※Please note that this article is meant to discuss the reality of what certain individuals may go through and feel during the visa renewal process in Japan but we have no intention of criticizing the immigration officers themselves. Individual experiences will vary, but if anyone feels similarly to our staff, we hope this article provides one potential solution.
When working long-term in Japan, one of the procedures that most people will experience is extending the period of stay.
This process can be done at the regional immigration offices or online, but anyone who has gone through this process even once is likely to think the same thing.
You have to explain the situation to your company and get the necessary documents, and taking two days off feels like an unfortunate way to have to use paid leave (when it already feels so limited)! Although it is now possible to apply online, even after submitting the application, you cannot help but feel anxious everyday, wondering, “Will it be approved?”
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We've gathered some of the WeXpats staff who have something to say about the residence status renewal process!
They’ll be sharing some "visa renewal experiences" that either they or people they know have gone through. If you're about to go through the renewal process, be sure to use this as a reference!
This article is brought to you by AIRVISA. More on their services later.
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
Enough to give you nightmares?? Let’s Talk About the Unpleasant~ But Relatable Visa Renewal Experiences
REBECCA:
I've been asked to share as many stories as I want about the “Visa Renewal Process (Application for Extension of Period of Stay)”. Leave it to me. I could talk about this all day haha.
FRANK:
Well, everyone has something to say about it, right?
KIM:
Just to be clear, we're just here to chat about our experiences like we would at an izakaya. Please understand that we have no intention of criticizing the immigration officers who work hard for the benefit of foreigners!
What is the “Application for Extension of Period of Stay”?
This is the procedure for foreign nationals to renew “status of residence” and obtain a new residence card to carry out activities in Japan.
The procedure is carried out at the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over the area of residence. Since 2019, online applications have become possible.
REBECCA:
Alright, I’ll go first. This is a topic that cannot be avoided.
FRANK:
Right, the immigration office is only open on weekdays.
KIM:
It’s great that we can now apply online, but you still need a card reader, and there’s always the worry of whether the documents are in order, so most people I know still prefer to go to the counter in-person.
REBECCA:
Exactly. I renewed my visa earlier this year, but I was worried since it was my first time, so I went to the office to do it in-person.
FRANK:
How was your first application?
REBECCA:
I really regret not doing it online (laughs). It might just be the No.1 on my “Most Reluctant Way to Use Paid Leave” list in my life so far.
KIM:
I know what you mean. It’s so exhausting. To me, it feels worse than working on a day-off.
FRANK:
It might just be me but…
FRANK:
… that's what it feels like.
REBECCA:
Because of the long wait and you’re just sitting there the whole time…
KIM:
Don’t you feel a sort of invisible pressure while in the waiting room? Maybe that’s why your shoulders get so tense.
REBECCA:
Right! Once it’s all over and you step outside, you feel so much lighter.
KIM:
It might actually be the “Hyperbolic Time Chamber” from Dragon Ball. Gravity is 10 times stronger inside.
FRANK:
Time certainly does feel like it's moving incredibly slow.
REBECCA:
The waiting time is really long! I arrived at 10AM and still had to wait 3 hours.
FRANK:
It depends on the place, but the waiting time at Shinagawa Immigration Office is typically a few hours…
REBECCA:
That’s why the atmosphere on the bus heading to immigration is so gloomy. Even though there’s an ocean view that's a refreshing reminder that "this is Tokyo”, it’s so quiet on the bus that it feels like you'd get in trouble if you spoke.
FRANK:
But I’ve heard it’s even worse in rural areas.
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FRANK:
Hokkaido is 38 times the size of Tokyo, but there are only 4 places where you can renew visa, so people who live far away have a hard time. My friend gave up doing it in one day, stayed a night, and ate kaisendon (seafood ricebowl) at Kushiro.
REBECCA:
For those living far away, forgetting something can be a disaster. It's unlikely that you’d forget the application form itself, but I know someone who…
REBECCA:
…so that happened. Even worse, he had waited hours before realising that he had not bought the revenue stamps.
KIM:
Wow… the fact that you can imagine it actually happening to you is so scary…
FRANK:
That’s so horrible I might have a nightmare about it tonight.
REBECCA:
If you plan on buying revenue stamps on the same day, make sure to bring your wallet.
FRANK:
But as long as you have cash, it's nice that you can easily buy them at the nearest convenience store to the immigration office.
KIM:
And so…
Writer's Pick
Is the anxiety while waiting for results the same for online applications? Let’s Compare to Applying In-Person
FRANK:
So far we’ve been talking about the day-of in-person application, but filling out the application form is also a hassle.
REBECCA:
I'm worried about whether I'm filling out the forms correctly in the first place! How detailed do you need to be for the "Details of Activities (活動内容詳細)" section!?
KIM:
Plus, the company has to fill out the "Details of Activities" section.
REBECCA:
Exactly. When I left it to the company, they just wrote "Marketing". I was like, "My whole life is on the line, and that's all you put!?" (laughs)
FRANK:
It takes a long time to get the results after applying. I’ve heard that the number of people entering Japan has increased recently, so it takes months.
REBECCA:
That’s right. I applied in February this year (2024) and didn’t find out my results until June.
KIM:
That’s tough.
REBECCA:
I didn’t know when the notification card would arrive, so I had to check my mailbox every single day.
FRANK:
I’d panic and turn over the trash can to check inside, thinking “I may have thrown out the postcard by mistake!”
KIM:
Well, if you apply online, it will arrive by email instead of by postcard, so you won't have to worry about throwing it away by mistake.
FRANK:
That’s nice.
REBECCA:
A comparison between counter application and online application goes something like this.
KIM:
It's really convenient to apply online because you don't have to go to the counter, not even once. I don't have to take time off during the week, and I can save on transportation costs to go to the immigration office, which is appreciated.
REBECCA:
The drawback is that a card reader is required, and the process is a little complicated. It's not that difficult when you actually try it, but if you're not good at Japanese or English, you might be put off by the lengthy instructions.
FRANK:
Hmm. If there was an easy and safe way to renew visa…
“AIRVISA” is an online service that allows you to easily apply for visa renewal anytime, anywhere.
To use it, simply fill in your and your company’s information following the input guide! AIRVISA will take responsibility and handle the application on your behalf.
Before submission, experts will review the content, so even first-time applicants can feel at ease. If you have any questions about the procedure, you can ask through the chat support.
The results will be sent to you by email. Your new residence card will be sent to you by post, so there is no need to go to the immigration office for collection.
The fee is 9,800 yen (including tax: 10,380 yen), which includes the cost of revenue stamps and postage for the residence card.
※As of September 2024, they only accept applications for extension of period of stay for "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" visas.
REBECCA:
So, as mentioned at the beginning, this article is a PR for AIRVISA. But even if you ignore the PR aspect, it's still a good service, right?
FRANK:
I agree. Since the revenue stamp cost is 4,000 Yen, you’re actually getting the service for around 6,000 Yen. Considering transportation costs and the value of paid leave, it seems like a really good deal.
KIM:
It’s also reassuring that it is operated by a group company of SmartHR. They’re professionals in Japanese HR and labour, so it adds to their trustworthiness.
REBECCA:
And so…
For those who want to “Make Visa Applications Easier”, be sure to try AIRVISA!
As of September 2024, AIRVISA only supports visa renewal applications for "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services". However, there are plans to support the "Family Stay" status of residence in future. If you are interested, please register your email address on the official website and wait for updates.
