Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Our Free Consultation
Q1. Is there a time limit for consultations?Q2. Am I obligated to proceed with a service request after the consultation?
Questions about Engaging Our Services
Q3. What is the difference between applying for a visa in-house and using a professional?Q4. What are the advantages of hiring ACROSEED for visa applications?
Q5. What happens if my visa application is denied after hiring ACROSEED?
Q6. When is the payment due if I engage your services?
Q7. Can we handle everything by phone or email?
Q8. Can you communicate directly with our foreign employees in their native language?
Q9. Can you also advise on matters such as social insurance when hiring foreign nationals, in addition to visa issues?
- Is there a time limit for consultations?
- In principle, there is no time limit. Depending on your situation and visa type, consultations generally last about one hour. Please feel free to take the time you need to discuss your policy and questions without worrying about the clock.
- Am I obligated to proceed with a service request after the consultation?
- Not at all. Even if you decide not to engage our services after the consultation, there will be no charges. We encourage you to reach out without hesitation.
- What is the difference between applying for a visa in-house and using a professional?
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Difference 1: Ensuring the Most Appropriate Visa Application
When HR staff or the foreign employee applies directly, they usually prepare documents based on the Immigration Services Agency’s standard checklist. However, these lists outline only the minimum general requirements and may not be sufficient for every applicant.
For example:
・Frequent overseas travel resulting in fewer days in Japan
・Extended job-hunting periods
・Humanities degree holders applying for technical positions
Each case has unique circumstances and potential challenges, which require tailored documentation.Our role as professionals can be summarized as:
- Recommending the approach most likely to result in approval
- Preparing documentation that meets Immigration approval standards
- Communicating with Immigration on your behalf
As a result, using a professional increases the likelihood of approval and ensures a smoother process compared to handling the application internally.
Difference 2: No Need to Visit the Immigration Office
When applying in-house, HR staff or the employee often need to visit Immigration multiple times:
- Document check before submission
- Submitting the application
- Endorsement procedure upon approval
Additional visits may be required for submitting extra documents or providing explanations. Since Immigration offices are inconveniently located, each visit can take half a day on a weekday.
When you hire a certified representative, we can handle all visits to Immigration on your behalf in most cases (with limited exceptions such as Special Permission to Stay applications for overstayers or naturalization at the Legal Affairs Bureau).
- What are the advantages of hiring ACROSEED for visa applications?
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Advantage 1: Applications Designed for the Highest Approval Rate
With over 30 years of experience since the founding of our predecessor firm in 1986, ACROSEED has handled more than 30,000 visa applications. Our licensed administrative scriveners submit applications to Immigration twice a week, enabling us to stay informed of the latest review trends.
We maintain a comprehensive database of past applications and share this information internally, allowing us to prepare optimal applications tailored to both the applicant’s circumstances and current Immigration trends.
Advantage 2: Transparency Regarding Difficult Cases
After assessing your case, if we believe approval is unlikely, we will tell you directly before proceeding. This allows you to decide whether to move forward or not. We value high approval rates and long-term client trust, so we avoid accepting cases that are likely to be refused.
Advantage 3: Fastest Possible Processing
Only licensed administrative scriveners with “Application Agent” status can legally submit visa applications on behalf of clients. ACROSEED has six such qualified professionals (as of September 2023) who file applications twice a week, enabling us to act quickly once your documents are ready.
- What happens if my visa application is denied after hiring ACROSEED?
- Because we screen cases carefully before accepting them, our approval rate is very high. However, in the unlikely event of a refusal, we will reapply at no additional charge. We make every effort to secure approval on the first attempt.
- When is the payment due if I engage your services?
- After your free consultation, if you decide to proceed, we will prepare a formal agreement. Payment is typically due in full at that time. However, we can adjust to your company’s payment schedules and methods upon request. We also accept Visa and MasterCard.
- Can we handle everything by phone or email?
- We prefer to meet clients in person when possible. However, for those who cannot visit due to scheduling or location constraints, we can handle the process after confirming all details over the phone.
- Can you communicate directly with our foreign employees in their native language?
- Yes. We can communicate directly with employees in English or Chinese, including explaining required documents and the application process.
- Can you also advise on matters such as social insurance when hiring foreign nationals, in addition to visa issues?
- Yes. In addition to visa services provided by ACROSEED, our group includes labor and social security attorneys experienced in foreign employment issues and tax accountants specializing in international taxation. We provide comprehensive consulting services tailored to your needs.
Since our founding in 1986, we have specialized in visa applications and consulting for companies employing foreign nationals for nearly 40 years.
We offer consultations by phone, email, online meeting, or in person. English support is also available.
