I am currently studying abroad in Japan on a student Visa. My student Visa says that I only have one entry into the country under that student Visa. But I also have a resident card for a long term stay in Japan. I’m wondering if the single entry on the student Visa would affect me being able to return to my home country for a few weeks over a break from school? From what I’ve read it shouldn’t but no one at my schools administration is very helpful or forth coming on this subject. And while I’ve seen answers similar to this, none of them mention their Visa’s only having one entry allowed. Anything anyone might know about this would be incredibly helpful!
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the visa sticker on your passport is a ticket for you to get residence card
once you got your card, the sticker is just a sticker. your card is now the visa
multiple exit/entry under 1 year abroad permitted, if you would like to stay abroad for longer, ask for a reentry permit from immigration
The important thing to remember with Japan is that the visa is purely used during landing inspection to inform immigration which status of residence they should give you.
It’s the status of residence that allows you to live in Japan (and work if applicable).
When you leave Japan if you’re holding a valid status of residence you can request a special re-entry permit that will allow you to return up to one year later (or until your status of residence expires, whichever comes first). I say “request” but it’s really just a form you’ll pick up in the immigration lounge at the airport and present to the person on your way out. Permission is granted pretty much automatically.
Just fill the re-entry form at the airport while you leave. Use the zairyou card counter at immigration when you return.