[Japan] Immigration Procedure - Extending Period of Stay

(source: http://iss-intl.osaka-u.ac.jp/supportoffice/eng/visa/change.php)

If you wish to extend your permitted term of residence, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office prior to your expiration date. One is allowed to apply starting 3 months prior to the expiration date. Make sure to apply well in advance since the immigration office is very busy - especially in March, April, September and October. After you submit the application form to the immigration office, a notice is sent to the applicant in about 2 weeks. After you receive the notice, you visit the Regional Immigration Office with the notice, passport and 4,000 yen as fee. Then a new residence card with the new expiration date is issued.

Required Documents:

• Student
  1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay（The application form is available at the Immigration Bureau, or it can be downloaded from the Ministry of Justice homepage. The Support Office also provides it.）
     *Organization part of the application has to be made by the office of each department.
  2. ID Photo (4cm×3cm) Attach on the 1st page of the application
  3. Passport, Residence Card(or Alien Registration Card)
  4. Student registration certificate, Transcript (In case of a research student; Certificate of the research activities)
  5. Document certifying that you have the means to pay for all the expenses incurred during your stay in Japan, such as Bank statement, Certificate of Scholarship etc.
  6. Fee: 4,000 yen
     *The Immigration Bureau might require other additional documents for the application.
• Professor
  1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay（The application form is available at the Immigration Bureau, or it can be downloaded from the Ministry of Justice homepage. The Support Office also provides it.）
     *Organization part of the application has to be made by the office of each department.
  2. ID Photo (4cm×3cm) Attach on the 1st page of the application
  3. Passport, Residence Card(or Alien Registration Card)
  4. 【In case of non-regular worker(part-time)】
     Document certifying an annual income and tax payment of the previous year, which is issued by the municipal office.
  5. Fee: 4,000 yen
     *The Immigration Bureau might require other additional documents for the application.
• Cultural Activities
  1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay（The application form is available at the Immigration Bureau, or it can be downloaded from the Ministry of Justice homepage. The Support Office also provides it.）
     *Organization part of the application has to be made by the office of each department.
  2. ID Photo (4cm×3cm) Attach on the 1st page of the application
  3. Passport, Residence Card(or Alien Registration Card)
  4. Researcher registration certificate, which includes the status at Osaka University, research period at Osaka University, content of the research activities. This certificate has to be issued under the name of dean with the official seal.
  5. Document certifying that you have the means to pay for all the expenses incurred during your stay in Japan, such as Bank statement, Certificate of Scholarship etc.
  6. Fee: 4,000 yen
     *The Immigration Bureau might require other additional documents for the application.
• Dependent
  1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay（The application form is available at the Immigration Bureau, or it can be downloaded from the Ministry of Justice homepage. The Support Office also provides it.）
  2. ID Photo (4cm×3cm) Attach on the 1st page of the application
  3. Passport, Residence Card(or Alien Registration Card)
  4. Documents certifying the personal relationship between the person concerned and the person who is to support him or her, such as a copy of marriage certificate or birth certificate.
  5. Copies of the passport and the residence card or alien registration card of the person who is to support the person concerned
  6. • When the supporter has an income in Japan
       Certificate of employment and a document certifying an annual income and tax payment of the previous year, which is issued by the municipal office.
     • When the supporter is an international student or researcher who has no income in Japan
       Student registration certificate or Researcher registration certificate and a document certifying that you have the means to pay for all the expenses incurred during your stay in Japan, such as Bank statement, Certificate of Scholarship etc.
  7. Fee: 4,000 yen
     *The Immigration Bureau might require other additional documents for the application.