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TTTT · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 30

I have recently obtained a professor visa for Japan. On the visa, it says 'multiple' yet when I asked about it at the consulate, I was told that it wasn't a multiple re-entry permit. If I want to leave the country and come back, I still need to purchase a re-entry permit. So my question is, what does the 'multiple' mean on my visa?

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

TTTT · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 30

Thanks, yeah good point. I went to two different Citibanks in the same city and got completely different responses regarding opening an international account.

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

Look at the visa stamp in this picture.
http://japandora.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/visa-work-visa-leaving-japan-800X800.jpg
It says "duration" and 1 year. What does yours say?

Now look at this reentry permit stamp in a passport:
http://www.thejapanguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/JapanReEntryVisa1.png

See the difference? Reentry permits say single or multiple. What does yours say?

Now, if you are looking at something more like this:
http://chris.erbach.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/japan-visa.jpg
...that's a different story. I honestly don't know why a professor visa would say multiple on it because you still need a reentry permit, or you will lose the visa upon returning to Japan.

TTTT · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 30

Yeah mine looks like the last link you provided. I used to have those re-entry permits from the first two links.

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

"Used to"???

Are you converting another visa to professor visa, or is this the first time to have a work visa (with no carryover of reentry permit)?

Basically, you're going to need a REP if you want to leave the country. Choose either the single or multiple reentry type as you please.

Bear in mind that the government is supposed to eliminate the need for reentry permits as of July 2012 as long as you stay outside Japan for a year or less. (See point 3 of the following link.)
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html

TTTT · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 30

Yes, "used to." As in I used to live in Japan, then I didn't, and I will soon be living there again. I'm not converting anything. I'm getting a new job after spending a couple years finishing grad school in my home country. My previous work visas and re-entry permits have long since expired, but since passports are good for 10 years, I still have those relics from years past.

That's pretty annoying that the visa literally says "number of entries: multiple" yet I would need to make a special trip to the immigration office and purchase another stamp for that to be true. Just like before. Or get a "REP"...whatever that is.

Yes, Glenski, thankfully this will all be over soon...

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

REP = reentry permit

TTTT · Joined: 29 May 2011 Posts: 30

Ah, I see. I thought you meant 'REPresentative.'

yamanote senbei · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 435