Immigration and Visas

It's time for you to renew your visa (Period of Stay)! When you arrived at the airport, you were issued a 3-Year Residence Card.  Your expiration date is listed on your residence card if you are unsure of the exact date. You MUST NOT overstay the date on your residence card.

Visas for new JET Participants are usually issued for three years. Partcipants who are staying for 4th year and 5th year must renew their Period of Stay before it expires. If you are leaving JET but plan to travel within Japan before departing, Japanese law states that you must either extend your Period of Stay or change the type of your Status of Residence.
Your immigration status is your responsibility. Consult with your supervisor regarding necessary procedures to ensure that you are in compliance with Japanese immigration law.

Even if you don't plan on staying after the date of expiration as listed on your residence card, flights can be delayed or canceled. Plan for delays to avoid ending up in trouble!

Reappointing JETs

If you're renewing your contract for a 4th or 5th year on the JET program, you will renew your visa "Extension of Period of Stay" based on your existing "instructor" status (as shown on your residence card).  

NON-Reappointing JETs

We've provided a useful flowchart (information courtesy of the Fukuoka JET team) that can help you understand your immigration and visa obligations if you are NOT renewing your contract for the upcoming JET year and what you need to do depending on your future plans.  

​Period of Stay expires BEFORE your contract finishes
​If your Period of Stay expires before your contract finishes, you should apply for an "Extension of Period of Stay."

​Period of Stay expires AFTER your contract finishes
​If your Period of Stay expires after your contract finishes, you should change your residency status to "Temporary Visitor." 

Leaving JET and seeking employment
​If you are staying in Japan but are still seeking employment when your contract ends, you will have to change your residence status to "Temporary Visitor."
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Leaving JET for another job
​If you are leaving JET for another job, you'll have to change your residence status in line with your new job type.  Make sure to consult your new employer regarding your visa status and ask about any paperwork or specific dates that you need to pay attention to in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. 
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Not sure about you're visa since you're leaving JET?
Refer to these links (websites are in Japanese, but have an easy translation feature) for more information about which type of visa will best suit your needs. 

Applications and Procedures

Shiga Immigration Office

Osaka Regional Immigration Bureau
Otsu Branch Office
​大阪出入国在留管理局 大津出張所
〒520-0044 Shiga, Otsu, Kyomachi, 3 Chome−1−1 6F
Phone: 07-7511-4231
Website:  http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/about/region/osaka/index.html
Hours: Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 16:00  (closed for lunch)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays

Online Applications

As of the year 2022, applications for visa renewal or changes in your status have been made available via the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.  For more information and details, please visit the link below.