All JET participants are issued with a work visa with a 3-year Period of Stay. As you approach the completion of 3 years in Japan, you will have to renew your visa before it expires. Therefore you must apply for an extension. This is known as an “Extension of Period of Stay” (在留期間更新 zairyū kikan kōshin). You may apply for an extension 3 months before your visa expires. Please note that you may lose your status of employment even if you go over even one day without extending your visa.
The visa extension process will require you to visit one of the Regional Immigration Bureau branch offices located in Fukuoka City or Kitakyushu City at least twice (see below for maps and hours). Since these offices are only open on weekdays during regular working hours, you’ll need to make at least two trips during regular work-days to complete this process.
You may be granted Special Leave (特休 tokkyū) for these trips, so it is recommended that you discuss this procedure and your plans with your contracting organization (CO). You should also speak to them about Item 13 “Desired Length of Extension” on the application form.
Please visit the Immigration Bureau of Japan website for the most updated information for the Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Locations of Regional Immigration Bureaus
Click here for more information on the locations.
Fukuoka Immigration Office
Hours: 9:00 to 12:00, and 13:00 to 16:00 (except for Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
Tel: 092-717-5422
Kitakyushu Office
Hours: 9:00 to 12:00, and 13:00 to 16:00 (except for Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
Tel: 093-582-6915
First Trip to the Immigration Office
You will need:
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請書 zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinseisho)
- Passport
- Residence Card
- A photo (4cm by 3cm) (Note: This photo can be taken at any photo booth.)
The four items above should be enough but please ask your contracting organization and bring at least one of these documents with you.
- Tax Payment Certification (納税証明書 nōzei shōmeisho)
- Tax Declaration Certificate (課税証明書 kazei shōmeisho)
- Certificate of Appointment (辞令 jirei) (summer arrivals receive this twice a year, in summer and in April)
Bring all supporting documents to the immigration office. If there are no problems, they will ask you to write your name and address. They will send you a postcard in the mail with procedures to complete your visa extension. There is a time period in which your application may expire so make your second trip to the immigration office as soon as possible. If you can’t make it within the time period, contact the immigration office immediately. Please note that all documents submitted will not be returned with the exception of your passport and residence card.
Second Trip to the Immigration Office
You will need:
- Postcard the immigration office sent you
- Passport
- Residence Card
- 4,000 yen Revenue Stamp (収入印紙 shūnyū inshi). This is purchased at the immigration office often on another floor. Please ask the immigration office for details.
Submit the postcard along with your passport and residence card. They will give you a paper slip. At this time go and purchase a stamp, put it on the slip, and return to the immigration office. Now you have your new residence card with an extended period of stay!