How to Choose the Right FRESC Consultation Desk

Describe your issue in one or two sentences

Before contacting FRESC, write a short note such as: “I need advice about a residence procedure,” “I want to ask about my working conditions,” or “I need help looking for work.” If you have more than one issue, separate them. This makes it easier to identify whether the same organization can handle everything or whether you need different consultation desks.

Separate the general desk from the specialist office

FRESC’s general information desk helps direct visitors to the appropriate organization. Residence consultations are handled by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, working-condition consultations by the Tokyo Labour Bureau, job-search support by the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners, and information or referral concerning legal problems by the Japan Legal Support Center. Language support available at the general information desk is not necessarily the same as the languages available at every organization inside FRESC. Check who each specialist office assists and which languages it supports.

Check language, consultation method and reservation status

Once you know the responsible office, check its latest official information for supported languages, whether the consultation is in person or online, and whether a reservation is required. The FRESC residence consultation provided by the Tokyo immigration bureau requires advance booking. In-person consultations can be requested by phone or online, while online consultations can only be booked online. The internet form accepts Japanese or English. When the automatic acknowledgement email arrives, the reservation is not yet confirmed; check the later contact from the immigration bureau for confirmation. This consultation service does not provide the residence consultation itself by telephone, so if you want telephone advice, check the separate service linked in the official guidance.

Record what happens after the consultation

After the consultation, write down which organization handled your case, any office you were referred to, any application or additional check you were told to make, and questions that remain unanswered. A consultation reservation is not the same as completing an immigration application or receiving permission. If an application is needed, confirm the procedure and submission channel separately.

Checklist before you contact the service

• Write your problem in one or two sentences and separate different issues.
• Use the general desk to identify the responsible organization, then check who it assists, its language support and consultation method.
• If booking is required, record how you applied and how final confirmation will be communicated.
• After the consultation, record the next office, any application you need to make and unanswered questions.
• If you want advice by phone, confirm whether the responsible office actually provides telephone consultation.