Can I leave Japan after my visa has expired?
Q. Is it possible to leave Japan with only a visa application stamp on my US passport? I’ve decided to quit my job and go back home permanently but I’m a bit worried after reading about all these immigration horror stories.
A. Technically your visa is ‘extended’ during your application waiting time therefore leaving Japan will not be a problem especially as the new nationwide immigration ‘real-time’ computer system is now on-line.
Immigration officials at any port of entry/departure can call up any visa/personal details almost instantaneously.
If you have a valid waiting stamp in your passport they will no doubt tell you that it will become invalid the instant you leave but other than that you should be ok.
Just make it clear you understand that you will lose any visa status when you leave. If at some time in the future you intend to return you will have to apply for a new visa just like everybody else.
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