Applying for permanent residency (PR) in Japan is an important step toward building a long-term future in the country. However, the screening process can take considerable time, and some applicants find that their current period of stay is approaching its expiration date before they receive a decision.
This raises a common question:
“If my permanent residency application is still pending, do I need to renew my current visa?”
The answer is yes. A pending permanent residency application does not automatically extend your current period of stay. If your current status is approaching expiration, you must separately apply for an extension of your period of stay before it expires.
In this article, IMS Legal Professional Corporation explains the rules, Japan's special extension period, and practical steps for applicants awaiting a PR decision.
1. Does a Pending PR Application Automatically Extend Your Visa?
No. Applying for permanent residency does not extend your existing period of stay.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) explicitly states that applicants whose period of stay will expire while their permanent residency application is under review must separately apply for an extension of their period of stay before the expiration date.
This applies even if:
- Your permanent residency application has already been accepted.
- You have been waiting for a decision for more than a year.
- You expect your PR application to be approved soon.
- You have already submitted additional documents requested by Immigration.
For example, suppose you applied for permanent residency in January 2025, but your current status of residence expires in September 2026. If your PR application is still pending, you must take the necessary steps to renew your existing period of stay.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency – Application for Permanent Residence
2. Can You Renew Your Current Visa While Your PR Application Is Pending?
Yes. A permanent residency application and an application for extension of period of stay are separate immigration procedures.
For example, a person holding one of the following statuses may need to renew that status while waiting for permanent residency:
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- Highly Skilled Professional (i)
- Researcher
- Professor
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National
- Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
- Other renewable statuses of residence
In principle, applicants holding a period of stay of six months or longer may apply for an extension during the three months before their current period of stay expires.
The renewal application is reviewed according to the requirements of the applicant's existing status of residence. A pending PR application does not guarantee that the renewal will be approved.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency – Application for Extension of Period of Stay
3. What Is Japan's Two-Month Special Period (Tokurei Kikan)?
Japan has a system known as the Special Period (特例期間 / Tokurei Kikan).
If an eligible foreign national submits an application to extend their period of stay before the current period expires, but Immigration has not made a decision by the expiration date, the person may generally continue residing in Japan under their existing status during the special period.
The special period ends on whichever of the following occurs first:
- Immigration makes a decision on the extension application; or
- Two months have elapsed from the original expiration date.
Important: The special period is not an automatic two-month extension granted simply because a permanent residency application is pending.
It is linked to a qualifying application for extension of period of stay or change of status of residence. Certain categories, including periods of stay of 30 days or less, are not covered by this general rule.
Applicants should not assume they can remain in Japan for the full two months regardless of the outcome of their application.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency – What Is the Special Period?
4. What If Your Residence Card Shows an Expired Date?
If you have properly submitted an eligible extension application and are within the special period, the expiration date printed on your residence card may already have passed even though you are still permitted to remain in Japan.
How you demonstrate that your application is pending depends on the application method.
Applications Submitted at an Immigration Office
For an application submitted at the Immigration office counter, the reverse side of the residence card generally includes an indication that an application is pending.
Applications Submitted Online
For online applications, Immigration does not place the same application-pending stamp on the residence card at the time of submission.
Instead, the applicant must carry the residence card together with the official application acceptance email containing the application receipt number.
The ISA states that this email should be retained and carried as evidence of the pending application, including during the special period.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency – Proof of a Pending Online Application
5. Can You Travel Outside Japan During the Special Period?
International travel requires particular care if your residence card's printed expiration date has passed and you are relying on the special period.
Although you may be permitted to remain in Japan while your extension application is pending, international travel involves additional considerations, including:
- Your current status of residence and its remaining validity
- Whether you qualify for the special period
- The applicable re-entry permission requirements
- Your expected date of return to Japan
- Whether Immigration issues a decision while you are abroad
- Documentation required by the airline and border authorities
Carrying an application acceptance email does not, by itself, guarantee that you will be able to board a flight or re-enter Japan.
If you plan to travel during the special period, confirm the applicable procedures with Immigration before departure. Professional advice may also be appropriate when your travel dates overlap with the expiration of your current period of stay.
6. Does Renewing Your Current Visa Cancel Your PR Application?
No. Filing an application to extend your current period of stay does not ordinarily cancel your pending permanent residency application.
