u/Famous_Feedback_7186

Hi all,

I was born and raised in Japan and lived here until I was 18, then went abroad for university for 3 years. Since I didn't return to Japan once every 3 months during that time, I broke my residency streak, and the immigration office told me I'd have to wait 3 years before becoming eligible again.

I started working in Japan when I was 21 and have been employed here for 2 years now. However, I've recently received a job offer abroad that I'm considering taking. Unfortunately, this would again create eligibility issues unless I return to Japan once every 3 months (which I'm fine with doing).

A few questions for anyone who's been through this:

• Would taking the job abroad actually impact my application, assuming I keep up the every-3-months visits?
• Should I still apply now even though I'm not technically eligible yet, or wait until the waiting period is over?
• Did you handle the naturalization process yourselves, or did you hire an immigration lawyer? If you used one, any recommendations?
• Has anyone been in a similar situation, and how did you handle it?

Thanks in advance!