Last Updated on June 27, 2022 by Star
Renewing a visa in Japan is not difficult per se, but a little bit of preparation goes a long way. I am not an Immigration lawyer so the information here is based on my own research and or experience. If you have questions, or if yours is a special case, it would be best to either contact the Japanese Immigration authorities or an Immigration lawyer.
There are many sites and articles with varying degrees of details on the internet, so I have put the links and general flow together as the information can be a bit overwhelming and confusing for those doing this for the first time.
The Immigration office seems to be moving towards allowing more is now allowing people to extend their period of stay (renewing their visa) online, but it is currently still not widely available. and this is welcome news for the visa-holding foreign residents! The official announcement was made in March 2022 and the information can be found here.
So first things first, check what documents are needed for the visa you want to renew.
Visa renewal documents
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Application form for extension of period of stay
Materials to be submitted according to status of residence
If you are wondering whether you will get a reminder email or letter telling you that your visa is going to expire soon
The short answer is NO. The onus is on the visa holder to be aware of the visa expiry date and get it extended or changed before that date.
Who usually puts the paperwork together?
If you are on a working visa, usually the company will either apply for the extension for you, or might prepare a packet of documents which you will need to take down to the Immigration office, apart from the documents stated in the links above.
However if you are on a spouse visa, you will either need to enlist the help of an Immigration lawyer, or put the documents together yourself.
If you are a student or on a different kind of visa, it is best to check with your school or company.
When you have all the paperwork in order
When you have the necessary documents, head on down to your local Immigration office.
Once the documents have been checked, you will be asked to fill out a postcard with your name and address (which they will keep). You will then receive a slip of paper with your Application number.
When you receive the postcard in the mail (the one you filled out)
Make a trip down to the Immigration office and remember to bring your passport, resident card and the slip of paper with your Application number to pick up your shiny new visa.
A few tips to make the process smoother
As of 30 March 2022, foreign residents can use the online reservation system, meaning that instead of just going down to the Immigration office and waiting outside, people can reserve a slot.
But if being tied down to a specific time is inconvenient, you can also do it the traditional way – head down whenever you are ready.
First trip down to the Immigration office to submit your application
- Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before the visa expiry date so plan ahead, especially if you plan to travel
- The photograph and documents like the ones from the ward office must be recent; within 3 months.
- Fill out all the documents before going down to the Immigration office
- Bring an umbrella in case it rains or you have to spend a long time in the sun waiting to get into the Immigration office
- Bring a drink and snacks in case you get hungry; you could be in for a long wait
- Bring a mobile phone power bank…seriously!
- It’s also a good idea to get a Japanese speaker to go with you if you don’t understand Japanese very well. Most Immigration office staff only ask and answer questions in Japanese.
2nd trip down to the Immigration office to pick up your visa
- Print out the Certificate of payment fee form beforehand
- The revenue stamp (収入印紙) can be purchased at the convenience store in the Shinagawa Immigration office (if you are going there) BUT it can also be purchased from most post offices
Enjoy not having to deal with the stress and immigration office crowds until the next time you need to renew your visa!
For quick reference
Image credit:
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