EXTENSION OF VISA
If a foreign national intends to extend his/her period of stay in Japan, he/she must apply to
the Ministry of Justice for extending his/her period of stay in accordance with applicable
procedures as set forth in the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Regulations.
A foreign national who stays in Japan with the status of residence may (in principle) stay in Japan only during the permitted period of residence. But in the case a foreign national intends to extend his/her period of stay in Japan, he/she must apply for the extension of his/her period of stay to the Ministry of Justice in accordance with applicable procedures as set forth in the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Regulations.
In line with the introduction of the new residency management system, when a foreign national is residing as a spouse with "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" or "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident" status, but have failed to engage in activities as a spouse for six months or more without a justifiable reason, revocation of resident status will be implemented.
In case a foreign resident has justifiable reasons (example: in the process of mediation with his/her spouse over the custody of his/her child or having a divorce case holding his/her Japanese spouse liable, in hiding because of domestic violence, etc.) and does not act as a spouse for six months or longer, extension of visa or change of residence status is permitted (whichever is applicable).
We support the acquisition and preparation of documents for the visa applications. We can also submit the application of visa on your behalf. Please do not hesitate to
contact us for more information.
There are also situations like when the Japanese spouse suddenly went missing or have ran away and the foreign spouse has to extend his/her period of stay, depending on the case, request for further extension of visa is possible.
Also with the case when a foreign national with working visa has reached the end of his/her contract with his/her present employer but wishes to stay in Japan to seek employment in other company, depending on the situation, request for further extension of visa is possible. In case of change of employment, notification to the Regional Immigration Office within 14 days of change is required.