Two months VISA extension (特例期間, TOKUREI KIKAN)
Understanding Japan’s “Special Period” Under the Japan Immigration Law
In Japan, foreign nationals holding a mid-to-long-term status of residence are required to maintain a valid residence status and Residence Card. However, there are cases where individuals file for an extension or a change of status of residence, and their current period of stay expires while the application is under review. To address such situations, the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Japan Immigration Law) provides for a “Special Period(特例期間, TOKUREI KIKAN)” during which continued lawful residence is permitted.
What Is the Special Period（特例期間）?
The “Special Period(特例期間)” is a grace period granted when an Application for Extension of Period of Stay or an Application for Change of Status of Residence is duly submitted before the expiration of the applicant’s authorized stay. During this period, the applicant is allowed to remain in Japan legally until the immigration authorities issue a decision on the application.
This period may last for up to two months following the expiration of the original period of stay. While the Immigration Services Agency endeavors to issue decisions within this time frame, in practice, results are often delivered toward the end of the Special Period. Applicants must therefore remain reachable and able to promptly appear at the Immigration Office upon notice.
FAQ: Common Questions Regarding the Special Period
Can I leave Japan during the Special Period?
In principle, you should remain in Japan during the Special Period. Technically, departure is not prohibited; however, doing so is strongly discouraged. During the screening process, the Immigration Services Agency may request additional documents or explanations. If you are abroad and unable to respond in a timely manner, your application may be denied.
Moreover, depending on your destination, reentry to Japan may not be guaranteed. If the decision on your application is finalized while you are overseas and you are unable to return promptly, the procedure for receiving your new Residence Card may lapse. For these reasons, it is highly advisable to avoid travel during the Special Period.
Can I return to Japan after leaving during the Special Period?
Reentry may not be permitted. The use of a Re-entry Permit or Special Re-entry Permit is not always recognized during the Special Period. Additionally, if you are not in Japan when a positive decision is issued, you may miss the deadline to collect your new Residence Card. As a result, the application may become void, and reentry could be denied.
When should I collect my new Residence Card?
If your application is approved, you will receive a notification—typically by postcard or email—from the Immigration Office. You are generally required to appear at the office and collect your new Residence Card within two weeks of receiving the notice. Failing to do so may result in the forfeiture of your approved status.
Will my application be decided during the Special Period? Am I at risk of overstaying?
The Immigration Office aims to finalize applications within the two-month Special Period. However, decisions may be rendered as late as the final week. It is essential to stay contactable and prepared to visit the office as necessary.
As long as your application was properly filed before your period of stay expired, your residence is deemed legal during the Special Period. You will not be considered an overstayer.
What happens if my application is denied during the Special Period?
If your application is denied, you will typically be granted a status of residence as a “Designated Activities” (tokutei katsudō) visa for departure preparation. At this point, your current Residence Card will be invalidated (physically perforated), and your resident registration will be canceled. You will no longer be permitted to engage in employment or daily activities that require legal residency.
There are two types of departure preparation periods:
- 31-day Designated Activities visa: Allows you to file a new application within the 31-day period. Upon refiling, a new Special Period of up to two months will commence.
- 30-day Designated Activities visa: In this case, you are expected to leave Japan within the period, and a new application cannot be filed. Departure is mandatory.
Diagram: Special Period Flow
- Application Date: Submit before the expiration of your stay
- Special Period: Up to 2 months of legal stay while the application is pending
- Examination Completed: Notification is issued
- If Approved: Residence Card is issued (must be collected promptly)
- If Denied: Transition to a Designated Activities visa
Conclusion
The Special Period is a valuable provision under Japanese immigration law, offering lawful residency while your application is under review. However, this period comes with important limitations and responsibilities. You should avoid international travel and remain available to respond to any communication from the authorities. Should your application be denied, there are procedural options—but time is limited.
Our office provides comprehensive legal support for immigration matters including Special Period management, reapplications, and departure arrangements. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed immigration lawyer to avoid costly errors.
