Job Discussion Forums

[Libertas-MMXIII]

Is the letter of release from the previous employer still necessary if the visa is canceled and/or expires (after you leave Japan) ? I have an active visa but I lost my letter of release and I'm being hired by another company.

Can I cancel my visa at the local consulate and start all over?

Regards

[Libertas-MMXIII]

Problem solved

[fluffyhamster]

Not sure what you did to solve your problem (I'm hoping the new employer said it wasn't an issue, or didn't even raise it), but cancelling a still-valid visa to get around merely a missing letter of release is slight overkill LOL (and would quite inconvenience the new employer), especially as it's usually only Immigration who asks to see such letters (when eventually renewing visas). And even then, I think the main outcome of missing some is just that you get e.g. one- rather than three-year visas issued.

[Libertas-MMXIII]

I left the country without a re-entry permit.

[fluffyhamster]

So you will be unable to re-enter straight back into work, and now need to await a new visa. Fine if you and your new employer can afford the wait and it all goes smoothly. What happened though in your old job that made you so keen to reset your work history?! Or shouldn't I ask? And here's a thought: perhaps you even need to get a whole new passport (employers may notice the previous visa in the old one).