Hello, this is Ito of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. Beginning November 8, Japan has allowed new entries into the country. Travelers are even able to enter Japan without a vaccination, as long as they accept the 14-day quarantine requirement.
※Vaccines that are considered valid are written on “New measures for border enforcement (18)”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000852760.pdf (Japanese website)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html (Related English website)
However, since the procedures are complex, it is hard to say that the border measures really “relaxed” especially for Japanese nationals returning to Japan.
Proof of Examination (Examination Certificate)
Those newly entering Japan must submit a “proof of examination (examination certificate)” issued by the Ministry and Agency having jurisdiction over the business, in addition to the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), in order to obtain a visa at the overseas Embassies/Consulates of Japan. Entry for the purpose of sightseeing is not allowed. “Dependent” status of residence holders may possibly enter with the “proof of examination” issued by the Ministry and Agency having jurisdiction over the business of the family member supporting them. However, that might be difficult as well.
The “proof of examination” is issued after the “receiving company/organization” submits the designated documents to the Ministry and Agency having jurisdiction over the business and passing the screening in advance.
The status of residence “student,” excluding a few Japanese educational institutions, is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Border Measures PT is the department in charge.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the “proof of examination” procedures, the receiving company/organization must pick up the foreign national when they arrive, secure a waiting place, check their status during their quarantine period, and report their acceptance results. In case these quarantine rules are violated, the name of the company/organization will be revealed to the public.
Also, regarding the “Student” status of residence, please be aware that the month you can apply depends on the COE issue date. Along with that, the expiration date of the COE has been changed as well.
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001358714.pdf
At the moment, the months possible to apply for those with a COE issued from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 are the following:
※For applications after February 2022, the dates will be decided according to the situation.
・November 2021 → COEs issued from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020
・December 2021 → COEs issued from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020
・January 2022 → COEs issued from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021
We are concerned about the international students who reapplied for their COE. For example, there may be a case when one was allowed admission as a research student for the purpose of going on to a Master’s/Doctoral course, and was issued a COE, but was not able to enter Japan due to the immigration restrictions. If, during that time, the student qualifies for the Master’s/Doctoral course, the classification of acceptance will change from research student to Master/Doctor, so they must return the issued COE and apply again. Because of that, when applying as a Master’s/Doctoral student, the issued date of the COE will be later than that issued as a research student. Therefore, the month possible for applying for the “proof of examination” will be later, making the date possible to enter later.
We hope the people in charge will handle these cases flexibly, by submitting a copy of the COE issued as a research student and a copy of the newly issued COE and explaining their situation.
■More details on “The New Measures for Border Enforcement (19)” (Japanese sites)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000121431_00318.html
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/coronavirus/mext_00144.html
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
