How to Identify Suspicious Residency Consultations and Avoid Illegal Brokers in Japan
⚠️ Warning: Your Residency Consultation Might Involve a Broker
– How to Recognize Suspicious Cases and Consult Responsibly as an Immigration Lawyer –

Introduction|An Increasing Number of “Suspicious” Visa Consultations
As an administrative scrivener supporting visa and residency applications, have you recently noticed a rise in consultations that raise a few red flags?
Here are a few examples:
- “I want to bring my Nepali friend to Japan…”
- “I want to invite a relative from India or Sri Lanka, but their purpose isn’t decided yet.”
- “They can’t speak Japanese, so I’ll handle everything for them.”
While these may seem like ordinary inquiries on the surface, a closer look reveals that obtaining a visa itself is the main objective in some cases.
When the applicant’s purpose or intent is vague and the focus is solely on “bringing someone to Japan,” there is a chance that this is a request from a so-called “visa broker.”
What Are “Broker-Like” Residency Consultations?
So-called “broker-type” requests refer to consultations where a third party is trying to handle the application process without the applicant having a clear understanding or purpose.
Such cases often involve details that require extreme caution before an administrative scrivener can ethically accept the case.
Common Scenarios:
Case | Key Features |
---|---|
🇳🇵 “Want to bring a Nepali person” | The reason is vague. When asked “Work? Study? Tourism?” the answer is “Not decided yet.” |
🇮🇳 “Can’t speak directly with the Indian applicant” | Interpreter or LINE communication is refused. No direct contact with the applicant. |
🇱🇰 “I’ll handle everything for the Sri Lankan applicant” | The representative tries to complete all paperwork. Explanations about the applicant are unclear. |
🧳 “Just want to get them into Japan” | No clear explanation about the applicant’s plans, living situation, or support structure in Japan. |
Though these consultations may be presented as “helping someone,” in reality, they are often profit-driven arrangements aimed at exploiting visa systems.
Key Points for Administrative Scriveners|Be Cautious When Accepting a Case
Although I’m still relatively new to the field, I frequently encounter situations where I feel it’s wise to proceed carefully.
Of course, it’s essential to follow all legal and procedural rules. But beyond that, I’ve come to realize how important it is to ask: “Is this application genuinely legitimate?” and “Has the applicant’s intent been properly confirmed?”

✅ Be Especially Cautious If You Can’t Confirm the Applicant’s Identity
As advised by bar associations and immigration bureaus, you should avoid accepting a case if you cannot confirm the applicant’s identity.
Even if a face-to-face meeting isn’t possible, using tools like Zoom enables proper intent confirmation remotely.
If the process moves forward without any contact with the applicant, it’s especially important to pause and reassess.
✅ If the Purpose of the Application Is Vague, Take a Step Back
For example, if someone says, “We haven’t decided whether it will be for work or study, but we want them to enter Japan,” it becomes difficult to prepare accurate documents.
Unclear or inconsistent reasons often lead to rejection—and in some cases, the application may be deemed fraudulent.
✅ Be Wary of Pushy Representatives
Sometimes a relative or acquaintance—not the applicant—pushes to “get it done quickly.”
Of course, there are people who genuinely want to help their loved ones. But when you’re rushed into action without seeing the applicant’s intentions, it’s best to take a step back and think carefully.
How to Tell the Difference Between Genuine Clients and Suspicious Inquiries
Even as a relatively new administrative scrivener, I’m gradually learning how to distinguish legitimate clients from questionable ones.
✅ The Applicant Tries to Explain Things Themselves
Even if their Japanese isn’t strong, many applicants make efforts to communicate using translation apps or interpreters.
This shows a willingness to explain their own situation.
On the other hand, if someone else handles everything from start to finish and you never hear the applicant’s thoughts, that’s a red flag.
✅ Cooperative With Interviews and Hearings
Those who are willing to complete pre-registration via LINE, attend Zoom interviews, and submit information forms tend to leave a trustworthy impression.
✅ Clear and Realistic Purpose of Stay
For example: “I plan to attend a language school,” “I’ll live with my Japanese spouse,” or “I have a job offer.”
Specific, realistic plans for their stay are key indicators of a legitimate application.
How to Handle Dubious Cases and Decline Requests Respectfully
In my daily work, there are times when I find myself wondering, “Is it really okay to move forward with this?”
In such moments, I believe it’s important to have the courage to pause rather than proceed blindly.

✅ Set Clear Criteria for Accepting Clients
Here are a few things I personally keep in mind:
- Always meet with the applicant—either in person or online—before accepting the case.
- Avoid accepting clients who haven’t registered via LINE or email.
- If the purpose of stay is unclear, don’t rush into the process.
Having clear standards like these gives you a solid reference point when you’re unsure, and helps ensure you’re acting in good faith.
✅ Decline Politely and Clearly
Turning down a request can be difficult, but clearly explaining that “certain confirmations are legally required” can go a long way.
For example:
“I’m sorry, but I cannot take on this case unless I’m able to confirm the applicant’s intent directly.”
“If we’re unable to conduct a preliminary meeting, our office policy does not allow us to proceed with the application.”
Even when declining, being firm but respectful helps leave a good impression and protects your professional integrity.
My Professional Stance as an Immigration Lawyer
Though I’m still gaining experience, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of applying the system properly and ethically as an administrative scrivener.
Of course, I want to support clients who are struggling, but that’s exactly why I must understand how risky it can be to “create documents based on unclear information.”

✅ Refusing to Participate in Fraud Builds Trust
- Take time to verify the applicant’s identity and intent properly.
- Don’t rush into applications without confirming a proper purpose and plan.
- Handle vague or inconsistent requests with extra caution.
This kind of cautious approach might sometimes seem overly careful.
However, I truly believe that clients will recognize your sincerity and professionalism when you prioritize ethical responsibility.
Final Thoughts|Don’t Ignore That Gut Feeling
Even with limited experience, I sometimes get the sense that “something feels off” or “this consultation seems unusual.”
And in many cases, that intuition turns out to be accurate.
When in doubt, take a pause.
Choose the path that respects both the legal system and the people involved—
I believe that’s the most important judgment we can make as we build trust in our work as immigration professionals.
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Representative Administrative Scrivener: Takanori Ishinagi
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