is identical. If you want to switch visa categories—say, from a work visa to a spouse visa or a freelance visa—you must apply for a new status of residence. The ISA will not simply convert your existing permit. This matters because each new application carries processing time and the risk of denial.
The freelance and self-employment visa category, which many expats use, has also come under scrutiny. The ISA now requires proof that you have actual clients, ongoing contracts, and a realistic income projection. A portfolio and a business plan are no longer enough. You need bank statements showing deposits from clients, invoices, and tax filings if you have been in Japan long enough to file them. If you are just starting out, the ISA may deny your application or issue a shorter permit (one year instead of three) and require you to reapply with more evidence of business viability.
Income thresholds, while not officially published, have risen in practice. The ISA appears to expect that a foreign worker's salary should be at or above the average for that role in Japan. If you are earning significantly less than your Japanese peers in the same position, the ISA may question whether the role truly requires a foreign worker. This is especially true for visa categories like "intra-company transferee" or "specialist in humanities and international services," which are supposed to be for high-skilled roles.
The timeline for action is urgent if you are renewing soon or planning to apply. Start gathering documentation now: certified copies of your education credentials, a detailed employment contract in both English and Japanese (if your employer has not provided one), proof of your current income (payslips, tax filings, bank statements), and a letter from your employer explaining why they hired you and why the role requires a foreign worker. If you are changing jobs, do not resign from your current position until your new employer has confirmed they will sponsor your visa and has submitted the necessary paperwork to the ISA. A gap in employment can complicate your renewal or new application.
If you are already in Japan on a work permit, do not assume your renewal will be automatic. Begin the renewal process at least three months before your current permit expires. Meet with your employer's HR department and, ideally, consult with an immigration lawyer or visa specialist. The cost of a consultation (typically 50,000 to 150,000 yen) is worth it if it prevents a denial or a gap in your legal status. Many expats have been caught off guard by the new requirements and have had to leave Japan while their applications were processed or denied.
One more thing: the ISA has also increased enforcement of the rules around part-time work and side income. If you are on a work visa and you earn money outside your primary job—freelance writing, tutoring, consulting—you must report it and ensure it does not violate the terms of your visa. Some visa categories allow limited outside work; others do not. The ISA is now checking tax filings and bank statements to verify compliance. If you have unreported income, you risk losing your visa and being deported.
The bottom line is that Japan's immigration system is now less forgiving of gaps, inconsistencies, or informal arrangements. The government is serious about managing the foreign workforce, and the burden of proof is on you. Plan ahead, document everything, and do not assume that what worked two years ago will work today.
