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）
Switching casually to a 「宗教」 visa while the reason for the 短期滞在 refusal remains unresolved is not something we can recommend. 「宗教」 is a status for a medium to long stay and its requirements are different, so if the same underlying problem is there, a refusal is said to be very likely.
The enquirer wants to invite a religious figure from Sri Lanka to Japan. His companions were granted visas, but he alone was refused with no reason given.
Even without any unlawful act, a refusal can follow if entry is judged not to be appropriate.
Even where there is no past unlawful act, a 短期滞在 visa is refused if, for some reason, entry is judged not to be appropriate. Embassies are under no duty to explain the reason for a refusal in detail, so it is difficult to find out what really happened. Even where none of the clear grounds for denial of landing under the 入管法 (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act), such as a criminal record, apply, examiners judge as a whole whether the person's activities in Japan are appropriate and whether the person is internationally trustworthy. It cannot be stated definitely whether a negative record arising from a relationship with a previous government becomes a direct reason for refusal. Still, from the standpoint of maintaining public safety and international security, it is said that the possibility cannot be ruled out that past political activities or positions affect the overall judgment. In the case of an influential religious figure or politician in particular, the purpose of the visit and the activities planned in Japan tend to be examined carefully.
A casual switch is not something we can recommend, and the requirements are very different.
在留資格「宗教」 is a visa for a medium to long stay. It requires that a religious worker sent by a religious organisation abroad carries out missionary work or other religious activities at a religious organisation of the same denomination in Japan. It also requires that the person belongs to a religious organisation in Japan and can maintain their living on stable remuneration from it.
Working out the likely reason for the refusal and removing it is recommended most.
Rather than switching casually to a 「宗教」 visa, you are strongly advised to work first towards a fresh 短期滞在 application, putting forward a strong 身元保証人 (guarantor) or inviter and taking steps to remove the points that concern the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).
Embassies are under no duty to explain the reason for a refusal in detail, so it is said to be difficult to find out what really happened. You have to work it out, starting from points such as making the purpose of the activity clear.
If the same underlying problem is not resolved, a refusal is said to be very likely even if you change the type of visa. A casual switch is not recommended.
Next time, putting forward a highly trustworthy body or an influential figure as the inviter and having them prepare the 招へい理由書 can be considered, so as to strengthen the credibility and the necessity of the application.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.