Osaka Immigration Bureau Guide: On-Site Flow and What to Bring for Your Permanent Residence Application (2025 Edition)

Introduction｜Why So Many Applicants Feel Anxious About “The Day of Application”

Many people think that preparing the necessary documents is all it takes to complete a permanent residence (PR) application.
However, in practice, applicants often say:

“I don’t know what to do once I arrive.”
“I have no idea how long I’ll have to wait.”

This confusion is especially common at the Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau, one of the busiest in Japan.
Waiting times can vary greatly depending on the day of the week and time of day.

This article provides a step-by-step guide—based on real on-site experience as an immigration lawyer—covering the day’s flow, what to bring, and practical tips to reduce waiting time.
It’s designed so that even first-time applicants can complete the process efficiently and without stress.

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Osaka Immigration Bureau: Basic Information and Access

The Osaka Immigration Bureau is located in Nanko (Cosmosquare area), about a 3-minute walk from Cosmosquare Station.
Because there are several similar-looking government buildings nearby, it’s important not to take the wrong exit when visiting for the first time.

📍 Address

1-29-53 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034

🚆 Access

Osaka Metro Chuo Line / New Tram – Cosmosquare Station, Exit 3 (about 3 minutes on foot)
After exiting the ticket gate, turn right and cross the street. You’ll see the main building ahead.

🚗 By Car

There is a limited number of parking spaces available within the premises.
During busy periods, it’s safer to use public transportation.

🕘 Opening Hours

Monday–Friday: 9:00–12:00 / 13:00–16:00
(Closed on weekends, national holidays, and New Year holidays)

Source: Immigration Services Agency “Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Address, Access, Office Hours)” [Last confirmed: October 14, 2025]

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Step-by-Step Flow｜From Entrance to Submission Completion

🕗 8:45–9:00 — Entering the Building & Lining Up

The entrance opens at around 8:45 AM.
Applicants for permanent residence and status change can enter and head straight to the 2nd floor, red line area (for PR, change, and COE applications).

Before 9:00, officers are still preparing inside, and the counters are closed with temporary curtains.
If you arrive early, you can see staff preparing and discussing inside.

💡 Field Note (from actual administrative practice):
By 8:45, there are usually 10–30 people already lined up at the red line area.
Your position in line determines your processing order—early arrival is the best way to shorten your waiting time.

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① 9:00 — Reception Starts

At exactly 9:00, the curtains open and the reception begins.
Applicants in line hand their files to the officer and receive a number slip.

The officers quickly check each submission and may point out any small issues on the spot.

💡 Practical Tip:
Include your Residence Card and Passport in the file for smooth processing.
If originals are requested, they will be checked immediately and returned.

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Floor Layout and Counter Guide

On the 2nd floor, there are two main lines depending on your procedure:

🟥 Red Line (front area): Permanent Residence, Change of Status, and Certificate of Eligibility submissions
🟩 Green Line (back area): Extension, Notification, and Card Issuance procedures

💡 Field Note:
Once you reach the 2nd floor, the red line is in the front (main applications), and the green line is in the back (simple procedures).
If unsure, tell the officer your purpose—they’ll guide you courteously.

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② Document Handover & Number Slip

The officer collects files in the order of the line and gives you a number slip.
This number determines the calling order later.
The earlier you line up, the earlier you’ll be processed—often finishing within the morning session.

📌 Key Points

• Processing follows the lineup order.
• Minor issues may be pointed out here.
• Wait in the seating area until your number is called.

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③ Submission & ID Verification (After Being Called)

When your number is called, an officer will review your documents and verify your identity.
You will be asked to show your Residence Card and Passport—either directly or from within your submitted file.

💡 Field Note:
Most applicants include both originals in the file.
If asked to show them, just hand them over—they’re checked and immediately returned.
Keeping everything neatly organized makes the process faster.

