Japan forms
Immigration forms come from multiple agencies. The right form depends on whether your process is consular or handled in-country. VisaMind provides guides, checklists, and common pitfalls based on official sources — not legal advice or eligibility decisions.
8 forms from 2 agencies
Official immigration forms can be complex and error-prone. These guides break down each form's purpose, required documents, and common mistakes — verified against official government sources. Whether you're filing for the first time or renewing, use these references to avoid delays and rejections.
Most common forms
Employment
Permission for Activities Outside Status is used with certain Japan immigration applications.
- When applying for a visa or immigration benefit that requires this form.
- Leaving required fields blank.
- Providing inconsistent information across documents.
Travel
Re-entry Permit is used with certain Japan immigration applications.
- When applying for a visa or immigration benefit that requires this form.
- Leaving required fields blank.
- Providing inconsistent information across documents.
General
CoE Application is an official ISA form titled "Certificate of Eligibility Application", as described in the [Form RESIDENCE CARD](/en/japan/forms/residence-card-renewal) guide.
- HIGHLY-SKILLED-PROFESSIONAL: Highly Skilled Professional
- ENGINEER-SPECIALIST: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- STUDENT: Student Visa
- When applying for Highly-skilled-professional — CoE Application is typically required as part of the application
- When filing CoE Application alongside VISA-APPLICATION (CoE submitted with visa application at embassy)
- Submitting the form on incorrect paper size.
- Missing signatures or incorrect dates.
- Inaccurate or incomplete information about the intended status of residence.
A visa is a requirement for entering Japan as outlined by the 'Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act'. However, it does not guarantee entry into Japan, as detailed in the [Form RESIDENCE CARD](/en/japan/forms/residence-card-renewal) guide.
- SHORT-STAY: Short-Term Stay Visa
- HIGHLY-SKILLED-PROFESSIONAL: Highly Skilled Professional
- STUDENT: Student Visa
- When applying for Short-stay — Visa Application is typically required as part of the application
- When filing Visa Application alongside COE-APPLICATION (Submit CoE with visa application)
- Remain vigilant against fraudulent websites, social media platforms, and emails that seek to extract payments from visa applicants.
- Submitting incomplete forms.
- Using outdated versions of the form.
- Providing incorrect passport details.
Residence Card is an official ISA form titled "this form Renewal Application".
- When you need a replacement or correction of an official record or document
- If the official instructions allow a correction for the error in question
- When a record is lost, damaged, or issued with incorrect information
- Incomplete form sections
- Missing or illegible signatures
- Outdated form editions
Status Change is used with certain Japan immigration applications.
- When applying for a visa or immigration benefit that requires this form.
- Leaving required fields blank.
- Providing inconsistent information across documents.
The Extension of Stay form is utilized to request an extension of your stay. For comprehensive details, please consult the official instructions.
- Individuals extending or changing their immigration status.
- Engineer-specialist — Extend period of stay
- Student — Extend student visa
- After filing Extension of Stay — COE-APPLICATION may be the next step (Extend stay after entry on CoE)
- When filing Extension of Stay alongside RESIDENCE-CARD-RENEWAL (Card validity extended with stay)
- As an alternative to STATUS-CHANGE — use Extension of Stay when Extension vs status change depending on goal
- Not reading the instructions thoroughly.
- Submitting incomplete forms.
Residency
PR Application is used with certain Japan immigration applications.
- When applying for a visa or immigration benefit that requires this form.
- Leaving required fields blank.
- Providing inconsistent information across documents.
Common pitfalls across forms
- Inconsistent answers across applications (names, dates, work history).
- Mixing consular processing steps with in-country filing steps.
- Missing signatures or using the wrong filing method.
- Uploading unclear scans or omitting supporting documents.
- Using outdated instructions instead of the latest official guidance.
Looking beyond Japan? Form requirements can vary by country and case type.