Contact Us for Expert Immigration Support
在留資格の「特例期間」とは？出国や不許可時の注意点も専門家が解説
外国人が日本で中長期在留を続けるためには、有効な在留資格を保持し続けることが必要です。とはいえ、更新申請や変更申請を行ったにもかかわらず、審査期間中に在留期限が切れてしまうというケースも珍しくありません。このような場合に備えた制度が、入管法における「特例期間」です。
特例期間とは？
「特例期間」とは、在留資格の更新許可申請または変更許可申請を在留期限までに適法に行った場合に、審査結果が出るまでの間、日本に引き続き在留できる猶予期間のことを指します。
この特例期間は当初在留期限から最大2か月であり、通常、在留期限を過ぎても「審査中」という扱いで日本に合法的に滞在できる仕組みとなっています。入国管理局では、原則としてこの特例期間内に審査が完了するよう運用されていますが、特例期間の終了直前にようやく結果が出るという例もあるため、注意が必要です。
特例期間中によくある質問（FAQ）
Q1. 特例期間中に海外へ出国することは可能ですか？
理論上は可能ですが、原則として出国は控えるべきです。
その理由は、入国管理局が申請中に追加資料や説明を求めることがあり、国外にいると迅速な対応ができず、申請が不許可となるリスクがあるからです。また、渡航先の国によっては日本への再入国が難しくなることがあり、その場合、特例期間があっても在留資格の変更や更新ができない恐れもあるため、専門家としては日本に滞在したまま審査を待つことを強く推奨しています。
Q2. 出国後に日本に戻ることはできますか？
特例期間中の再入国は原則できるはずなのですが、渡航先から出国できないなどのリスクはありえます。また、審査結果が出てから在留カードの交付を受けるまでには期限があり、迅速に帰国できないと更新手続が失効するおそれもあるため、実務上は日本に滞在したまま審査を待つことを強く推奨しています。
Q3. 在留カードはいつ取りに行けばよいですか？
許可が出た場合、入管から「ハガキ」またはメール等で通知が届きます。通常、通知を受けてから１４日以内に本人が入管に出頭して新しい在留カードを受け取る必要があります。放置すると交付期限切れとなる場合があるため、迅速な対応が求められます。行政書士が在留資格受取を対応することもできます。
Q4. 特例期間中に審査は必ず終わりますか？オーバーステイになりませんか？
特例期間（最大2か月）内に、原則として審査は完了する運用となっています。ただし、最終週などかなりギリギリで結果が出ることもあるため、いつでも連絡を受けられ、必要に応じてすぐに入管へ出頭できる準備が必要です。
また、申請が適法であれば、特例期間中の在留は合法であり、オーバーステイには該当しません。
Q5. 特例期間中に不許可となった場合はどうなりますか？
不許可となった場合、原則として「特定活動（出国準備）」という在留資格が付与されます。この際、現在の在留カードは穴が開けられ、以後使用できません。また、住民票も抹消され、就労等の活動は一切できなくなります。
特定活動には2種類あります：
- 出国準備31日ビザ：この期間中に再申請を行えば、新たに最大2か月の特例期間が再び認められます。
- 出国準備30日ビザ：この場合、原則として一度帰国する必要があります。再申請はできません。
特例期間中の不許可は、生活・就労・在留の全てに影響します。万が一の事態に備えて、専門家との連携が不可欠です。
図解：特例期間の流れ
- 申請日：在留期限の前日まで
- 特例期間：申請日以降～最大2か月
- 審査完了：特例期間中に通知
- 許可→カード交付（2週間以内）
- 不許可→特定活動ビザへ移行
まとめ
「特例期間」は、申請中に在留期限が切れても安心して待てる制度ですが、海外出国や不許可後の対応には重大なリスクが伴います。トラブルを避けるためにも、専門家のアドバイスを受けながら確実な申請と適切な対応を行いましょう。