Dependent Visa PR Rejection Case Studies (Japan)

Applying for Permanent Residence (PR) in Japan as a Dependent Visa holder is possible—but rejections are not uncommon. Immigration decisions are highly discretionary, and small compliance gaps can result in denial.

This article analyzes realistic PR rejection case patterns, explains why they failed, and outlines practical countermeasures for future applications.

Case Study 1: Household Income Below Practical Threshold

Profile

• Applicant: Dependent (spouse)

• Years in Japan: 8 years

• Marriage duration: 6 years

• Sponsor visa: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities

• Household income: ~3.6 million JPY/year

Outcome

❌ PR rejected

Reason

While Immigration does not publish an official minimum income, in practice:

• Single-income households below ~4–4.5 million JPY are often viewed as financially unstable

• Dependents are assessed as part of the household, not individually

Key Issue

“Long stay does not compensate for insufficient financial stability.”

How to Avoid

• Increase sponsor income or add lawfully declared dependent income

• Submit:

  • Employment contract

  • Bonus statements

  • Employer stability documents

• Apply after salary increase or job change

Case Study 2: Unauthorized Work on Dependent Visa (Freelancing)

Profile

• Applicant: Dependent

• Side income: Online design work for overseas clients

• Work permit: ❌ Not obtained

• Income declared: Partially

Outcome

❌ PR rejected

Reason

• Dependent Visa does not automatically allow work

• Freelance or overseas income still counts as work

• Immigration identified inconsistencies via:

  • Tax filings

  • Bank transfers

  • Activity explanations

Key Issue

Even remote or overseas clients require prior work permission.

How to Avoid

• Always obtain 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Other Activities)

• Fully declare income in:

  • Resident tax

  • National tax returns

• Attach an explanation letter clarifying compliance

Case Study 3: Excessive Working Hours as a Dependent

Profile

• Applicant: Dependent

• Permission obtained: Yes

• Actual working hours: ~34–38 hours/week

Outcome

❌ PR rejected

Reason

• Legal limit: 28 hours/week

• Immigration compares:

  • Pay slips

  • Tax totals

  • Employer statements

• Excess hours interpreted as status misuse

Key Issue

Permission alone is insufficient—actual hours matter.

How to Avoid

• Keep monthly hour records

• Submit employer-issued working hour certificates

• Maintain buffer below 28 hours (e.g., ≤25)

Case Study 4: Sponsor’s Visa History Instability

Profile

• Applicant: Dependent

• Sponsor: Changed jobs 4 times in 5 years

• Sponsor visa renewals: Multiple 1-year periods

Outcome

❌ PR rejected

Reason

PR evaluation includes:

• Sponsor’s career stability

• Contract continuity

• Long-term residence outlook

Key Issue

PR is about future permanence, not just past legality.

How to Avoid

• Apply after sponsor receives:

  • 3–5 year visa

  • Permanent employment contract

• Add employer explanation letters if job changes were strategic

Case Study 5: Short Marriage Duration Despite Long Stay

Profile

• Applicant: Dependent

• Time in Japan: 10 years (student → dependent)

• Marriage duration: 1 year

Outcome

❌ PR rejected

Reason

• Immigration prioritizes marital stability

• Short marriage duration raises:

  • Relationship genuineness concerns

  • Future dependency risks

How to Avoid

• Wait 2–3 years after marriage

• Provide:

  • Joint residence proof

  • Joint finances

  • Photos and history documentation

Case Study 6: Inconsistent Tax or Pension Records

Profile

• Applicant: Dependent

• Missing pension payments: 8 months (past)

• Taxes later paid in lump sum

Outcome

❌ PR rejected

Reason

• PR requires continuous compliance

• Retroactive payment ≠ compliance history

Key Issue

Immigration values consistency over correction.

How to Avoid

• Maintain:

  • 100% pension payments

  • On-time resident tax payments

• Attach official payment certificates for last 3–5 years

Common PR Rejection Triggers for Dependents

Strategic Takeaways

• PR is not automatic even after 10 years

• Dependents are assessed as part of a family unit

• Compliance errors—even minor—carry long memory

• Timing the application is often more important than eligibility

When Reapplication Makes Sense

You should wait and reapply after:

• 12–24 months of clean compliance

• Income improvement

• Sponsor visa upgrade (1-year → 3/5-year)

• Marriage duration milestone