Immigration Bureau Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) (as of 2020/3/4)

Hello everyone, this is Shimoyama of IMS. Recently, the effects of the coronavirus have become serious worldwide. The Immigration Bureau has taken various measures in response to this situation, and I would like to summarize them below.

Countries and regions that have been denied entry as of March 4, 2020

The Japanese government is denying entry into Japan to travelers from the following regions:

<China>
- Those with passports issued from Hubei and Zhejiang
- Those who have visited the above regions

<South Korea>
- Those who have visited Daegu and Cheongdo-gun (North Gyeongsang Province)

Measures to reduce congestion at immigration counters

Foreign nationals whose visa expiration date expires in March (※) (excluding foreign nationals with "Short-Term Stay" status and " Designated Activities (departure preparation period)") will be able to submit their applications for the following up to one month after the original expiration date:

1. Permission to Change of Residence Status
2. Permission to Renew Period of Stay

※ Includes those who must apply for a resident status within March, such as those born in Japan.

Regarding Status of Residence applications

The following measures are in effect for those who find it difficult to secure return flights, or otherwise return to their home countries due to the effects of the coronavirus.

1. "Short-Term Stay" visas
   Period of stay renewal for "Short-Term Stay (30 days)" is permitted
2. "Technical Intern Training" or "Designated Activities (Foreign Construction Workers or Foreign Shipbuilding Workers)" visa holders who wish to work at the same organization/employer with the same duties as before
   Change of status of residence to "Specific Activities (30 days, work possible)" is permitted
3. Other status of residence (including those mentioned in 1. above who do not wish to work)
   Change of status of residence to "Short-Term Stay (30 days)" is permitted.

Certificate of Eligibility applications

Those who are subject to the landing restrictions due to the coronavirus must follow the measures below for Certificate of Eligibility applications.

1. Those who have already applied for a Certificate of Eligibility
   Application screenings have been suspended
2. When a pending application has a request to change the activity start time
   Only requests submitted in writing by the accepting organization/employer will be considered
   ※ Depending on the current review progress, you may be requested to withdraw your application and reapply.
3. New applications for a Certificate of Eligibility for applicants whose expiration date has passed while re-entering Japan
   Only application forms and a statement of reason submitted by the accepting organization/employer will be considered

Further immigration information will be provided as soon as updates are available. I hope that the situation will be resolved as soon as possible, and please take care of your health.

For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/

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