An article in CIC News 2024/12/09 talks about Canadian immigration experts.
There are experts who support immigration and residence procedures in many countries around the world, and because immigration laws and procedures differ in each country, the roles and qualifications of immigration support experts are also diverse. In particular, overseas and Japanese systems each have their own unique characteristics, so it is very important to use experts to ensure that immigration and residence procedures proceed smoothly. This article provides a detailed description of the immigration support expert systems overseas and in Japan.
1.Overseas Immigration Support Specialist System
Immigration support professionals overseas can be broadly divided into “immigration lawyers,” “immigration consultants,” “immigration advisors,” etc. These professionals mainly provide support based on immigration law to help individuals and companies smoothly complete the procedures for relocating and staying in the country.
1.1 Immigration Lawyer
Immigration lawyers are experts in immigration law and provide legal advice and representation on immigration procedures, particularly when it comes to visa applications and renewals, changes to residence status, or issues related to immigration law. For example, in the United States, immigration law is very complicated, making it essential to have an immigration lawyer who is a legal expert. Immigration lawyers provide a wide range of services to their clients, from preparing visa application documents, resolving issues during the review process, preparing for interviews, and even handling legal proceedings.
1.2 Immigration Consultants
Immigration consultants are professionals who provide advice on immigration procedures. Unlike immigration lawyers, they often do not have formal legal authority to represent you, but they provide practical support, such as advising on immigration procedures and preparing the necessary documents. Immigration consultants are particularly active in countries such as Canada and Australia, where they can assist with visa selection and application procedures.
In Canada, there is a qualification called “Recognized Immigration Consultant (RCIC)” and professionals with this qualification provide immigration support. To obtain this qualification, you must complete a designated educational course and pass an exam. Immigration consultants select the appropriate visa program for their clients, prepare the necessary documents for application, and support the application.
1.3 Immigration Advisor
Immigration advisors are professionals who provide information about immigration and guide you through the ongoing process. They often do not have legal representation like lawyers or consultants, but they can help prospective immigrants navigate the process by providing useful information. Immigration advisors are widely available in the US and UK, and are especially sought after for their knowledge of visa requirements and the application process.
2.Japan’s Immigration Support Specialist System
In Japan, too, the presence of experts related to immigration and residence procedures is extremely important. In Japan, there are mainly “Gyoseishoshi”, “lawyers”, and “foreign worker support organizations”, each of which plays a different role.
2.1 Gyoseishoshi
“Ghoseishoshi”s are specialists in supporting immigrants in Japan who handle administrative procedures such as applying for, renewing, or changing residence status, and even obtaining a visa. The main duties of Gyoseishoshis are to prepare the documents necessary for visa applications and to provide advice on the residence status of foreigners.
Gyoseishoshis are experts in immigration law and play an important role in efficiently completing residence procedures for foreigners. For example, they are required to prepare and accurately submit application documents for various visas, such as specific skills visas, highly skilled professional visas, and work visas. Gyoseishoshis also help with preparing the documents and certificates that need to be submitted when applying for a visa, and provide advice to help the application process go smoothly.
2.2 Lawyers
Lawyers in Japan also work as immigration support professionals. They are especially involved in providing legal advice on immigration law and resolving legal issues related to visas. Lawyers can provide legal support in cases of fraudulent changes to residence status and lawsuits regarding unjust refusals. For example, it is common to seek the help of a lawyer when visa refusals and cancellations of residence status involve complex legal procedures that cannot be handled by Gyoseishoshis.
In addition, as the number of foreign workers in Japan is increasing, the number of lawyers providing support regarding labor law and contract issues is also increasing. When foreign workers have problems with their working environment, lawyers may negotiate to resolve the issue.
2.3 Foreign Worker Support Groups
Non-profit and advocacy groups also provide support to immigrants and foreign workers in Japan. These groups provide advice and assistance on a variety of issues foreigners face while living in Japan, such as housing, healthcare, education, and working conditions. Foreign worker support groups may also provide legal advice on immigration law, but they often focus primarily on social support.
3.The role and importance of immigration support specialists
Immigration support specialists are essential to help prospective immigrants and foreigners to start living and working in Japan smoothly. In particular, Japan’s immigration system is complex, with a wide variety of visa types and application procedures, so getting the help of a specialist is extremely beneficial.
Immigration experts check the progress of application procedures and necessary documents to ensure that applications proceed smoothly. They are also required to complete procedures accurately and promptly to reduce the risk of visa application rejection. In addition, they also play an important role in providing advice and support to immigrants and foreign workers to help them adapt to Japanese society.
Conclusion
Immigration support experts overseas and in Japan play an important role in ensuring that migrants and foreigners can smoothly complete the procedures in the country in which they are staying, based on the immigration laws of each country. There are various types of experts in each country, such as immigration lawyers, immigration consultants, Gyoseishoshis, and foreign worker support organizations, who provide support according to individual needs. Considering the complexity and importance of the immigration procedures, expert advice and support are essential for migrants.