Newsletter

Special Notice Regarding Changes to Immigration Regulations

1.    Proof of Social Insurance to be Required for Visa Renewals, Status Changes

One important new change to Japan’s visa rules is the introduction, from April 1, 2010, of the requirement to provide proof of enrollment in Japan’s Social Insurance programs to be eligible to renew or change visas. Although enrollment in Social Insurance (health, pension) has always been required of all residents, this marks the first time proof of enrollment will be required for visa renewal. There may be some limited exemptions for those on short-term stays from countries with a reciprocal Social Security Agreement with Japan if they can provide evidence of enrollment in their home country’s social security programs.

2.    New Visa Application Forms

The Immigration Department has also revised its visa/COE application forms. The new forms are already available on the Immigration Department website (http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/keiziban/sinnsei-kaisei/nintei/). They will continue to accept the old application forms for a limited time, but eventually these will be phased out.

3.    Government to Issue new Residence Cards for Foreigners

The government also recently announced that they will phase out the current Alien Registration Card system within the next three years and that all foreign residents will be issued a new “Zairyu” Resident Card. This new IC-chipped card will be issued by the Immigration Department, rather than the Ward or City Office and will include information such as; name, date of birth, sex, nationality, address of main residence, status of residence, period of stay, etc.. The card will combine the data currently collected separately under the Immigration Control Act and Alien Registration Law.

Cardholders will be expected to carry their card with them at all times and must report any changes to their employment, residency, or spousal status to the Immigration Department within 14 days or risk fines up to JPY200,000 or imprisonment.

4.    Relaxation of Re-Entry Permit Requirements and Increase to Maximum Period of Stay

Other Immigration Law changes to be implemented within the next 3 years include an extension of the maximum period of stay from the current 3 years to 5 years, and the relaxation of requirements to obtain re-entry permits. Residence Card holders with a valid passport will not be required to apply for a re-entry permit if they are to re-enter Japan within one year of their departure date. More guidance on these changes is expected in the future.