A “Certificate of Eligibility (COE)” is, in principle, valid for three (3) months. However, the Government of Japan has decided to introduce an exceptional arrangement regarding expired COEs due to the impact of Novel Coronavirus, as follows:
1. Validity of COE
(1) For COE issued from October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 - valid until April 30, 2021
(2) For COE issued from January 1, 2020 to January 30, 2021 - valid until July 31, 2021
(3) For COE issued from January 31, 2021 - valid for six (6) months
- Visa applicants whose COEs are applicable to the 1. (1) to (3) mentioned above are required to submit a written statement as follows at the time of application. * It is not necessary to submit for a COE which has been issued within three (3) months from the date of visa application.
- Visa for employment, technical intern training, study - written statement from accepting company, educational institution (university, Japanese school, etc.) and training institution, etc. stating that they are ready to accept the applicants as the same status of activity indicated in the application for the COE. Photocopy is available at the time of application.
- Visa for “Spouse/Child of Japanese National”, “Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident” and “Long-Term Resident” - written statement from the Japanese spouse, parents or relatives in Japan, etc. stating that they are ready to accept the applicants as the same family status indicated in the application for the COE. Photocopy is available at the time of application.
- Applicants who have been issued a visa with COE but unable to depart to Japan within the validity of the visa due to the influence of Novel Coronavirus are allowed to apply for a visa again with COE which are listed in the 1. along with the written statement