[Blog]Having a COE Does Not Guarantee a Status Change: Risks of Changing Status from --Temporary Visitor-- in Japan

2026-01-30

Recently, we have seen a growing number of inquiries from people who enter Japan under the “Temporary Visitor” status and wish to change to another status of residence—such as a work-related or status-based visa—while remaining in Japan. A common assumption behind these inquiries is that “since a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) has already been issued, attaching it to the application for Change of Status of Residence should be sufficient.” However, this belief—that having a COE automatically makes a change of status possible—is a risky misunderstanding in practice.

This article discusses general principles in immigration practice. It does not address special procedural frameworks that are explicitly designed to allow entry as a Temporary Visitor followed by a COE application and a subsequent change of status, such as certain Designated Activities (e.g., long-term sightseeing or recreational stay). Those exceptional cases are outside the scope of this discussion.

Conclusion: Even with a COE, Changing Status from “Temporary Visitor” Is Generally Difficult

The procedure for applying for a Change of Status of Residence does exist as a general制度 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Application for Change of Status of Residence). However, applications involving a change from “Temporary Visitor” must be considered separately. The Temporary Visitor status is premised on a short-term stay in Japan, and changing from it to a mid- or long-term status is, as a rule, not straightforward.

Without “Unavoidable Circumstances,” Approval Is Generally Not Granted

The key point is this: a change of status from “Temporary Visitor” is generally not permitted unless there are “unavoidable circumstances” or other comparable special reasons. Because the Temporary Visitor status has a narrowly defined purpose, cases that appear to have been planned from the outset as a means to switch to a long-term status while remaining in Japan tend to face stricter scrutiny at the initial review stage. For reference, the official description of the Temporary Visitor status can be found here: Status of Residence: Temporary Visitor.

A Common Misunderstanding: A COE Is Not the Same as “Unavoidable Circumstances”

One frequent line of reasoning is that “having a COE means the preparation is complete, therefore it should qualify as an unavoidable circumstance.” In reality, a COE is fundamentally a document intended for use in procedures that involve entry from outside Japan, typically followed by a visa application. Its primary function is to confirm in advance that the planned activities may qualify for a particular status of residence (Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Application for Certificate of Eligibility). A COE itself does not serve as a blanket justification for changing status from Temporary Visitor while remaining in Japan.

What We Hear in Practice: Guidance Given at the Immigration Office

Recently, while waiting at the Temporary Visitor counter at the Tokyo Immigration Office, I overheard an exchange between an immigration officer and a Western woman who appeared to be seeking a change of status while staying in Japan as a Temporary Visitor. The officer advised that if she already had a COE, it would be better to leave Japan, obtain a visa, and then re-enter. While outcomes may vary depending on the individual case, this reflects a very real on-the-ground approach: having a COE often leads officials to recommend the “exit, obtain a visa, and re-enter” route.

Why This Misunderstanding Is Risky: More Than Just a Possible Rejection

The danger lies not only in the possibility of denial. Temporary Visitor status allows only a short period of stay, and if expectations about the review process are mistaken, important plans—such as employment start dates, activity commencement, or family arrangements—can quickly unravel. Moreover, if the remaining period of stay is short and the chosen strategy fails, being required to leave Japan at short notice can significantly complicate the process. In many cases, planning for a realistic route from the beginning ultimately saves time.

Practical Takeaways

① Do not build your schedule on the assumption that a change of status from Temporary Visitor will be approved. ② Carefully assess whether genuinely unavoidable circumstances can be clearly explained. ③ Even if a COE has been issued, always consider the standard route of departing Japan, applying for a visa, and re-entering. ④ Ensure that employers or other relevant parties understand that start dates may shift depending on the immigration pathway chosen. ⑤ When in doubt, consult an immigration professional early to avoid choosing a route that appears shorter but proves riskier.

Summary: “Having a COE Means I Can Change Status in Japan” Is a Dangerous Assumption

A COE is certainly an important document, but it does not automatically make a change of status from Temporary Visitor possible. In practice, cases with a COE are often precisely those in which applicants are advised to leave Japan and apply for a visa before re-entering. Avoid consuming your limited Temporary Visitor period based on optimistic assumptions, and plan from the outset with realistic procedural options in mind.