Job Discussion Forums

[fox1]

Hi,

Are you allowed to leave the country after applying for a change in visa status?

Also, how long does it take to get the stamp: same-day or about 3 weeks?

I want to change from "Specialist in Humanities" to "Instructor".

Thanks for any info.

[bearcat]

If you do not have a re-entry permit in your passport, you can leave but you'll be required to turn in your foreign registration card at that point (unless you've gotten through due to a lax immigration officer). If you return then you'll be considered coming in on a tourist visa.... and you'll probably get questioned thoroughly.

Instead of asking folks on the forum here, I strongly advise you to contact immigration for your visa related questions... whether we here are accurate or not, immigration's response is your bottom line.

[fox1]

Appreciate the info.

I have a multiple re-entry permit.

Say I apply tomorrow to change from "Specialist in Humanities" to "Instructor". I leave Japan next week, and come back early-mid-May. I'm accepted back into Japan as a normal, vacationing "Specialist in Humanities", right? Then, I find the postcard in my letter box, and go get my stamp. Anyone know, would that be possible?

[azarashi sushi]

I don't know about changing your visa status, but ordinarily when you renew your visa, you are not allowed to leave the country.

[injapantoday]

When I changed my visa from specialist to instructor it took about ten minutes.

[bearcat]

Length of time of a status change over is subject to the local office of immigration through which it is processed.

[bearcat]

[TokyoLiz]

Phone -


Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau Office (5-5-30, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Telephone : (03) 5796-7112

http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/iic-01.html