Key Points
- The government of Japan will extend the validity of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) depending on when the certificate was issued
Overview
Japan’s government updated the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) validity period on June 22, 2022. The COE is required for immigration clearance into Japan. The following extensions will apply:
- COEs issued between January 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022, will remain valid until October 31, 2022
- COEs issued between May 1, 2022, and July 31, 2022, will remain valid for six months from the date of issuance
- COEs issued on or after August 1, 2022, will be valid for a period of three months from the date of issuance
The government noted that this change would allow eligible applicants additional time to enter the country. Applicants must also continue to meet the conditions of the COE for the certificate to remain valid. The COE holder must ensure that they hold a valid employment offer and proof that the organization can continue to offer employment to the foreign national. All applicable information must be provided when the applicant applies for an entry visa at any diplomatic mission abroad.
What are the Changes?
The government of Japan updated the validity of COEs on June 22, 2022. The extension will vary depending on the date on which the COE was issued and will be applied automatically so long as the COE’s holder’s conditions for issuance have not changed. The government stated that this change was made as a consideration for foreign nationals who have been unable to enter Japan or have had to delay entry into the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Japan’s website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan
