To change your status of residence from Temporary Visitor, get Certificate of Eligibility

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Every year, a numerous number of inbound passengers arrive Japan on Temporary Visitor visa in order for sightseeing, visiting relatives, business or other reasons. Some of those visitors may wish to change their status of residence to other visas while they are on Temporary Visitor status. Unfortunately, Temporary Visitor status cannot be extended or changed unless otherwise they are under unavoidable and exceptional circumstances. But, you may be offered a job or start wanting to study in Japan while you are on Temporary Visitor status. In such cases, you may be allowed to apply for change of status of residence by obtaining the “certificate of eligibility”.

About Temporary Visitor visa

Status of residence “Temporary Visitor” is granted to a foreign national who intend to temporarily stay in Japan for the purpose of tourism, business and other miscellaneous matters. It is the most commonly granted status of residence, and nationals of certain countries are allowed to enter Japan without a visa for short-term stay. On the other hand, holders of Temporary Visitor status are not allowed to engage in an activity that involves income or remuneration or stay in Japan more than 90days. Most importantly, this status of residence is granted under the condition that a holder must depart from Japan within the period of stay granted. Therefore, applicants must provide a proof of intention to leave Japan such as a returning flight ticket. Also, Temporary Visitor status cannot be extended or changed unless there are unavoidable and exceptional circumstances. To change your status of residence from Temporary Visitor to other kind, you must prove that you meet the conditions to be granted with other status of residence you wish to be approved, and obtain a “certificate of eligibility”.

What is the Certificate of Eligibility?

A certificated of eligibility is issued to prove that a foreigner intend to enter Japan with a status of residence meets the conditions of landing relating to the status of residence based on the foreigner’s application. It is mostly submitted by entities or individuals who wish to accept a foreign national, however, the applicant him/herself can submit an application as well. Application can be made at a reginal immigration office in the area that an applicant intend to reside, or an accepting entity is located. All the required documents must be submitted with the application form.
※An applicant is defined as a person to whom a status of residence is granted.

Required documents

The following documents are required to submit to apply for a certificate of eligibility.

Application form
Supporting documents

“Supporting documents” to be submitted vary by the type of status of residence an applicant intend to have. E.g. a copy of certificate of admission from the educational institution for Student status, a copy of employment contract and financial report of accepting company for status of residence permitting working in Japan. See Immigration Bureau of Japan website for details.
※Download application forms for certificate of eligibility (Immigration Bureau of Japan)

After your certificate of eligibility is issued

A certificate of eligibility is valid for 3-months. You need to apply for change of status of residence by attaching your certificate of eligibility before its expiry date. Your certificate of eligibility is considered as an evidence that you meet all the conditions to be granted with status of residence you required to have under Immigration Control Act, therefore the process of your application will be rather non-disruptive.
※Note that your application may be declined if Immigration Bureau has judged that there are serious issues with your application. For example, your original purpose of entering Japan on Temporary Visitor visa was false and you obtained short stay visa in order to change visa to working related visa.

Application procedures to change status of residence from Temporary Visitor to other kind is the same as visa change from Student or Designated Activity to other kind.

Submit a completed application form and certificate of eligibility at a local immigration office in your area
Receive an approval notice for change of status of residence once your application is granted
Bring your valid passport and the approval notice to a local immigration office to obtain stamp on your passport

To make your visa change like clockwork

Just like any other countries, visa change from short stay visa to other long stay visa is a quite hard task. Still, your application to change your status of residence only if you prove you have reasonable grounds to obtain such a status residence. However, there are a few status of residence that are exempt from issuance of a certificate of eligibility. Make sure to check Immigration Bureau of Japan website before applying.