Job Discussion Forums

[Angelfish]

Did a search. A couple of close matches but nothing that really answered my question.

First off, is it true that you can't apply for a renewal more than one month before your current visa expires?

Second, about how long on average does it take for the process to complete? I already have all my documentation ready to go from my (seriously in my bad books) Eikaiwa. I'm going to Sapporo Immigration tomorrow morning first thing to hand it in. Problem is I'm going back to England on the 29th and would obviously need to pick up my visa before then.

Thanks

[Dipso]

I renewed my visa in Nagoya recently and it took a week to come through. I was warned beforehand that it could take as long as six weeks, however.

[ElleB]

Last year I was home in the U.S. until May 26th. My visa was set to expire on June 8th. I didn't bother bringing in the renewal paperwork until I returned from my trip. The two week window was plenty of time for immigration to renew the visa.

At least where I live, immigration is flexible and has been known to help some of my coworkers take care of renewals within 1-2 weeks. For example, a friend of mine had a flight coming up and brought in her renewal paperwork when she went to buy her reentry permit. She told them in Japanese when her flight was and they had her back within a week to stamp the visa renewal in her passport.

I'm pretty sure that you only need the "in process" stamp in your passport by the date of your visa's expiration. So there is a bit of leeway...but I think it's pretty important that you can't leave the country if you have the "in process" status. Just tell them when your flight is.

[kendoman1]

You can apply for your renewal from two months until expiration date up to the day before expiration.

You can't leave the country while your renewal is being processed unless immigration gives you permission to do so and that would be for an family emergency or etc.

Be careful about the re-entry permit. It is only valid during the timeframe of your visa.For example in the above mentioned post, if the person buys the re-entry permitt the day they renew the visa. The re-entry permit will be no good with the new visa.

[Angelfish]

[azarashi sushi]

Hi Angelfish,

Yes, it's definitely true... You can apply for the renewal up to two months beforehand.

You can also hand in your papers up to one day before the visa is due to expire.

I renewed my visa last year. It was due to expire on the 29th of August. I was away from Japan until the 26th but I had all my documents and papers prepared before I went. I got back on the 26th and went in to the office on the 27th and lodged them. No problem.

Good luck with the lying, incompetent lump!

[Angelfish]

I would have done that, but unfortunately I don't get back till the 13th and the visa expires the 8th.

I'll just have to hope they can process it in time.

[ironopolis]

angelfish,

I was in exactly the same position as you a couple of years ago - had to renew my visa, with an overseas trip already arranged for the end of that month. Usually, the standard answer to asking how long it would take seemed to be about one month. However, when I explained my situation, they told me I would probably be ok, but that if I'd heard nothing a week before my trip to give them a call and they'd sort it out.

As it happened, everything was done within not much over a week and there was no problem. I do know from experience that some immigration offices are less helpful than others, but it seems that if you let them know your situation, they will try to be helpful.

Incidentally, last time I renewed I DID buy my re-entry permit at the same time and it IS valid for the period of my new visa, albeit not for the final 3 weeks of the 3 year period.

[Dipso]

[Angelfish]

Ok, everything filled out correctly, handed in, and the guy said it would take about 1 or 2 weeks, which is ok. So, hopefully, it should be alright.

This whole situation has definitely cemented my thoughts on future career prospects with this certain Eikaiwa, though.