Permission for Special Status of Residence

For foreign nationals who are or anticipate they will be in danger of being deported can apply for permission for special status of residence. There must be extenuating circumstances involved. The final decision is given by the Minister of Justice.

Overstay

This is when the period of stay has expired but the foreign national decides to remain living and working in Japan.

Order of Departure Process

When a foreign national is deported from Japan, they cannot return to Japan for at least five years; however if the foreign national leaves Japan with a departure order, then the five year ban is reduced to one year.

If the foreign national fits the following criteria, leaving under a departure order is permitted.

1. Appearing at the Immigration Bureau with the intention of returning to their home country as soon as possible.
2. The only reason for the departure order is staying in Japan after the visa has expired.
3. Since arriving in Japan, the foreign national has not been arrested or incarcerated for theft or any other crime
4. The foreign national has not been deported, or had a departure order in the past.
5. The foreign national has plans to leave Japan as soon as possible.