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| Visitor and Extension Visas
Temporary Visitor Status Filing for this visa status change requires two trips to Sendai Immigration Office. You can apply for this change up to 1 month before your work via expires. At the very latest, apply at least two weeks before your current visa expires. The procedure for changing to "Temporary Visitor Status" is as follows: On the first trip, you will submit the documentation/application form, and pay the processing fee: -Fill out an "Application for Change of Status of Residence" form (zairyuu shikaku henkou kyoka shinseisho έ―iΟXΒ\Ώ). This form can be obtained at the immigration office. (Note: On this form, Line 11 'Date of entry or permission to acquire status of residence' - this date should be the date after your current visa expires.) -You must also bring documentation that shows the last day of your contract. (You can use the Certificate of Participation you receive at the final monthly meeting, or the jirei «ί contract certificate you received at the start of the JET year), and your scheduled departure date (e.g. plane ticket, or reservation documents) -You must bring your passport, and alien registration card and a 4,000 yen shuunyuu inshi stamp ϋόσ (available at post offices). -You must provide an explanation for changing your Status of Residence (reasons for staying in Japan, preferably written in Japanese). -If you are staying for sightseeing, you must provide an itinerary. -The Immigration Office will stamp your passport with an "in process" stamp. You will receive a postcard 7-10 days later (to let you know that your paperwork has been approved). After your ALT contract has ended: -Bring your passport and the notification postcard to the Immigration Office to get your visa status fully changed. -In order to receive your postcard, you will need to give them an address to send it to. If you will be leaving your apartment early, you may want to use your school address, a friendfs address, or Shidoka, and collect the postcard when it arrives. Note: Once your visa status has been changed to Temporary Visitor, you wonft be able to work legally. DO NOT bring in your passport to finalize your change of status until after your contract has ended. Extension Visa This visa (oυ shukkoku junbi) will cover you for 15 days. It is a little more difficult to obtain this visa as opposed to a Temporary Visitor Visa. You must provide a very good reason for needing this visa when you apply (e.g. you need more time to pack, youfre taking a cultural exam, your school has asked you to stay longer to train your successor, etc.). If you are applying for one, only do it a few days before your JET visa expires as it will negate your current one. Please check in advance with the Immigration Office to see how long the process will take for your particular situation. This visa can also be obtained at the Sendai Immigration Office for 4000 yen (payment by shuunyuu inshi stamp ϋόσ). |