What is “past immigration history”? Cases where short-term travel is included and how to disclose it

When applying for permanent residency or a work visa, you must declare your past entry and exit history. It is especially important to know the exact number of entries and exits, as this includes short-term trips and business trips. If you have lived in Japan for a long time, you may forget the number of entries and exits, but there is an appropriate way to check it. In this article, we will explain in detail the definition of entry and exit history, how to check it, and the necessary documents.

What is “past entry and exit history”? Does it include short-term trips?

Entry and exit history refers to the number of times you leave and re-enter Japan and the details of that. In the case of a work visa application, this also includes short-term trips and business trips. For example, temporary travel for tourism or business is also included as a record, and you are required to accurately enter all entry and exit history. Inaccurate entry and exit history may cause application delays or denial, so care must be taken.

What to do if you don’t know the number of entries and exits

After a long time has passed, few people may remember the exact number of entries and exits in the past. You can check your exact entry and exit history by making a “request for disclosure of held personal information” to the Immigration Bureau. This will allow you to know the exact number of times and be confident about the contents of your application form.

How to request disclosure of held personal information

A request for disclosure of held personal information is made by filling out a disclosure request form and submitting the necessary documents. Applications can be made by mail or at the counter. The disclosure request form can be downloaded from the Immigration Bureau’s website, and instructions on how to fill it out are also provided there. If you are applying by mail, be sure to enclose the necessary documents and submit the application.

Documents and fees required for disclosure requests

The following documents are required for a disclosure request.

1. Request for disclosure of held personal information (can be downloaded from the Immigration Bureau’s website)
2. Identification document (one of the following)
   • Driver’s license
   • Residence card
   • Health insurance card
   • Individual number card (address listed)
3. 300 yen worth of revenue stamps
4. Return envelope (if applying by mail)

Collect these documents and check that no documents are missing before submitting. Revenue stamps can be purchased at post offices and legal affairs bureaus.

Benefits of managing your immigration history

Accurate management of your immigration history is useful not only for visa applications, but also for other legal procedures. If you do not properly record your past immigration history, your application documents may be incomplete and the review may take longer. Accurate immigration information also increases the reliability of your application and makes the review process go more smoothly.

Summary

• Your immigration history includes short trips, so accurate records are necessary.
• If you are unsure of the number of times you have entered and exited the country, you can request the Immigration Bureau to disclose your personal information.
• To request disclosure, you will need to submit identification such as a driver’s license or residence card, and 300 yen in revenue stamps.
• Proper management of your immigration history will help your visa application go more smoothly.

Keep these points in mind as you apply for permanent residence or a work visa.