Visa Renewals in Japan

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Visa renewals when living overseas

Up until June 2002, there was a special "pardoning" method to help out foreigners in Japan who had not renewed their period of residence due to carelessness or forgetfulness. However, as of July 1st 2002, that practice appears to have been abolished nationwide.

If you didn't apply for your visa renewal within the period of residence, you are considered an illegal holdover and eligible for compulsory expulsion procedures.

Even though the special "pardoning" method has been done away with, there are exceptions. In the event of natural disaster, sickness or other unforeseeable event, if you have proper proof as to why you couldn't apply for renewal by the deadline, there is the possibility that it would be accepted.

It is absolutely necessary that you never forget your visa renewal when living overseas.