On this page
- Overview (What is Form Extension of Stay?)
- Context and workflow
- Eligibility Category Codes
- Failure prevention (What causes Form Extension of Stay rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form Extension of Stay?)
- Checklist (What is the Form Extension of Stay checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form Extension of Stay have?)
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form Extension of Stay?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Extension of Stay?)
- Scenarios
- Related guides
- Resources
- Visual references
Overview (What is Form Extension of Stay?)
#Extension of Stay, the Application for Extension of Period of Stay, is used to request an extension of stay in Japan. This application is part of the immigration process for obtaining a visa and maintaining your 在留 status. For complete and current information, refer to the official Immigration Services Agency instructions.
Context and workflow
#Before submitting your Extension of Stay application, review the official instructions from the Immigration Services Agency.
Who uses it
Individuals with temporary nonimmigrant status who want to extend their stay or change to another eligible status use Extension of Stay. Apply before your current status expires. Common filers: Work Visa Extension, Student Visa Extension, Dependent Visa Extension.
When it is used
- 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
Eligibility Category Codes
#Eligibility information for this form. Confirm your category in the official instructions before filing.
This is a shortlist of common categories. The official instructions include many more.
| Code | Who applies |
|---|---|
| General | Individuals with temporary nonimmigrant status who want to extend their stay or change to another eligible status use Extension of Stay. Apply before your current status expires. |
| Eligibility | Review the official ISA instructions to determine if you are eligible to file this form. |
Failure prevention (What causes Form Extension of Stay rejections?)
#Substantive weaknesses
- To avoid filing after current period of stay has expired: Apply at least 3 months before expiration. If already expired, seek legal counsel immediately.
- To avoid tax payment delinquency (residence tax or income tax): Ensure all municipal and national taxes are paid before applying. Provide tax payment certificates as evidence.
- To avoid employment situation has changed (lost job, company closed): If you have lost employment, you have 3 months to find a new sponsor or change status. Apply for extension with the new employer's documents.
- To avoid insufficient documentation proving continued activities: Provide updated employment certificates, recent payslips, and tax records showing ongoing activity matching your status.
What you need (What do you need for Form Extension of Stay?)
#- Documents as listed in the official instructions.
- Updated employment certificate
- Tax payment certificates
- Recent payslips
- Enrollment confirmation from institution
- Updated financial guarantee
- Attendance records
- Sponsor's residence card and employment certificate
- Proof of relationship
- Financial support documentation
Checklist (What is the Form Extension of Stay checklist?)
#- Download the current Extension of Stay from the official Immigration Services Agency website.
- Read the instructions completely before starting.
- Complete all required sections.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Example receipt notice for Extension of Stay
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Short-term Stay (Standard) | approximately 5 daysas of February 2026 |
| Work / Long-term without CoE | 1 to 3 monthsas of February 2026 |
- Processing times can vary.
- Processing time for Extension of Stay under "Short-term Stay (Standard)": approximately 5 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing time for Extension of Stay under "Work / Long-term without CoE": 1 to 3 months (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for Extension of Stay vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by ISA office and current workload. Verify current processing times with ISA.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated ISA office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the ISA office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official ISA website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form RESIDENCE-CARD-RENEWAL.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form extension of stay. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | See official schedule |
Can the Form Extension of Stay fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
ISA will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Form COE-APPLICATION.
Fees change; always verify on ISA.
Form sections (What sections does Form Extension of Stay have?)
#Personal Information
Identification details for the applicant.
- Full name, date of birth, and nationality
- Residence card number
- Current address in Japan
Current Status
Information about your existing period of stay.
- Status of residence and current period of stay
- Expiration date of current period
Reason for Extension
Justification for continued stay in Japan.
- Continuation of employment, studies, or family situation
- Expected additional period of stay needed
Supporting Evidence
Updated documentation proving continued eligibility.
- Updated employment certificate or enrollment letter
- Tax payment certificates (municipal and national)
- Recent payslips or financial documents
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Work Visa Extension
work_extension
Foreign nationals on a work visa (Engineer/Specialist, Intra-Company Transfer, etc.) with continued employment and tax compliance.
File with:
- Updated employment certificate
- Tax payment certificates
- Recent payslips
Common mistakes:
- Filing after current period of stay has expired
Typical processing: 2 weeks - 1 month
Student Visa Extension
student_extension
Students enrolled at accredited Japanese institutions who need additional time to complete their program of study.
File with:
- Enrollment confirmation from institution
- Updated financial guarantee
- Attendance records
Common mistakes:
- Poor attendance records that undermine continued student status
Typical processing: 2 weeks - 1 month
Dependent Visa Extension
dependent_extension
Dependents (spouse or child) of a foreign national whose qualifying family member maintains valid status in Japan.
File with:
- Sponsor's residence card and employment certificate
- Proof of relationship
- Financial support documentation
Common mistakes:
- Applying when the qualifying family member's status has lapsed or they have left Japan
Typical processing: 2 weeks - 1 month
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Filing after current period of stay has expired | Overstay | Apply at least 3 months before expiration. If already expired, seek legal counsel immediately. |
| Tax payment delinquency (residence tax or income tax) | Rejection | Ensure all municipal and national taxes are paid before applying. Provide tax payment certificates as evidence. |
| Employment situation has changed (lost job, company closed) | Rejection | If you have lost employment, you have 3 months to find a new sponsor or change status. Apply for extension with the new employer's documents. |
| Insufficient documentation proving continued activities | Delay | Provide updated employment certificates, recent payslips, and tax records showing ongoing activity matching your status. |
Examples (What are examples for Form Extension of Stay?)
#- An applicant reviews the Extension of Stay instructions and completes the form according to official guidance.
- Strong application: Foreign nationals on a work visa (Engineer/Specialist, Intra-Company Transfer, e submits with required evidence; receives Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) in approximately 2 weeks - 1 month.
- Strong application: Students enrolled at accredited Japanese institutions who need additional time t submits with required evidence; receives Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) in approximately 2 weeks - 1 month.
- Strong application: Dependents (spouse or child) of a foreign national whose qualifying family membe submits with required evidence; receives Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) in approximately 2 weeks - 1 month.
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Extension of Stay?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval.
Scenarios
#A software engineer on a 3-year work visa approaches their expiration date. They file for extension with their employer's updated registration, their tax payment certificate, and recent payslips.
Extension is granted for another 3 years. A new residence card is issued with an updated expiration date.
Routine extensions are straightforward when you maintain good standing with tax compliance and continued employment.
An English teacher discovers unpaid residence tax from the previous year during the extension application process.
Immigration requests proof of tax payment before processing. The application is delayed by 6 weeks until the tax is paid and certificates are reissued.
Keep all tax payments current throughout your stay. Unpaid taxes are a common and entirely avoidable cause of extension delays.
A dependent visa holder whose spouse has been transferred to another country applies for extension, but the qualifying family member is no longer in Japan.
Extension is denied because the basis for dependent status no longer exists. The applicant must change status or depart.
The basis for your status must remain valid. If circumstances change, consider a status change before your extension comes due.
Resources
#Visual references
#
Official portal interface for Extension of Stay
Source: Extension of Stay online portal
FAQs
Where can I find the official Extension of Stay?
Download the current form from the official Immigration Services Agency website.
Where are the instructions?
Instructions are available on the official Immigration Services Agency form page.
What is Extension of Stay?
The Extension of Stay is the Application for Extension of Period of Stay, which is an official form issued by the ISA. To assess its relevance to your circumstances, please consult the official instructions.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for Extension of Stay?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, ISA allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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