Contact us/ FAQ

Q: When will the Embassy start accepting the visa application again?
A: For the time being, due to border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus, most kind of visa issuance including “Business Track” and “Residence Track” is suspended until further notice.
Q: The validity of my Certificate of Eligibility has expired?
A: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is in principle valid for 3 months, but the Government of Japan has decided to introduce an exception arrangement regarding expired COE due to the impact of Novel Coronavirus as follows:
　　　- For COE issued from January 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021 will be deemed as valid until April 30, 2022.
　　　- For COE issued from November 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022 will be valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

Ex. COE issued on August 1, 2021: Valid until April 30, 2022.
　　COE issued on January 1, 2022: Valid until July 1, 2022

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930005023.pdf

Q: we are a spouse and a child of a Japanese national. If we have COEs, can we submit them to apply for a visa to join him/her in Japan?
A: In this case it is possible to accept your visa application, but due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual.
Q: My spouse is in Japan with a long-term stay status. If I have a COE, can I submit it to apply for a visa to join my spouse in Japan?
A: In this case it is possible to accept your visa application, but due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual.
Q: My parents are in Japan with a long-term stay status. If I have a COE, can I submit it to apply for a visa to join my parents in Japan?
A: In this case it is possible to accept your visa application, but due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual.
Q: Can I apply for a student visa?
A: For the time being, the visa issuance for a student visa is suspended.
Q: If I am in urgent need to go to Japan?
A: Only applications for the following visas are accepted:
　　　- Visas to be issued for humanitarian consideration (such as death, accident or illness of relatives living in Japan).
　　　- Visas to be issued for the illness that the treatment of such illness is only available in Japan.
Q: I’m a permanent resident, and my special re-entry permit will expire soon. Can I extend the validity of special re-entry permit?
A: Unfortunately, special re-entry permit cannot be extended. In case it expires before your plan to return to Japan, you are required to reapply for a visa.
Q: I’m a permanent resident. I have re-entry permit, but it’s already expired. Can I extend the validity?
A: For permanent resident with re-entry permit, may be able to apply for re-entry permit extension.
Q: My residence card will expire soon. Can I return to Japan if it expires?
A: If you hold a valid re-entry permit (or special re-entry permit), you should be able to enter into Japan regardless of residence card validity. However, you will be required to renew your residence card as soon as you arrived Japan.