Moving During a Visa Application

We moved while our status of residence application was being processed.

You might think, "Why move during an application?" But we found a really great apartment. We didn't want someone else to take that 3LDK unit, so we decided to move right away — and then realized, "Oh wait, we're in the middle of a visa renewal application."

Since not many people seem to be as restless as us, there was almost no information available about moving during a visa application. So we decided to document our experience.

Moving During an Application Makes Things Complicated

Foreign residents holding a status of residence are required to file a change of address notification within 14 days of moving. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen.

This requirement is stated on the Immigration Services Agency website.

Reference: Immigration Services Agency - Notification Procedures

Moving during an application doesn't immediately cause problems — as long as you properly file a move-in notification at the municipal office.

However, during a visa application, you only have your soon-to-expire residence card, and the new card might not arrive until more than 14 days after your move.

If you do nothing, the address on your new residence card will still show your old address. While this probably won't result in an immediate fine, it's better to have the correct new address on your new residence card.

What You Should Do

1. Call the Immigration Services Agency

When you submitted your application, you should have received an application receipt. Below is the receipt my wife received when she applied for a visa renewal.

The receipt states "Please contact us if you move." So make sure to call. The required steps may vary depending on your visa type and application status.

In our case, we moved during a spouse visa renewal application.

2. Mail Your Resident Record and a Note to the Immigration Services Agency

When we called the Immigration Services Agency, we were instructed to mail the following two items:

• Resident record (Juminhyo)
• A note with your application number and a statement that you have moved

3. Submit a Mail Forwarding Request at the Post Office

When you move, always submit a mail forwarding request at the post office. This ensures you receive the postcard sent during the application process.

This isn't specific to visa applications — it's something everyone should do when moving. You can now apply online through e-Tenkyo.

Reference: Japan Post - Mail Forwarding Service

Summary

If you move during a visa application, always call the Immigration Services Agency where you submitted your application and follow their instructions.