I live in Japan and very recently my father passed and now I am thinking about my mom who is alone so I am worried about her. I would like to bring her over to live with me indefinitely. Is that possible?

Sorry to hear about your father. I would ask directly to the Japanese immigration office in your city as they are the only ones who can give you an accurate answer. On the basis of other countries I would assume it is only possible if you are a permanent resident and can financially sponsor your mother.

It's a bit tricky because the dependent visa doesn't include parents. However (and this may have changed) you used to be able to bring your parents if they were over 70 and healthy (for their age I suppose) by bringing them as a temporary visitor and then applying for a change of status.

This definitely seems like a case where you need to not only consult immigration but also possibly consult a lawyer. So here's one lawyer's opinion ...

Source: http://www.tokyoimmigration.jp/kazoku.html

Quote:もし、本国にいる親と一緒に日本で暮らしたければ、「特定活動ビザ」としての申請が必要になります。

Since the dependent visa (家族滞在) doesn't cover parents, only spouses and children, you'll have to apply for a special activities visa (特定活動) for her. He then goes on to to point out how difficult it is to get.

He also lists three requirements that must be met.

Quote:この「特定活動ビザ」を取得するためには、親が扶養を受けていること、本国に身寄りがないこと、親の年齢が70歳以上であることなどが条件になります。

She must have financial support, lack of relatives back home, and be 70 or over. Oddly enough if they are unhealthy, he gives the example of cancer needing treatment, they can get permission even if they aren't 70 yet.

Thank you for the replies. I will proceed as recommended.