Your visa status may be revoked in certain cases under Japanese Immigration Law..

Contents
  1. INCIDENTS which may lead to REVOCATION of VISA STATUS
  2. CASES CONSIDERED AS "Valid Reason"
  3. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR VISA STATUS IS REVOKED
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INCIDENTS which may lead to REVOCATION of VISA STATUS

The following cases may result in the revocation of your visa status, in accordance with Article 22-4 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Act (入管法第22条の４):

  1. If you were permitted to enter Japan by submitting false information or documents, despite having grounds for denial of landing,
  2. If you were permitted to enter Japan by submitting false information or documents concerning your intended activities in Japan or your personal background in order to meet the entry requirements.
  3. Except for cases mentioned in 1 or 2 above, if you were permitted to enter Japan by submitting false information and documents, regardless of whether it was done intentionally or not.
  4. If you were granted Special Permission to Stay in Japan (在留特別許可) by deception or other unlawful means.
  5. If you hold a visa listed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Control Act (入管法別表第１の上欄の在留資格*) but do not carry out the activities permitted under that visa, and have engaged or plan to engage in other activities not allowed for your current visa without a valid reason.
  6. If you hold a visa listed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Control Act (入管法別表第１の在留資格*) but fail to carry out the activities permitted under your current visa status for 3 or more consecutive months without a valid reason.
  7. If you hold a visa as Spouse of a Japanese National or Spouse of a Permanent Resident but have not been living together with your spouse (for example, separated although not divorced) for 6 or more consecutive months without a valid reason.
  8. If you hold a visa that requires registration of your residential address in Japan but fail to register your address for 90 days or more after the approval of your visa status (date of issuance of your Residence Card) without a valid reason.
  9. If you hold a visa that requires registration of residential address in Japan but fail to report your new address for 90 days or more after moving out from your previous address in Japan.
  10. If you hold a visa that requires registration of your residential address in Japan and have provided false or inaccurate information when registering your address.

（*）Visa Statuses listed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Control Act (入管法別表第１の在留資格): Visa statuses under the ACTIVITY-BASED STATUS category in the LIST of VISA STATUS

If it is determined that any of the above situations apply and your visa status is subject to revocation, you have the right to access related materials, present your opinion, and submit evidence to the immigration officer.

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CASES CONSIDERED AS “Valid Reason”

The Immigration Office reviews each case individually to determine whether there is a valid reason. In general, the following situations are commonly recognized as valid reasons:

In Case of Visa Statuses Listed in Appendix 1 of the Immigration Control Act

(visa statuses, such as Engineer/Humanities, Skilled Labor, Student, etc.)

  • If you have left your job related to your current visa status but are clearly and actively engaged in a job-hunting process.
  • If you hold a Student visa and your school has closed, but you are in the process of enrolling in a new institution.
  • If you hold a Student visa and have been on a long-term medical leave due to hospitalization, but intend to return to school after recovery.
  • If you hold a Student visa and have graduated from a specialized training college (専修学校) in Japan, and your admission to a university in Japan has already been approved.

In Case of Visa Status as a Spouse of a Japanese national or Permanent Resident

  • If you need temporary refuge or protection due to the domestic violence (DV) from your spouse.
  • If you are living separately from your spouse for unavoidable reasons but are still sharing financial responsibilities or household expenses.
  • If you are staying in your home country with a Re-Entry Permit or Special Re-entry Permit due to the illness or injury of a family member.
  • If you re currently in the process of divorce mediation or court proceedings.

In Case of Difficulty Registering Your New Residential Address with the City/Ward Office

  • If you are unable to decide on a new residence due to financial hardship, loss of housing caused by your employer’s sudden bankruptcy, or unexpected layoff.
  • If you need temporary refuge or protection due to the domestic violence (DV) from your spouse.
  • If you are hospitalized or unable to report your new address because you have no proxy and are facing unavoidable medical circumstances.
  • If you have already moved but are temporarily staying outside Japan with a Re-entry Permit or Special Re-entry Permit due to an urgent business trip or similar reason.
  • If you are unable to register a residential address due to the nature of your activities in Japan – for example, your actual stay in Japan is too short because of frequent business trips.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR VISA STATUS IS REVOKED

If the Immigration Office decides to revoke your visa status, the following procedures will apply:

  • If your case falls under items 1 or 2 above, your visa status will be revoked immediately, and you will become subject to deportation.
  • If your case falls under any of items 3 to 10 above, the Immigration Office will grant you a Period for Preparation to Leave Japan of up to 30 days. You must depart Japan voluntarily within this designated period. However, if your case falls under item 5 and it is deemed that you may attempt to evade the Immigration Office’s order, you may be subject to immediate deportation.

Note that if you fail to leave Japan within the designated period, you will be subject to deportation procedures and may also face criminal penalties.

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