When a status renewal or change-of-status application is refused, it can feel overwhelming.
In practice, many people experience a clear sequence:
Immigration calls you in → you receive a refusal decision and an explanation → you apply to switch to “Designated Activities (Preparation for Departure)”.
This article explains what to expect and what you must confirm on the day. 📌
✅ Key takeaway: Make sure you fully understand the refusal reason 🧠
The single most important point is to listen carefully to the refusal reasons.
Your next options (possible re-application, alternative strategy, or departure plan) depend on why immigration refused the case. 👂
- 📝 Take clear notes during the explanation (write down specific points and keywords)
- 🔍 Identify exactly what was considered problematic (job duties, company credibility, documents, inconsistencies, etc.)
- 🧭 Determine whether the issue is fixable (insufficient proof) or structural (activity not eligible, mismatch with visa category, etc.)
🔁 Common real-world flow: Call-in → Refusal + explanation → Switch to departure preparation
📍 Typical timeline
- 📩 Immigration calls you in (you must visit in person)
- 🛂 You receive the refusal decision
- 🗣️ Immigration gives a reason explanation (most important step)
- 🧳 You apply to switch to “Designated Activities (Preparation for Departure)”
- 🪪 After permission is granted, you must depart within the granted period (in principle)
This stage is stressful, but the quality of your response here can impact future possibilities (including planning for a later return to Japan). ⚠️
💴 Fixed government fee: JPY 6,000 (revenue stamp)
In typical practice, switching to “Designated Activities (Preparation for Departure)” is handled at the counter after the call-in,
and the government fee is JPY 6,000 (paid by a revenue stamp). 🧾
📅 Important: 30 days vs 31 days (it can relate to “re-application possibility”)
Many cases receive a period of 30 days or 31 days.
This 1-day difference is often discussed in practice as potentially relating to whether a new change-of-status application (“re-application”) may be accepted while you are on the departure-preparation status. 🧩
🟥 30 days
- Often explained as: re-application is difficult (may not be accepted)
- Practically, you should proceed assuming departure within the period
- Focus is on a clean exit plan and future strategy after leaving Japan
🟩 31 days
- Sometimes explained as: re-application may be possible if the refusal reason can be corrected
- If a new application is accepted, the discussion may shift to how you are handled while it is being processed
- Still case-by-case depending on the facts and immigration practice
✅ Practical point: the “30/31” number is not the goal. What matters is whether the refusal reason is fixable and whether you can act properly within the deadline shown on your card/documents. ⏳
🚫 What you can / cannot do on “Preparation for Departure”
✅ Typically allowed
- 🏠 Closing housing contracts, moving, administrative procedures
- ✈️ Booking flights and making departure arrangements
- 📦 Shipping luggage, settling bills, phone/utilities cancellation
- 🏦 Closing or organizing bank accounts and other contracts
❌ Typically not allowed (important)
- 💼 Working for pay (paid activity)
- 🏢 Running income-generating business activities
⚠️ The final rule is what your designated conditions allow. Always follow the documents you receive. 🧾
🧭 Checklist: What to ask / confirm during the refusal explanation (bring this on the day) ✍️
- 🔎 Which specific document/statement caused the refusal (application form, reason letter, employment contract, company documents, etc.)
- ⚖️ Was it a legal eligibility issue or insufficient evidence?
- 📌 If fixable, what exactly should be corrected or supplemented?
- 🗓️ Confirm the deadline date and how many days were granted
- 🔁 Ask whether a new application is even an option in your scenario (case-by-case)
🤝 Our support (including escort to Immigration) is available
The call-in and refusal explanation can be difficult, and misunderstandings are common.
Our office can support you depending on the case, including escort/attendance at Immigration to help you capture the refusal reasons accurately and plan the next steps. 🚶♂️
- 🛂 Assistance at the call-in: note-taking and organizing the refusal reasons
- 🧠 Analysis: whether the issue is fixable and what strategy makes sense
- 🧳 Support for switching to Designated Activities (Preparation for Departure)
- 🗺️ A departure checklist and schedule management (deadline-based)
- 🔁 If re-application may be possible, help with risk-controlled planning
📌 A refusal is not always “the end”.
But what you do immediately after the refusal can affect your future options. Please contact us early. 📩
❓ FAQ
Q1. Does refusal mean I become illegal immediately?
It depends on your timeline and what procedures are taken after the refusal. The key is to follow immigration guidance and act promptly. ⚠️
Q2. If I have 30 days, does that mean re-application is impossible?
Many practical explanations describe it as “difficult,” but everything is case-by-case. The first step is to understand the refusal reason precisely. 🔍
Q3. Can I work while on “Preparation for Departure”?
Generally, no. Paid activity is typically not permitted. Plan your finances and schedule carefully. 💡
📩 Contact
If you have a call-in scheduled or you have just received a refusal, we can help you organize the refusal reasons and map out realistic next steps. 📚
✅ What we can confirm in a consultation
- Your refusal reason and how to interpret it
- The process for switching to departure preparation
- How to think about the 30 vs 31-day difference
- Whether escort support is recommended and what to prepare
