This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Who this article is forAn enquirer who came to Japan on a 短期滞在 visa to visit a friend, and has become unwell.
Even while you are in Japan on a 短期滞在 visa, an extension of your stay may be permitted if there is an unavoidable reason. You have to explain specifically how serious your condition is and why you cannot return home, and it is important to file the 在留期間更新許可申請 (Application for Extension of Period of Stay) before your period of stay expires.
An enquirer who came to Japan on a 短期滞在 visa to visit a friend, and has become unwell.
If there is an unavoidable reason, an extension may be permitted.
The 短期滞在 visa is for staying in Japan for a short time for purposes such as sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, and short business trips. As a rule, therefore, it assumes that you will return home by the end of the period of stay you originally planned. However, if something unforeseeable happens, such as illness or an accident, and it becomes difficult to return home as planned, an extension of the stay is sometimes permitted. The 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) decides whether to permit an extension by looking at the circumstances of each case as a whole.
How serious your condition is, why you cannot return home, your living costs while you stay, and when you plan to go home.
You have to file the 在留期間更新許可申請 before your current period of stay expires.
It is important to apply as early as you can, before your period of stay expires. Please be sure to submit the documents that prove your reason for the extension, such as a medical certificate. If anything worries you or is unclear, we recommend consulting the 地方出入国在留管理局 with jurisdiction over your area.
If it is accepted as an unavoidable reason, an extension may be permitted. The 地方出入国在留管理局 looks at the circumstances of each case as a whole.
You need the 在留期間更新許可申請書, a medical certificate, documents proving that you can meet the cost of your stay, documents showing when you plan to return home, and a 理由書, among others.
It is important to apply as early as you can, before your period of stay expires.
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Get a free consultationThis article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.