Job Discussion Forums

Petal · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 6

I have been hired by an eikawa and am leaving for Japan on Tuesday. I finally received my passport and new visa back from the consulate yesterday with nothing else in the envelope. I did not think anything of it for hours until i checked my employer's arrival itinerary. It states that I have to bring my original COE with me to get into Japan and obtain a alien registration card. If I need it, why was it not given back to me?! What should I do, folks? Am I screwed?

kah5217 · Joined: 29 Sep 2012 Posts: 270 Location: Ibaraki

Call the consulate that you sent the passport to, but first make sure they didn't staple it inside on the wrong page.

Petal · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 6

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

It's normal to have the jitters.What part of Japan are you heading to?

Petal · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 6

As of right now, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

Never been there but maybe someone on the board knows the area and can offer some advice/suggestions........if needed.

Petal · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 6

Thanks, I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions that anyone would have about that area. I studied for a semester in Tokyo and traveled to parts of Kyoto-Nara-Osaka 2 years ago, but I've never been to the Fukuchiyama area before.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 2:05 am Post subject:

What gets you into the country no question is the visa (I'm not sure what use a COE in itself would be in trying to gain entry/pass through Immigration. I assume they could tell the person to go back to an overseas consulate or embassy and obtain the actual visa LOL). You are also unlikely to need to present the COE when going to get your ARC (they'll be more interested in seeing your passport), but you may as well keep the COE if only as a memento. Smile

kah5217 · Joined: 29 Sep 2012 Posts: 270 Location: Ibaraki

They scanned my COE at the airport when I arrived, and used the same picture and information for my registration card (which she gave me right there). The woman had a pile of them, so I'm pretty sure it's important.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 2:41 pm Post subject:

I'm surprised they now issue an ARC immediately upon arrival/landing (though I can see this possibly saving time in the long run). Doesn't it lead to long queues? And can all the arrivals supply a clear address for where they'll be living or staying? And does one then still need to go and (re-)register more locally anyway at one's local City Hall? Just curious what these to me new procedures may involve. Razz

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

They require you to go add your address within 14 days if you don't know it upon arrival.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 5:54 pm Post subject:

Ah, I thought as much, Thanks for adding the explicit info, Rooster.

kah5217 · Joined: 29 Sep 2012 Posts: 270 Location: Ibaraki

It didn't take that much longer than when I visited in 2010 on a temp permit, though initially I was in the wrong line but a guard moved me to the front when I showed her the visa.

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

Petal · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 6

Thanks again for the help, everyone.
I must say, this site has been a huuuuge help for me during my quest towards living/working in Japan.
Immigration/Customs was a breeze since I made sure to have all of the necessary documents. I've got my residence card and I'm all set! Man, it's great to be back...