According to these unconfirmed sources, it seems possible that enrollment in Japan’s national health insurance system would not be a prerequisite for gaining visa application approval.

“The Free Choice Foundation has obtained a copy of an ‘internal’ Immigration Bureau document that seems to provide a measure of clarification on the issue of foreigners’ enrollment in Japan ‘s social health care system as a prerequisite for visa application approval. A DPJ Lower House lawmaker, after questioning Justice Minister Chiba about Guideline Number 8, was sent the document via fax from Immigration. The lawmaker then forwarded the document to a Free Choice supporter.

Although the overall language of the document continues to be somewhat vague (in keeping with the tone of the Guidelines themselves), one very interesting declaration was made in no uncertain terms:

“Accordingly, if a health insurance ID card is not presented (to an immigration officer), that alone cannot be sufficient reason for rejection or denial of a (visa) application.”

This passage makes it very clear that not being enrolled in one of Japan’s public health insurance plans cannot of itself be sufficient cause for declining a foreigner’s application for visa renewal or change of status. It can only be used as one possibly influencing factor when taking into consideration the applicant’s individual circumstances, along with the other seven guidelines. So, if you’re an honest, hard-working foreign resident who just happens to prefer private insurance, not being enrolled in social insurance will not result in your visa application being denied.

Also;

Yesterday representatives from ASIJ, ISSH, NIS and St. Mary’s visited the Nyukan Kyokai (immigration bureau consulting organization)  This membership organization is made up of former immigration officials and is established to give advice on immigration issues to member organizations.  In yesterday’s meeting we asked for their advice in answering three questions:

1.      The purpose of the new immigration guideline?
2.      Would the new immigration guideline be implemented in April 2010?
3.      What would be the best way to express our organizations concerns regarding the new guideline to immigration officials?

The answers we received were as follows:

1.      The purpose of the new guideline is to encourage all citizens to join a national health scheme.
2.      The new immigration guideline would definitely NOT be a factor in processing visa applications from April of 2010.  Until the guideline becomes a law the immigration office will not actively use the guideline as a criteria to accept or deny visa applications.  The immigration office may recommend to applicants not enrolled in a national health plan that they enroll, but they will not use the lack of enrollment as a criteria for denying or approving visas.
3.      Both the immigration office and Ministry of Justice have already received numerous concerns from large organizations, including Keidanren, regarding the implementation of the new health certificate guideline therefore it is very likely the DPJ and the Ministry of Justice will review the guideline prior to making any further recommendations as to how it should be implemented or whether it should become a law.”