Important Considerations When Renewing Your Working Visa

05/25/2026 Last updated : 05/08/2026 AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRAAKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRA

For those holding a working visa (Status of Residence) such as "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services," applying for an Extension of Period of Stay is an unavoidable step to continue working in Japan.
You might think, "I'm working hard at my current company, so I'll be fine." However, during the renewal screening, your entire past residency status is strictly scrutinized. In particular, for those who have changed jobs, there are cases where issues at a previous workplace lead to a denial of the application.
Below, we explain the key points to avoid a negative evaluation during your renewal application.

Strict Checks on Residency Status
During the renewal process, immigration authorities check whether you have adhered to the limits on "Activities Other Than Those Permitted" (such as side jobs), fulfilled your tax and social insurance obligations, and maintained good conduct. If your overall residency status is judged to be poor, your application may be rejected.

The Impact of Your Previous Workplace
If you are applying for a renewal for the first time after changing jobs, the screening will include your working conditions at your previous company. A critical factor here is the compliance record of your employer.
Warning Example: If the foreign CEO of your previous company was overstaying their visa, or if the company was involved in encouraging illegal labor, having worked there for a long time can have a chain-reaction negative impact on your own residency application.
Since "I didn't know" is not always an acceptable excuse, verifying that your employer operates legally and soundly is vital to protecting your own status of residence.

The Importance of Notifications and Proactive Job Hunting
The period between leaving a company and starting a new job is viewed by Immigration as a "period in which the primary authorized activity (employment) is not being performed." How you spend this time significantly influences the evaluation of your next renewal.
Taking the following steps provides objective evidence that you were engaging in "legitimate job-seeking activities,"which acts as a positive factor in your screening:

  • Notification to Immigration: Submit the "Notification of Accepting Organization" within 14 days of leaving your job.
  • Public Agency Involvement: Register for job-seeking activities at Hello Work or consult with the Labor Standards Inspection Office.

Conclusion
Your visa renewal depends on more than just your current performance; it is a reflection of your entire history in Japan. If you feel uneasy about your background or are concerned about the status of a previous employer, we strongly recommend consulting with a professional before it is too late.

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AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRA
AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRA
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Working Visa
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