Hi Folks,
**TLDR**: Need to travel back home for a few months, situation might change back home leading to possible unforeseen extension, Zairyu card expires May ’23.
So, I might need to travel back home for a pending family matter in November. This is supposed to be for a month or two at most, but the situation is tricky which might result in me staying longer than anticipated. I am not a PR. (My Zairyu Card expires in May 2023)
When I search online, it comes up with an application for a Re Entry permit using my Zairyu card, so that I don’t have to apply for a visa to come back again.[https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-5.html](https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-5.html)
But, I see also this Special Re Entry Permission which says otherwise.[https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/guide/minashisainyukoku.html](https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/guide/minashisainyukoku.html)
*When intending to depart Japan with special re-entry permission, the individual must have a valid passport (for mid to long-term residents, a passport and a residence card) and, at the time of departure, indicate to the immigration officer an intention to depart the country with special re-entry permission. Specifically, the record of re-entry/departure (re-entry embarkation and disembarkation card) has a checkbox indicating temporary departure with intent to re-enter the country. The individual is to check this box and bring it to the attention of the immigration officer, indicating a desire to depart with special re-entry permission.*
Just to verify, if I am coming back within a year, since my trip is at most a couple of months, I do not need to apply for a reentry permit?
**OR** in case that the situation at home presents some unforeseen factors that result in me staying longer, just to be on the safe side apply for a Re Entry permit instead?
1 comment
What status of residency exactly are you on?
If a work visa, then will you be taking caregiver leave or using annual leave? I.e that means you’re still technically employed and thus considered “actively engaging in your status of residency”.
If not, will you be working remotely for your Japanese employer? And thus considered “actively engaging in your status of residency”
If not, then will you be quitting your job? I.e means no longer considered actively engaging in your status of residency?
If so, then I’d recommend going to immigration in advance anyway to let them know the reason why you’re quitting your job and *potentially* being unemployed/leaving Japan for >3 months is to care for a family member. Otherwise, as per Article 22-4 of the ‘Immigration controls and refugee act’ you’d risk having your status of residency revoked after 3 months of not actively engaging in your status of residency.
And whilst you’re at immigration, they can advise accordingly.