The two applications serve different purposes:
| Permanent Residency Application | Extension of Period of Stay |
|---|---|
| Seeks permission to become a permanent resident | Seeks permission to continue staying under the existing status |
| Reviewed under permanent residency requirements | Reviewed under the requirements of the existing status |
| Does not automatically extend the current period of stay | May provide continued lawful stay under the special-period rules while pending |
| May remain pending for a substantial period | Has its own application and decision process |
Applicants should continue meeting the requirements of their existing status while awaiting the PR decision.
If there are significant changes to employment, income, family circumstances, or other relevant facts, it may be necessary to review whether additional documentation or notification is required.
7. Practical Example: PR Approved After a Long Waiting Period
IMS assisted a foreign professional working in Japan's academic sector who applied for permanent residency in January 2025.
During the lengthy screening process, the applicant's existing period of stay was due to expire in September 2026.
The applicant consulted IMS about maintaining valid residence status while the PR application remained under review. IMS explained that the existing status and permanent residency applications were separate procedures and that the current status needed to be maintained.
In late September 2026, Immigration issued a notice concerning completion of the PR review. The applicant subsequently obtained a new permanent resident residence card in October 2026.
The lesson: Even if your PR application is ultimately approved, it is essential to maintain an appropriate immigration status throughout the waiting period.
This example is based on an anonymized IMS client matter. Individual circumstances and processing times vary. It does not represent a guaranteed outcome.
8. What Should You Do If Your PR Application Is Still Pending?
We recommend reviewing the following points well before your current period of stay expires:
- Check your current expiration date. Do not assume the pending PR application extends it.
- Prepare your extension application early. For eligible statuses, the usual application window begins three months before expiration.
- Confirm that your employment or other qualifying circumstances still support your current status.
- Retain proof of submission. For online applications, keep the official acceptance email and receipt number.
- Plan international travel carefully. Obtain individual guidance if your trip overlaps with the expiration date or special period.
- Monitor both applications. A pending PR application and an extension application can progress independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in Japan if my PR application is still pending and my visa expires?
A pending PR application alone does not authorize you to remain beyond your current period of stay. You must separately apply for an extension before expiration. If you submit a qualifying extension application on time, the special-period rules may allow you to remain while that application is under review.
Does applying for permanent residency automatically give me two extra months?
No. The two-month special-period system is not triggered by a permanent residency application alone. It generally applies to qualifying extension or change-of-status applications submitted before the current period of stay expires.
Can I have a PR application and a visa renewal application pending at the same time?
Yes. These are separate procedures, and it is possible for both applications to be under review at the same time.
What should I carry if I applied for my visa renewal online?
You should carry your residence card and the official application acceptance email containing the receipt number, as instructed by the Immigration Services Agency.
Will my PR application be rejected if I need to renew my current visa?
Needing to renew your current period of stay does not, by itself, mean your PR application will be rejected. However, the result of the renewal and any changes to your circumstances may be relevant to your eligibility for permanent residency.
Can I travel abroad while my visa renewal is pending?
Travel may be possible in some circumstances, but it requires an individual assessment of your status, re-entry permission, return date, and pending application. Confirm the procedures with Immigration before departure, especially if your residence card's printed expiration date has passed.
Need Assistance with Your Japan PR or Visa Renewal?
Long permanent residency processing times can create uncertainty, particularly when your existing status of residence is approaching expiration.
IMS Legal Professional Corporation assists foreign nationals with permanent residency applications, extensions of period of stay, and other immigration procedures in Japan.
If you are waiting for a PR decision and are concerned about your current residence status, please contact our office to discuss your circumstances.
Contact IMS Legal Professional Corporation
Related Information
- IMS – Permanent Residence FAQ
- IMS – Considerations When Applying for Permanent Residence
- IMS – English Immigration Articles
Official References
- Immigration Services Agency – Permanent Residence Application
- Immigration Services Agency – Extension of Period of Stay
- Immigration Services Agency – Special Period
- Immigration Services Agency – Proof of a Pending Online Application
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on immigration procedures as of October 2026. Immigration rules and administrative practices may change. Individual cases should be assessed according to the applicant's circumstances.
