Job Discussion Forums

anne_o · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Tokyo

Hi all.......so i'm going to Korea to work for awhile. I'm married to a Japanese man and have a spousal visa which will expire next July.
Will I have problems renewing if I have been out of the country working? Are there regulations on this visa?
I guess the first visa is 1 year and after that it's a 3 year???
Does anyone know what you need to do to renew it?
Thanks!

khusam · Joined: 06 Jul 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Oppama

Call immigration. I asked the same question last year, and the answer was no, not possible to renew the visa outside Japan. Applying for a brand new one, yes. My situation may have been different, though.

The length question.. I've had 3 year spouse visas from the start. I think they just roll dice or something.

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

If you're asking whether working outside of Japan will hinder your visa, just don't say anything. No reason to. What you do outside Japan is none of immigration's business anyway.

anne_o · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Tokyo

I won't need to renew it in Korea.....I'll be coming here to visit, etc......
I just thought that if they look at my passport and see I've been in Korea, or ask for tax records, etc....when I renew then they might be weird about something.......i don't know what, but the whole visa thing is so bureaucratic and annoying who knows!

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

Just be sure you buy a reentry permit before you leave Japan, or your visa becomes invalid.

Like I wrote earlier, what business is it of theirs if you visit Korea, Finland, Tierra del Fuego, or Vatican City, as long as you return with a REP before your visa expires? Answer: none. Tell them you were on vacation. I don't think they'll even ask.