No — not having N2 is a negative factor in the assessment, but it does not automatically result in rejection. The recommendation is to include a Japanese study plan, proof of enrollment in a Japanese class, or evidence of active study in your renewal application. Applicants who graduated from a Japanese university, or whose primary work is in English (international services category), may be assessed differently. See our detailed renewal guide for what to include.

From April 2027, you will need to hold a 5-year visa at the time you apply for PR. If your next renewal is before April 2027 and you receive a 3-year grant, you may need one more renewal cycle to secure a 5-year grant before your PR application is eligible. The key is ensuring your compliance record (tax, pension, social insurance) is clean — that's what drives longer grants. Start that process now.

Under Japanese administrative law, the government has the authority to change certain residence requirements by ministerial ordinance without legislative approval, and without extended notice periods. While the April 2026 change was widely criticised for its speed, it was legally implemented. Applications submitted under the old 5-year rule before the cutoff were processed under those terms. New applications from April 2026 onward are subject to the 10-year requirement.

All updates are sourced from official ISA publications, Ministry of Justice announcements, and real consultation casework handled by our supervising licensed Administrative Scrivener (行政書士). We verify information against primary sources before publishing. When rules are announced but not yet in effect, we clearly label them as "scheduled" or "announced" rather than "in effect."