Job Discussion Forums

PO1 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

Just a brief question for anyone that knows. I have a COE for one year, but my contract is only for four months. For my visa application, should I put one year or four months for my "intended length of stay." Does it really matter?

I know the visa is mine once I receive it, just last time I worked in Japan my contract and visa length were the same.

If anyone knows off-hand, I'd appreciate any feedback. PM preferable.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

One year is the minimum length of time for a visa. They are for one year, or three years (and there was talk of it going to five years starting last month, I personally don't know anybody who has gotten a new visa in the last couple of weeks, so I don't know if it has actually happened, though).

Intended length of stay doesn't mean the length of your contract. It means how long you plan on staying in Japan. Almost all contracts in Japan are for one year. But many people intend to stay for much, much longer than that, whether they work for the same company or a different one.

PO1 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

Well my hope is to stay longer than one year, that just happened to be how long I stayed last time. Even if it's not with the same job, I am attempting to stay in Japan for the long haul this go around. Whether that happens or not, remains to be seen.

Thanks for your comment!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

PO1 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

I meant I have a COE, sorry. I'm applying for the visa now. I edited my first post to reflect my error.

Bread · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 318

This seems like the place to ask, if my application for extension of period of stay is rejected (no reason that it would be, as far as I know) am I barred from applying for a new visa for 6 months, or is that only for people who are rejected for a NEW visa?