Job Discussion Forums

[eslteacherlooking]

Okay, what happens when you get your coe and take it to the embassy and get your passport with the visa, but then you cannot go to japan for at least six months? What happens to the visa?

[Hoser]

I thought you didn't get the visa until you arrived in Japan. It's been a while since I first came to Japan though and I only did it once!

[Glenski]

Depends on whether it is a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry type.

After the validity date (the time you are allowed to use it to enter the country), it becomes invalid. B'bye!

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/08.html

Hoser,
The visa is what you get to permit entry. Status of residence is what you get after you enter, but it is often mis-named "visa".

[Ryu Hayabusa]

I remember getting my visa from the consulate and it says

Date of Issue: April 4 08

Date of Expiry: July 4 08

I arrived in Japan on April 25 and the Japan immigration inspector gave me a landing permission sticker in my passport.

It says

Date of permit: 25.Apr.2008

Until: 25.Apr.2009

Duration: One year

The above dates aren't actually the real ones because I wanted to give myself a little extra anonymity. I think that I had to enter Japan before the date of expiry on my visa. So, check what your date of expiry is and be in Japan before then.

This is just conjecture so if anyone knows better, please chime in and correct me.

What happened to the employer who sponsored your visa? Why can't you be in Japan earlier than 6 months from now if I may be so bold to ask?

[Ryu Hayabusa]

I see you beat me to it, Glenski! But there you have it folks, straight from the source.