This article was originally published on June 29, 2022, and was updated on November 4, 2022, to reflect new information.
November 4, 2022, Update: The government of Japan removed measures requiring foreign nationals to complete the Entrants, Returnees, Follow-Up Systems (ERFS) when entering the country as of October 11, 2022. These measures were initially introduced as an additional security screening measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement coincides with the government’s decision to reopen visa applications to all foreign nationals.
Original Post From June 29, 2022:
Key Points
- Employers will need to complete a Registration for Entrants, Returnees, and Follow-Up System as part of the visa application process
Overview
As of June 10, 2022, the government of Japan requires employers of foreign nationals to complete a Certificate for Completion on the Registrations for Entrants, Returnees, and Follow-Up System (ERFS). The ERFS will need to be obtained for the following groups of foreign nationals to enter Japan:
- Foreign nationals applying for a short-term stay visa (less than three months) for business and employment
- Foreign nationals applying for long-term work authorization
- Foreign nationals applying for a short-term stay visa for tourism
Applications must be submitted online by the corporate sponsor of the incoming foreign national employee. Within the application, the employer will need to include information regarding the foreign national who will be entering Japan, including information on the expected date of entry, the foreign national’s personal information, and the address that the foreign national will reside at while in Japan.
What are the Changes?
The government of Japan introduced a new entrance measure that must be completed by the sponsor of foreign national employees seeking to enter the country. The completed ERFS will need to be submitted along with any other documents required for the visa application.
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: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
