Introduction

After entering Japan on a short-term stay visa, if you wish to stay longer due to employment or marriage, you will need to change your visa to a spouse visa or work visa. This article explains the procedures for changing from a short-term stay visa to a spouse or work visa and highlights important points to consider during the application process.

1. What is a Short-Term Stay Visa?

A short-term stay visa allows for stays of up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives, or business. Generally, working is not permitted under this visa. If you find employment or get married in Japan, you will need to change your visa.

2. Changing from a Short-Term Stay Visa to a Spouse Visa

If you marry a Japanese citizen or a foreign resident while on a short-term stay visa, you can change to a spouse visa. Here is the basic procedure for changing to a spouse visa:

Procedure Flow

• Marriage Registration: If marrying a Japanese citizen, register the marriage at a local city, town, or village office. For marriages with foreign residents, you need documents proving the legal marriage relationship.
• Application for Change of Status of Residence: After marriage, apply for a change of status to a spouse visa at the immigration office.
• Required Documents:
  • Application for Change of Status of Residence
  • Passport and residence card
  • Marriage certificate
  • Spouse’s residence certificate, income certificate, tax payment certificate, etc.
• Review and Notification: The review period is typically 1 to 3 months, and the results will be notified.

Important Points

Changing to a spouse visa emphasizes the authenticity of the relationship between the applicant and their spouse. Providing false information can result in penalties, so it is crucial to provide accurate information.

3. Changing from a Short-Term Stay Visa to a Work Visa

If you secure employment during your short-term stay, you need to change to a work visa. Typically, the employing company will handle the application on your behalf.

Procedure Flow

• Employment Contract: You must sign a formal employment contract with a Japanese company. The contract details will be verified during the work visa application.
• Application for Change of Status of Residence: Apply for a change of status to a work visa at the immigration office.
• Required Documents:
  • Application for Change of Status of Residence
  • Passport and residence card
  • Employment contract
  • Company registration documents or financial reports, etc.
• Review and Notification: The review period is typically 1 to 3 months, and a new status of residence will be issued if approved.

Important Points

When applying for a work visa, it is important that the employing company meets the immigration office’s requirements. For example, the company must demonstrate a certain financial situation, and the employee must perform appropriate work as defined.

4. Important Points for Changing from a Short-Term Stay Visa

Changing from a short-term stay visa to another status of residence involves careful scrutiny, so the following points are crucial:

• Application Timing: Apply during the period of your short-term stay visa. If the period expires, you may become an illegal overstayer, and your application could be rejected.
• Submission of Reasoning: You may need to provide a detailed reason for changing your visa, so a justification document explaining the legitimacy of the change is important.
• Risk of Delayed Results: If the review takes longer, your short-term stay visa might expire before the results are out. In such cases, you might need to leave Japan and re-enter.

Conclusion

Changing from a short-term stay visa to a spouse or work visa is necessary for those who wish to stay in Japan long-term. It is important to refer to the procedures and points outlined in this article to ensure accurate and smooth applications. Always check the latest information from the immigration office, prepare necessary documents, and consider consulting with a professional administrative scrivener or lawyer if you have any concerns.