I’m a US citizen recently issued a single-entry work visa (category E as professor). I got my PhD in August and my graduation is in December. How can I attend my graduation and still be allowed back into Japan? Do I have to re-do my visa, or can I apply for another single entry visa?
1 comment
The “single entry” of the visa refers to using the visa only once to gain a state of residence (SOR) and a zairyu/residence card. Once you get an SOR, the visa is void/meaningless and you can leave and re-enter as long as that status remains valid.
People commonly refer to their SOR as a visa (ex. “I have to renew my visa”), but that is technically incorrect. A visa only gets you into the country initially, and the SOR lets you stay and leave/return as a resident.