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④ Receiving the Application Receipt

Once everything is confirmed, you’ll receive the “Application Receipt for Permanent Residence” (Eijū Kyoka Shinsei Uketsuke-hyō).
This proves that your application is under review and may be required later (e.g., during re-entry or renewal procedures).
Keep it in a safe place and never lose it.

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Summary of the On-Site Flow (Timeline)

Time	Step	Notes
8:45	Enter the building, line up at red area	Ideal arrival time for PR applicants
9:00	Reception & file submission	Officers begin accepting applications
9:15	Document check & ID verification	Originals confirmed quickly
9:30	Receipt issued	Application accepted if no issues

Knowing this sequence allows you to stay calm and finish the process efficiently.
Understanding when to arrive and where to line up is the key to a successful first application day.

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What to Bring｜Three Items People Often Forget

Even with complete paperwork, on-the-day mistakes are common.
Check these three categories carefully before you go.

Category	Item	Notes
Identification	Residence Card & Passport (originals)	Originals required; copies also needed for submission
Documents	Application form, Reason statement, Consent form, Checklist	Keep organized in clear folders
Photo	4cm × 3cm, white or light background	Only one needed for application form; no extras required

💡 Tip:
If you forget copies or documents, you cannot fix it on-site—there’s no nearby convenience store.
Check everything the night before.

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Real Waiting Time Data｜How Timing Changes the Experience

Osaka Bureau handles one of the largest volumes of applications in Japan, and waiting times vary drastically.
Arriving at the wrong time can mean a wait of several hours.

📊 Average Waiting Time (based on field experience + official info):

• 9:00–10:00: Smooth (15–30 min wait)
• 10:00–11:30: Peak congestion (60–90 min wait)
• 13:00–15:00: Busy again (up to 100+ min wait)
• 15:00–16:00: Slightly calmer but close to closing time

🔗 Official & Semi-Official Info Sources

• Osaka Immigration Bureau Official X (Twitter)
  Latest announcements on waiting times and reception restrictions
  👉 @IMMI_OSAKA
• Omatase10.jp (Live Queue Display Site)
  Shows number of people waiting per counter
  👉 Osaka Bureau Queue Status Page
  Note: The display (e.g., “0 people,” “Now Serving”) doesn’t always reflect actual waiting minutes.

💡 Pro Tip:
Before heading out, check both “Omatase10.jp” and the Bureau’s “Official X” for the latest crowd conditions.

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🕘 Best Times to Avoid Crowds

• Tuesday & Thursday mornings (around 9:00): Generally the least crowded
• Monday mornings / Friday afternoons / Before or after holidays: Heavily crowded
• Rainy days: Often less crowded!

📈 Current Trend (Autumn 2025):

• Fall–Winter season overlaps with student visa renewals → peak congestion
• PR counters share the same floor with general visa sections, so delays are linked

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✅ Three Golden Rules for Avoiding Delays

1. Check Omatase10.jp and Official X the night before
2. Arrive Tuesday or Thursday around 9:00 AM
3. Consider weather and season (Oct–Nov = peak period)

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Common Pitfalls to Double-Check

• Missing signature on the Consent Form (Ryokai-sho)
• Expired Residence Card or Passport
• Incorrect photo size or background color
• Forgot to black out insurance or pension numbers

Even small oversights can require a return visit.
A final check the night before is your strongest defense.

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Conclusion｜“Preparation Is 80%, The Day Is 20%”

• Access: Just 3 minutes from Cosmosquare Station Exit 3
• Essentials: Residence Card, Passport, Application set, Photo
• Best timing: Tuesday or Thursday morning → can reduce waiting time by up to 2–3 hours

The submission day is an essential part of the permanent residence process.
By preparing thoroughly and timing your visit right, you can start your application smoothly and confidently.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

“I want to obtain permanent residency quickly and securely.” “I’m worried about preparing all the documents.”
If this sounds like you, please feel free to contact our office in Osaka (Yodogawa-ku). We support clients from all over Japan, providing the most effective assistance based on our extensive experience with immigration procedures.

If you want to secure your permanent residency smoothly and confidently, contact our office today.

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