Having a Status of Residence (visa) is not a “get it and forget it” matter. Even if you live within the scope of your status, you cannot simply ignore the rules after arrival. There are specific situations and cases where immigration procedures are required, and you must take appropriate action accordingly. Failure to do so means you cannot maintain a proper legal status, which inevitably leads to the revocation of your residence status or deportation. Therefore, even if your daily life is going smoothly, maintaining the “appropriateness” of your Status of Residence—your legal foundation—is a matter of the highest priority and requires the utmost attention. While this may seem like an abstract and unfamiliar concept, it is absolutely essential to know when these procedures are necessary.
Extension of Period of Stay (Renewal)
Except for special cases, every Status of Residence has an expiration date. Exceeding this date results in an “overstay” (illegal staying), leading directly to deportation. Therefore, if you wish to continue residing in Japan beyond your current expiration date, you must apply to update (extend) your Status of Residence.
Change of Status of Residence
Each Status of Residence has a permitted scope of activities. You cannot conduct daily life activities beyond this scope. Continuing activities outside this scope leads directly to the revocation of your status and deportation. If you wish to engage in activities outside your permitted scope, or if your activities change due to a job change, you must change your status to one that matches the new activity. In some cases, you may apply for the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” mentioned below.
Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted
Along with the Change of Status, this permission allows you to engage in activities outside your permitted scope. While a “Change of Status” is for when the majority of your main activities change, this permission does not change your permitted scope but adds to it, expanding your scope to include side activities (such as part-time jobs).
Re-entry Permit (including Special Re-entry Permit)
There are two types of departure for foreigners: temporary departure and permanent departure. A temporary departure is a procedure for a resident foreigner to leave Japan briefly and return while maintaining their Japanese residency. It is a declaration that “I am leaving Japan now, but please preserve my legal status as I will return.” In contrast, a permanent departure involves ending your residency, moving your belongings back to your home country, and saying goodbye to Japan. A Re-entry Permit is necessary for temporary departure. If you leave the country without this, it will be considered a permanent departure, and you will lose your Status of Residence, so strict caution is required. It is important to know in which cases, by when, where, and how to apply.
Certificate of Authorized Employment
The Certificate of Authorized Employment is a document issued by the Immigration Services Agency to a company when a foreigner changes jobs. It certifies to the company that “the combination of this foreigner and the new duties at the new company is appropriate, and the duties are recognized as falling within the scope of the foreigner’s Status of Residence.” This allows both the foreigner and the company to eliminate the possibility that the job change could constitute illegal employment. It serves as a kind of “safety guarantee certificate” for changing jobs.
Notification Obligations
Foreign residents have an obligation to notify the Immigration Services Agency, both periodically and occasionally, regarding their address and place of employment. Failure to do so can result in the revocation of your Status of Residence and lead to deportation. It is crucial to know what needs to be reported, by when, and where.