Visa renewal deadline missed or about to be missed

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Not yet expired: file the extension before the date

   You can apply from three months before expiry (immigration recommends three months to 45 days before), but any day up to and including the expiry date counts. Once the application is accepted, you may in principle stay until a decision is made or until two months after the old expiry — whichever comes first (the 'special period', 特例期間). Your card is stamped 申請中 (application pending) or you get an acceptance notice; keep it with the card. Some statuses can apply online through the Immigration Services Agency's online system.

   Official page
2. 2

   Step 2: Bring the minimum and ask to submit the rest later

   The core set is the application form for your status, a photo, your passport and residence card, plus the status-specific documents (students: certificate of enrolment, attendance and grades; workers: employer documents and tax certificates). If something is missing, immigration can usually accept the application and request the missing item afterwards (追加資料) — ask at the counter rather than waiting until you have everything. A revenue-stamp fee is due only when the permit is granted (around ¥6,000 at the counter, a little less online — check the current amount).

   Official page
3. 3

   Step 3: During the special period, stay put and keep working or studying

   Your previous status continues while the decision is pending. Avoid leaving Japan; if you must, you need to re-enter and collect the result before the two months run out — otherwise the pending application does not protect you. Watch for the postcard or e-mail telling you the result is ready, and collect the new card promptly.

   Official page
4. 4

   Step 4: Already expired: go to immigration in person, today if possible

   From the day after expiry you are, legally, overstaying (不法残留) — even by one day. Do not try to apply by post or online, and do not leave the country first. Go to the regional immigration office for your address with your passport, residence card and anything that shows why you missed the date. If you missed it for reasons beyond your control (hospitalisation, a disaster), the Immigration Services Agency's Q&A says you will not be subject to deportation solely for that overstay — consult as soon as you can. In other cases outcomes range from a special permission to stay (在留特別許可) to leaving under a departure order (出国命令 — a one-year re-entry ban if you report voluntarily and qualify) or deportation (a five-year ban). At this point you need professional help: a licensed immigration scrivener (行政書士) or a lawyer.

   Official page
5. 5

   Step 5: Call before you go, and tell your school or employer

   The Immigration Information Center (0570-013904, eleven languages) can tell you which office, which counter and what to bring. FRESC in Tokyo offers in-person immigration consultations in many languages. Your school's international office or your company's HR must report your status anyway and often knows exactly which form the local office wants.

   Official page

Who to contact

• Immigration Information Center (外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター)

  0570-013904

  Weekdays 8:30–17:15 (from IP phones or abroad: 03-5796-7112)

  Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, Burmese, Sinhala

  Website

• Find your regional immigration office (地方出入国在留管理局)

  Counters are usually open weekdays 9:00–16:00; go early — queues are long

  Website

• Foreign Residents Support Center — FRESC (Yotsuya, Tokyo)

  0570-011000

  Weekdays 9:00–17:00 (from some IP phones or abroad: 03-5363-3013)

  Phone menu in Japanese and English; in-person immigration consultations in many languages

  Website

What to say at the counter

Tap copy and show the Japanese on your screen, or read the romaji aloud.

• 在留期間更新の申請をしたいです。

  Zairyū kikan kōshin no shinsei o shitai desu.

  I want to apply for an extension of my period of stay.

  Copy

• 在留期限が今日までです。

  Zairyū kigen ga kyō made desu.

  My period of stay ends today.

  Copy

• 在留期限が過ぎてしまいました。相談したいです。

  Zairyū kigen ga sugite shimaimashita. Sōdan shitai desu.

  My period of stay has expired. I would like to consult.

  Copy

• 書類が足りない場合、後で出せますか。

  Shorui ga tarinai baai, ato de dasemasu ka.

  If documents are missing, can I submit them later?

  Copy

• 英語を話せる人はいますか。

  Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka.

  Is there someone who speaks English?

  Copy

Read next

• Extending your visa in Japan
• Japan student visa guide
• Ward office registration: the 14-day rule
• Lost or stolen residence card (在留カード)
• Arrival Timeline — add your renewal window to your calendar