Hello, this is Ito of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. Though there is a difference of speed depending on the region, vaccine inoculations for COVID-19 are progressing and becoming more familiar to us. Recent news reports say that many appointment slots are largely left unbooked at Tokyo- and Osaka-run mass vaccination centers. The centers will expand target groups and accept reservations from people anywhere within the nation. That will, more or less, leave us to worry about the flow of people. The decision of taking the vaccine or not is up to each individual, and those with allergies etc. might hesitate. However, an increased percentage of people getting the vaccine will eventually return our everyday lives back to normal.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Immigration Bureau of Japan continued to authorize the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). In spite of that, there was a period where they stopped issuing the certificate. Currently, they are accepting applicants and issuing the COE if approved.
The COEs issued from January 1, 2020 to January 30, 2021 will expire on July 31, 2021. The information has not been updated since January 21, so at the moment, we do not know how the Immigration Bureau will correspond. However, due to a backlog of COEs under review from over a year and a half ago, there is a high chance that applicants will need to apply again.
New handling regarding the period of validity of the certificate of eligibility
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930005022.pdf (Japanese)
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930005023.pdf (English)
If there is a need to reapply, documents will be simplified. However, due to the expected increase of applicants, it will likely take more time to be approved.
Application for a certificate of eligibility for (1) foreign nationals whose period of stay expired while outside of Japan and before re-entering and (2) foreign nationals whose certificate of eligibility has expired
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930005852.pdf (Japanese)
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930005853.pdf (English)
We cannot predict when the restriction of immigration will be eased, making it uncertain when it will be possible to enter Japan. Because of this situation it is difficult to say, but instead of immediately applying on August 1, it might be better to wait...
Generally speaking, when reapplying, the original expired COE must be returned. If the original was already sent to the applicant and is difficult to return for postal circumstances, a copy and a document stating this reason is valid as well. However, the original must be returned after arriving to Japan.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
