Visa Renewal Rejected in Japan: What to Do Next

Having a visa renewal rejected in Japan can be stressful and confusing, especially if your life, job, and family are based here. While visa denials are not extremely common, they do happen—and a rejection does not automatically mean you must leave Japan immediately.

This guide explains why visa renewals are rejected, what your legal status is after rejection, and what practical steps you should take next to protect your right to stay in Japan.

1. What Does a Visa Renewal Rejection Mean?

A visa renewal rejection means that your application to extend your status of residence
(zairyū shikaku – 在留資格)
has been denied by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan
(nyūkoku zairyū kanri-chō – 出入国在留管理庁).

This decision is based on a review of your documents, employment status, income, conduct, and compliance with immigration rules.

Importantly:

• A rejection does not cancel your stay immediately

• You usually receive a designated departure period

2. Common Reasons for Visa Renewal Rejection

A. Employment Issues

• Job duties no longer match visa category
  (zairyū shikaku fuan – 在留資格不一致)

• Unstable employment or frequent job changes

• Employer is financially weak or unregistered

B. Income & Tax Problems

• Low or unstable income
  (shotoku fusoku – 所得不足)

• Missing tax payments
  (nōzei fubyō – 納税不備)

• Unpaid resident tax
  (jūminzei – 住民税)

C. Pension & Insurance Issues

• Unpaid pension
  (nenkin mikanyū – 年金未加入)

• No social insurance enrollment
  (shakai hoken – 社会保険)

D. Status Violations

• Working outside permitted activities
  (shikaku gai katsudō – 資格外活動)

• Overstaying in the past
  (chōka taizai – 超過滞在)

E. Documentation Problems

• Incomplete or incorrect forms

• Inconsistent information between documents

3. Your Legal Status After Rejection

After rejection, immigration usually grants a Designated Activities stay
(tokutei katsudō – 特定活動)
or a short departure period, typically 30 days.

During this time:

• You may remain in Japan legally

• Work is usually not permitted

• You must prepare your next steps quickly

Always confirm the exact deadline written on your notice.

4. Step 1: Confirm the Reason for Rejection

Visit the immigration office counter and request an explanation from an immigration officer
(nyūkoku kanri kan – 入国管理官).

They will not give detailed written reasoning, but they will usually explain:

• Which area was problematic

• What needs improvement

• Whether reapplication is possible

This step is critical.

5. Step 2: Consider Your Available Options

Option A: Reapply for the Same Visa

Possible if:

• Issues were minor (missing documents, unclear job description)

• Employer can provide stronger documentation

You must:

• Correct all deficiencies

• Provide updated proof of income and employment

• Reapply within the permitted stay period

Option B: Change Visa Status

You may apply for a Change of Status of Residence
(zairyū shikaku henko – 在留資格変更).

Common alternatives:

• Spouse visa (nihonjin no haigūsha-tō – 日本人の配偶者等)

• Dependent visa (kazoku taizai – 家族滞在)

• Designated Activities (tokutei katsudō – 特定活動)

Option C: File an Objection (Appeal)

You may submit a request for reconsideration
(fukufuku mōshitate – 不服申立て).

However:

• Approval rates are low

• Processing takes time

• You usually must leave Japan while waiting

This option is generally used only for strong cases.

Option D: Prepare to Leave Japan

If no viable alternative exists:

• Arrange departure before the deadline

• Leaving voluntarily avoids penalties

• Future visa applications are less affected

Overstaying will severely damage future immigration prospects.

6. Should You Consult a Specialist?

Strongly recommended.

Seek help from:

• Immigration lawyer (bengoshi – 弁護士)

• Certified administrative scrivener
  (gyōsei shoshi – 行政書士)

They can:

• Review rejection reasons

• Communicate with immigration

• Prepare stronger applications

• Prevent critical mistakes

7. Important Documents to Prepare Again

• Passport (pasupōto – パスポート)

• Residence Card (zairyū kādo – 在留カード)

• Employment certificate (zaishoku shōmeisho – 在職証明書)

• Tax withholding slip (gensen chōshūhyō – 源泉徴収票)

• Income certificate (shotoku shōmeisho – 所得証明書)

• Resident tax payment certificate
  (jūminzei nōzei shōmeisho – 住民税納税証明書)

• Pension payment records (nenkin – 年金)

8. What Not to Do After Rejection

• Do not ignore the deadline

• Do not continue working illegally

• Do not submit a rushed reapplication

• Do not rely on verbal promises from employers

Mistakes at this stage can permanently affect your record.

9. Can You Apply Again in the Future?

Yes.

A visa rejection does not permanently bar you from Japan, provided:

• You leave on time

• You resolve the underlying issues

• Your next application is well-prepared

Many residents successfully reapply later with stronger documentation.

Official Reference

Immigration Services Agency of Japan
(nyūkoku zairyū kanri-chō – 出入国在留管理庁)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/