I want to explain about “Riyusho” for visa/COE application.

“Riyu” means ‘reason’ in Japanese. “Sho” is ‘letter’ or ‘statement’. So “Riyusho” is a letter to Immigration for explaining why you want to apply, what the applicant’s situation is, how the applicant deserves to get approved. 

In Japan, visa/COE application is proceeded only through documents generally without any interview. That means you need to explain your situation only with your documents.

Immigration agency introduces requirements for each application on their on line site or if you visit there, you could be explained what the requirements are. However those requirements are just general and minimum ones. Only with those documents, you could not get Immigration understand your situation well. For example, even if you could not submit tax documents, there are various situations your current financial situation is well enough to bring your family here to Japan.

Moreover, it is said that immigration officer read Riyusho at first when they start inspecting a case in order to grab the basic applicant’s situation, if ever Riyusho is submitted. So they are likely to get the first impression by “Riyusho” and expect their direction how to handle the case.

Hopefully, now you understand how Riyusho is important for visa/COE application. 

In the last week, we supported one application for extending 15 days visa. She has the right reason for extension. We prepared her application documents in a day including Riyusho. We tried to prepare Riyusho carefully and make it effective as much as we can. When we submitted documents with her family at immigration, an officer reviewed it by single word and pointed out whenever he found any uncertain things. For general applications, those procedure is behind the wall where we cannot see. But it was extension application for short term visa, everting happens infront if us immediately. Fortunately, she could get 30 days extension. We have lots of things to do within this 30 days in order to get another extension or apply changing visa status.

Through this experience, we learnt we need to be more careful when we prepare Riyusho. 

For simple extension or if you are under very solid and strong situation, you might not need to submit Riyusho. But if you want to make your application stronger, Riyusho is the must document you need to submit.