Starting this year, immigration has made it possible to receive your new residence card via post if you applied for your residency status change online (same is true for renewals).
I just got an email confirmation from immigration stating that my application has been processed and that they are ready to send my new card.
In order for this to happen the following need to be sent to the immigration office responsible for processing online applications for the region (in my case, Tokyo).
① Return envelope with sufficient postage
② Fee payment form with revenue stamp (¥4,000) affixed to it
③ Current Residence Card
In the past, when submitting the application in person, you would also pick up the card in person and tender your current residence card. The card would then be hole-punched and given back.
For those who have submitted their residency status change application this year and successfully completed the process, did you get your old card back?
—————
Update:
I got a email 3 business days after immigration received my revenue stamp, current residence card, and return envelope to tell me that they were preparing to ship my new card.
—————
Update 2:
The actual shipment of the card about 2 business days after the shipment preparation notification.
by TYOTenor88