Job Discussion Forums

[Utopianbeauty]

I'm currently on JET and my 3 year visa is set to expire in September. I will be leaving JET this year as well and starting with a new company so they will be renewing my visa. If I leave Japan say between July 23rd - Aug 6th for vacation, will I have any issues returning due to the fact that my visa is set to expire soon? Like will I have to show proof that I found a new job? Or is it safer to just stay in the country while the renewal is being processed?

[hagiwaramai]

I think you should be fine. I was in the same situation last year. My visa expired in March but I left and came back in February with no problems. I was a bit concerned too but when you think about it it makes no difference whether you're coming into the country or already in the country, you still just have to get down to immigration before it expires.

Just to clarify something, you said "stay in the country while the renewal is being processed", but I don't think you can go out of the country while you're waiting for the new visa after you apply for it, so don't apply until after you come back from holiday.

[Utopianbeauty]

Thank you for your response. Yeh I figured that immigration wouldn't be too bothered about that since the onus is on me to ensure that I leave or renew before the expiry date.

I had read somewhere once that you are able to leave while the renewal is being processed but I will definitely double check that, esp with the new immigration rules and all.

[Pitarou]

Don't forget the airline!

There are plenty of anecdotal reports that airlines refuse to allow passengers to board if they believe that they might be turned back at the border. I suggest that you contact them, and ensure that your visa status won't be a problem.

If it is a problem, there are ways to solve it. For instance, if you buy a Re-entry Permit, the people at airport check-in are likely to take it at face value, and allow you to proceed. It's actually meaningless without a valid residency visa, but they don't need to know that.

[Utopianbeauty]

I thought we no longer needed re-entry permits with the new system. I don't think they'll have a problem allowing me to leave but I'm nervous about them not letting me back in lol. I'm not sure what immigration's stance is on that. But i'll def double-check all my options before leaving.

[Pitarou]

I'll try to be clearer.

First, you still need a Re-entry Permit for absences longer than 1 year, if memory serves.

The problem you might face is that, when you attempt to return to Japan, the airline check-in staff will notice your soon-to-expire visa and decide not to let you board. So you should contact your airline and check.

The Re-entry Permit isn't to get you past the Japanese border; it's to get you past the airline check-in staff. If they see a piece of paper in your passport that says "Re-entry Permit: valid until 2017" they will probably mistake it for a visa, and let you board.

It's not the only way to solve the problem. An alternative is to book a ticket online for the Hakata (in Japan) --> Busan (in Korea) ferry, and present it as evidence of your intention to travel onwards. I think it's even possible to cancel the ticket after you've arrived in Japan, and get most of the cost refunded to your credit card.

[Utopianbeauty]

Ooooh I get u now. I never even thought about issues with the airline when I'm coming back, u definitely raised a good point there thanks. I'll prolly get the re-entry permit then just in case. Or I may just keep my arse in Japan just to play it safe till my visa is renewed and take a trip to Okinawa instead

[Pitarou]