How many months left is everyone’s visa valid for?
For foreigners thinking of traveling or staying in Japan, obtaining or renewing a visa is an essential process. In this article, we provide detailed information on types, new application methods, and renewal procedures for visas to address questions and concerns of visiting foreigners.
This article is recommended for:
- Those who want to know the type of visa suitable for them
- Those who want to know the visa application method
- Those who want to know the visa renewal method
1. Types and Features of Japanese Visas:
Short-Term Stay Visa: Suitable for purposes like tourism, short-term business, and visits to close friends and acquaintances. The stay is allowed for up to 90 days. Validity Period: Up to 90 days
Student Visa: Required for those staying in Japan for study or short-term language learning. Typically, a letter of admission or certificate of enrollment from a school or university is required. Validity Period: 1 or 2 years
Working Visa: For those aiming to work in Japan. Requirements vary for professions like skilled labor, technical skills, humanities & international business, and management. Validity Period: 1, 3, or 5 years
Permanent Resident Visa: For those aiming for long-term stay in Japan, such as spouses of Japanese citizens or children of permanent residents. Validity Period: Indefinite
Training and Skill Acquisition Visa: For those undergoing specific skill or knowledge training. Validity Period: Initially 1 year
2. New Visa Application Method and Fees:
- Short-Term Stay Visa: Documents: Passport, application form, photograph, documents indicating purpose of stay, documents indicating travel schedule and expenses. Fee: Single Entry: ¥3,000 Double/Multiple Entry: ¥6,000
- Student Visa: Documents: Admission letter, passport, application form, photograph, proof of financial self-sufficiency or scholarship information. Fee: ¥4,000
- Working Visa: Documents: Employment contract, passport, application form, photograph, designated CV, qualification documents. Fee: ¥4,000
- Permanent Resident Visa: Documents: Family registry of related family or proof of relationship, passport, application form, photograph. Fee: ¥8,000
- Training and Skill Acquisition Visa: Documents: Invitation from training/skill acquisition institution, document detailing training/skill acquisition content, passport, application form, photograph. Fee: ¥4,200
3. Visa Renewal Method and Fees:
- Short-Term Stay Visa: Typically, short-term stay visas are not subject to renewal. For extensions, special exceptions need to be confirmed at the Immigration Bureau.
- Student Visa: Renewal: Possible if you’re still enrolled in a Japanese school/university. Necessary documents include a certificate of enrollment, proof of tuition payment, and financial self-sufficiency. Fee: ¥4,000
- Working Visa: Renewal: Possible if the employment contract in Japan continues. Required documents include the latest employment contract, specified CV, and proof of income. Fee: ¥4,000
- Permanent Resident Visa: Renewal: Possible by submitting documents proving your base of life in Japan. Documents include proof of income, family status, and housing assurance. Fee: ¥8,000
- Training and Skill Acquisition Visa: Renewal: Possible if training or skill acquisition continues. Required documents include proof of continuation from the institution and a document detailing the training/skill acquisition content and progress. Fee: ¥4,200
4. Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. When can I apply for a visa renewal? A1. Typically, you can apply 3 months before the visa expiration. However, to avoid the busy Immigration Bureau, it’s recommended to process earlier.
Q2. What kind of photograph is needed for visa application or renewal? A2. A 4.5cm x 3.5cm facial photo is standard. Background should be plain white or blue. Tell photo studios that you need a “visa photo,” and they will assist.
Q3. Any precautions during visa renewal? A3. Yes, your past stay, lifestyle, and activities in line with the purpose are often checked. Providing inaccurate information might make renewal difficult, so always provide accurate information.
5. Conclusion:
To smoothly proceed with your stay or activities in Japan, the appropriate visa application or renewal is crucial. Especially for foreign visitors, there are various procedures and rules, so researching in advance and proceeding with the necessary procedures is important.
For more accurate information, based on your nationality, please confirm in advance.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/visa/
We hope this article deepened your understanding of basic visa information and procedural methods.
Thank you for reading to the end.
