Without going into a long explanation, essentially, there is a chance that my zairyu card will not be renewed in time for summer holidays, where I’ve booked flights and will be going back to my home country for a month with my daughter.
What happens/what do I need to do if it isn’t renewed by the time I have to leave? At present I only have an email stating it’s being renewed-I applied using the online system, and a stamp on my my number card stating that it has been renewed for two months.
Furthermore, the two month extension expires while I will be out of the country.
Has anyone here ever had a similar situation, and what did you have to do?
4 comments
>Furthermore, the two month extension expires while I will be out of the country.
This is the real problem. You will not be able to return if you don’t have a valid residence card. So if you haven’t gotten your new card before leaving, you shouldn’t go.
If this wasn’t the case, and your 2 month period was still valid when you come back then it would depend on the timing of when the renewal would finish. You have 2 weeks I believe to pick up the card, so if it was ready for you at the start of your trip, you wouldn’t make it in time to pick it up, but if it was at the end, you would be fine if you make it back before the pickup deadline.
Ah yes, the country of japan is infamous for its level of rule bending.
G’day! I may have run into something similar recently!
I lost my zairyu card during golden week before I was going to leave the country for two weeks. Couldn’t even get the certificate from the cops because of the holiday
I was freaking out and calling a ton of people including immigration at Narita. They told me to come see them when I was leaving. Still freaking out, I brought a ton of documentation including pics of my card, work contract etc
They.were.FANTASTIC. and SO kind! They barely checked my papers. They asked for my passport (and took my mynumber card as an afterthought) and then came back with a simple form to the gist of
I am unable to provide my zairyu card because of [fill in reason]. I am leaving this date and intend to return on this date. I understand not having my zairyu card is a serious matter and may result in delays due to verification upon my reentry into Japan
Apparently it happens a bit. Signed that. Took a pic. They let me through with the little attachment to my passport. Came back two weeks later and my processing at the gate did take a bit longer but otherwise it was fine. True to life, my zairyu card was found two days after I left and had been waiting for me with the cops since.
I was so shocked. Australia (where I’m from) would not have been so kind. They low key noticed my passport and told me that they understood “it’s different here so it’s ok”
I think that might be the first step mate – contact immigration at Narita (Or where ever you’re exiting) and see what they have to say. Head to the departure area a little early and talk to the border officers/ fill out the paperwork
EDIT: JESUS! Reading some of the comments here mate. I’m so sorry for the time and flak you’re receiving. It’s really unnecessary. I felt like a truly stupid person when it happened to me and KNEW fully how it was an issue. Some of the stuff being said is so holier-than-thou, lacking in consideration and basic empathy
Hello. Just to share some info/exp… I applied for renew at the beginning of April and on May 16~17 I received the post card to pick up the card. The weird thing is that they only gave me 4 days to do it! Before ir was around 2 weeks, but this time only 4 days! (And I checked the mail on the third day at night!) Very giri-giri. Please be careful and check regularly your mail 🙂
Good luck!