What to Do If Your Visa Renewal Is Rejected in Japan (2026 Guide)

Having a work visa or spouse visa renewal rejected in Japan can be stressful, especially if your job, family, or life is based here. While denials are not extremely common, they do happen. The good news: a rejection does not automatically mean you must leave Japan immediately.

This guide explains why visa renewals are rejected, your legal status after rejection, and the practical steps to protect your right to stay.

1. What Does a Visa Renewal Rejection Mean?

A visa renewal rejection occurs when the Immigration Services Agency of Japan
(出入国在留管理庁 – Nyūkoku Zairyū Kanri-chō) denies your application to extend your residence status (在留資格 – Zairyū Shikaku).

Key points:

• Rejection does not cancel your stay immediately

• You are usually granted a designated departure period (typically 30 days)

• You must act promptly to secure your legal status

2. Common Reasons for Visa Renewal Rejection

A. Employment Issues

• Job duties no longer match your visa category (在留資格不一致 – Zairyū Shikaku Fuan)

• Unstable employment or frequent job changes

• Employer is financially weak or unregistered

B. Income & Tax Problems

• Low or unstable income (所得不足 – Shotoku Fusoku)

• Missing tax payments (納税不備 – Nōzei Fubyō)

• Unpaid resident tax (住民税 – Jūminzei)

C. Pension & Insurance Issues

• Unpaid pension (年金未加入 – Nenkin Mikanyū)

• No social insurance enrollment (社会保険 – Shakai Hoken)

D. Status Violations

• Working outside permitted activities (資格外活動 – Shikaku Gai Katsudō)

• Overstaying in the past (超過滞在 – Chōka Taizai)

E. Documentation Problems

• Incomplete or incorrect forms

• Inconsistent information between documents

3. Your Legal Status After Rejection

After a rejection, immigration usually grants a short-term stay (Designated Activities – 特定活動 / Tokutei Katsudō), typically 30 days.

During this period:

• You may remain legally in Japan

• Work is usually not permitted

• You must plan your next steps quickly

Always check the exact departure deadline on your notice.

4. Step 1: Confirm the Reason for Rejection

Visit your local immigration office and request an explanation from an immigration officer (入国管理官 – Nyūkoku Kanri Kan).

While detailed written reasons are rarely provided, officers can usually clarify:

• Which area caused the rejection

• What needs to be corrected

• Whether reapplication is possible

This is a critical first step.

5. Step 2: Explore Your Options

Option A: Reapply for the Same Visa

• Suitable if issues were minor (e.g., missing documents, unclear job description)

• Ensure all deficiencies are corrected

• Submit updated proof of income, employment, and documentation

• Apply within the permitted stay period

Option B: Change Your Visa Status

• Apply for Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更 – Zairyū Shikaku Henko)

• Common alternatives:

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

  • Dependent visa (家族滞在 – Kazoku Taizai)

  • Designated Activities (特定活動 – Tokutei Katsudō)

Option C: File an Objection (Appeal)

• Submit a Request for Reconsideration (不服申立て – Fukufuku Mōshitate)

• Limitations:

  • Approval rates are low

  • Processing takes time

  • You may need to leave Japan while waiting

Option D: Prepare to Leave Japan

• Arrange departure before the deadline

• Leaving voluntarily avoids penalties

• Helps maintain a good record for future visa applications

Overstaying can severely damage your immigration record.

6. Should You Consult a Specialist?

It’s strongly recommended to seek professional help:

• Immigration lawyers (弁護士 – Bengoshi)

• Certified administrative scriveners (行政書士 – Gyōsei Shoshi)

They can:

• Review rejection reasons

• Communicate with immigration authorities

• Prepare stronger applications

• Prevent critical mistakes

7. Key Documents to Prepare

• Passport (パスポート – Pasupōto)

• Residence Card (在留カード – Zairyū Kādo)

• Certificate of Employment (在職証明書 – Zaishoku Shōmeisho)

• Tax Withholding Slip (源泉徴収票 – Gensen Chōshūhyō)

• Income Certificate (所得証明書 – Shotoku Shōmeisho)

• Resident Tax Certificate (住民税納税証明書 – Jūminzei Nōzei Shōmeisho)

• Pension Payment Records (年金 – Nenkin)

8. What NOT to Do After a Rejection

• ❌ Ignore the deadline

• ❌ Continue working illegally

• ❌ Submit a rushed application

• ❌ Rely on verbal promises from employers

Mistakes now can permanently affect your immigration record.

9. Can You Apply Again in the Future?

Yes. A rejection is not permanent if you:

• Leave Japan on time

• Correct underlying issues

• Submit a well-prepared next application

Many residents successfully reapply later with improved documentation.

Official Reference

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