Friday, 11 May 2007
Getting a 3 Year Japanese Visa Extension
Funny thing happened about a month ago. I was working with Ivy doing demo lessons and through a combination of the students not showing up and the Japanese staff's completely anal policy of teachers not being allowed to leave the school because we're still on the clock despite the fact there was no one to teach we were both bored out of our minds and showing each other the photos on our Alien Registration Cards for a laugh.
Funnily enough, Ivy noticed that my Visa's expiration date was in two days time. I had completely forgotten to apply for a renewal! Crap!
So I rang the office and they got the paperwork ready but not until 24 hours later so I had to apply for my renewal at Immigration on the day of expiry. Not exactly the most impressive way to apply for a three year renewal, eh?
The thing with the Japanese Visa is that you can get one for different amounts of time. Most people get given a One Year Visa though some lucky bastards get a Three Year and on some exceptional cases a Ten Year Visa.
Going to Tokyo Immigration is Hell. Last year I (and I'm not exaggerating!) waited for seven hours just to hand in my papers and then realised by looking at the number they had given me and the rate they were serving people that I wouldn't be called for another three to four hours so I just went home and came back the next day to get there a little earlier and only having to wait four hours.
As with most businesses in Japan, Immigration uses dated office systems of physical papers instead of computers, filing cabinets, and the good ol' hanko (stamp) approval system and one month processing method that just makes you want to slit your wrists in frustration. They also use the modern (cough!crap!cough!) number ticker system that makes you feel like you're there to purchase some sausages and devon instead of participating inside a part of a Japanese government facility.
Basically, Immigration is Hell.
Which is why anyone in a sane state of mind should apply for a Three Year Visa when renewing themselves. Just because you have a One Year Visa now, doesn't mean you have to get one again. The space is blank on the form. Ever time you apply you should write "3 Year". If they reject you, they'll simply give you a One Year. no biggie. But there's also a chance that they could give you a Three Year which means you don't have to come back to Immigration for another few years and you can change jobs in Japan without having to worry about looking for a job that will sponsor you. Freedom!
To get a Three Year Visa there are several factors involved. The main one being that you appear to be a responsible person that will be here for a while. They only have a limited amount of Three Year Visas available each year so the better you look the better. You have a higher chance of getting one the longer you've been here. I've applied for a Three Year Visa every year I've been here and I've only gotten one this year (starting my fourth year in Japan). It also depends on what company is currently sponsoring you. I've been told from several sources (including people working at Immigration) that NOVA is losing more and more respect at Immigration so you may have a better chance getting one if you work at a different company (like I am now). Another major factor is how long you've been working at your current job. I'm starting my second year at my company this year which shows that I'm dedicated to being here for a while instead of a "quick fresh off the boat year of fun". This is probably the biggest reason I got the Visa this year.
I've also been told that different nationalities have different odds. I've been told the Japanese government gives more Three Years to people from the UK than Australia for example. Am not sure about the details though I've met a LOT of Brits who got Three Years when they came to Japan and only one Australian who managed to get one on his second year.
Something to make sure you don't forget though is when you're at Immigration to grab a Multiple Re-Entry Permit so you can go on holiday and get back into the country. If you don't have one of these and you go home for the holidays, no matter how long your Visa you'll be stopped at Narita and sent back to your home country. Don't forget!
2010, huh? The future just seems that much more open. It's amazing how restrictive a One Year Visa can be.
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Labels: japan, Visa and Passport Issues
posted by Brad at
8:47 AM
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Welcome. My name's Brad and I'm about to start my fifth year in Tokyo, Japan though lately I've found that that defines me as badly as saying I'm from Sydney, Australia.
I finally heard back from the Immigration Bureau 10 weeks after having submitted my application and 6 weeks of calling and pestering them for it. At first it was great, because I got some time off work (I can't work without a work permit, because I'm here on a student visa), but towards the end it was the height of frustration. Now I have one month to go until I get my work permit...
That's Japan for you. I had to wait almost two months to get my extension as well.
If you earn enough, have you thought about self sponsorship? (or maybe just don't tell the gov you work. *wink wink* )
Oh how right you are. I had married a Japanese national and needed exit visa for her. At first she needed to go to her parental village to get her shiohon, the family record, that was easy. then at the american embassy, one of the Japanese worker handed me one paper to be translated and notorized. It took me about four to five hours and I wasted bassically one whole day. then On my return, the guy hands me another paper to be translated and notorized. I am irrtated but keep my cool and waste another day doing this, since I want vias for my wife to come to US. Lo and behold on the third day, I come to the embassy and see that same officer and he hands me another paper to do the same. Now I blew my top and rushed into the Consul's office and telling him what is it thaey think I am moron and can't get the pspers done in one go. The consul is aghast. I tell him my three day sojourn. He in turn calls the guy and tells him to get the papers done in one day andthat afternoon I get the visa. I think it was the man who seems unhappy that a Japanese had married a foreigner and needed to leave the country. May be he thought that female coudn't find a suitable japanese to get married and stay in the wountry.
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My own experience with immigration was harrowing but not in the same way. I needed a form to prove I was married & it didnt state anywhere that I needed it. Needless to say, I was sent home to get it from my town office. Once they accepted my paperwork, I had my 3 year visa in my hot little hand a week later.
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