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.
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.
Reappointing for 4th/5th year OR leaving JET for another job OR staying in Japan but seeking employment -
IF reappointing, you will renew your visa ("Extension of Period of Stay") based on your existing "Instructor" status (as shown on your residence card).
Link (in Japanese) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3.html
IF you are leaving JET for another job, you'll have to change your residence status in line with your new job type.
Link (in Japanese) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html
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."
Link (in Japanese) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html
____________________________________________________________
NON-reappointing JETs leaving Japan at the end of their contract -
IF your Period of Stay expires BEFORE your contract finishes, you should apply for an Extension of Period of Stay (see above link).
IF your Period of Stay expires AFTER your contract finishes, you should change your residency status to "Temporary Visitor "(see above link).
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!
_______________________________________________________________
Refer to this link for more information about Residence Cards and your immigration status:
https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001291262.pdf
Your immigration status is your responsibility. Consult with your supervisor regarding necessary procedures to ensure that you are in compliance with Japanese immigration law.
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.
Reappointing for 4th/5th year OR leaving JET for another job OR staying in Japan but seeking employment -
IF reappointing, you will renew your visa ("Extension of Period of Stay") based on your existing "Instructor" status (as shown on your residence card).
Link (in Japanese) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3.html
IF you are leaving JET for another job, you'll have to change your residence status in line with your new job type.
Link (in Japanese) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html
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."
Link (in Japanese) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html
____________________________________________________________
NON-reappointing JETs leaving Japan at the end of their contract -
IF your Period of Stay expires BEFORE your contract finishes, you should apply for an Extension of Period of Stay (see above link).
IF your Period of Stay expires AFTER your contract finishes, you should change your residency status to "Temporary Visitor "(see above link).
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!
_______________________________________________________________
Refer to this link for more information about Residence Cards and your immigration status:
https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001291262.pdf