Even after obtaining an Engineer visa, your residence status can be revoked if certain conditions are met. The revocation system under Article 22-4 of the Immigration Control Act has seen increasing enforcement. This article covers the causes and prevention measures.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Revocation of Residence Status” — Immigration Control Act Article 22-4
7 Cases Leading to Revocation
Case 1: Fraudulent Application
- Forged graduation certificates → Revocation + deportation
- Hiding discrepancy between actual and declared work → Revocation
- Falsified career history → Revocation + adverse impact on future applications
Case 2: Not Performing Visa-Qualifying Activities
- Working in completely different duties than declared
- Not finding new employment for 3+ months without valid reason
- Essentially only performing simple labor
Case 3: 3+ Months of Inactivity Without Valid Reason
| Valid Reason | Not Valid |
|---|---|
| Active job searching (documented) | Doing nothing |
| Medical treatment (with doctor’s note) | Self-imposed break |
| Company-ordered leave (with certificate) | — |
Case 4: Failure to File Notifications
- Resignation, new employment, and address changes must be reported within 14 days
Case 5: Address Registration Issues
- Failure to register new address for 90+ days → Subject to revocation
Case 6: Facilitating Illegal Employment
- Helping others work illegally → Criminal charges + revocation
Case 7: Criminal Conviction
- Prison sentence of 1+ year → Grounds for deportation
Prevention Measures
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Match declared and actual work | Regularly verify consistency |
| File all notifications on time | Within 14 days for job changes and moves |
| Always carry your residence card | Legal obligation |
| Manage your visa expiry | Apply for extension with plenty of time |
| Keep job search records when unemployed | Hello Work registration, agency usage |
| Re-employ within 3 months | Aim for quick re-employment |
Warning Signs
| Sign | Response |
|---|---|
| Immigration contacts you for “fact-finding” | Consult an administrative scrivener immediately |
| 2+ months unemployed | Intensify job search and document it |
| Employer assigns non-qualifying work | Request correction or consider changing jobs |
Our Support
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