This procedure is required when you desire to remain under the same status beyond your authorized period of stay.

For example, the residents period of stay for a “law and accouting services” is 3 years or 1 year. If you want to stay longer in Japan exceeding this period for the same activity, it is necessary to apply for and obtain an extension of period of stay. When this process is neglected and a residents period is over, the resident may be subfect to deportation as illigal immigrants. This is also considered an offense which can result in criminal punishment.

For this reason, a company which hires foreign people has a responsibility to check the date of employment of the foreign person.

Residents qualification	For application
Training and cultural related activity	From 3 months before the visa expires.
Work related	From 3 months before the visa expires.
Studying-abroad	From 3 months before the visa expires.
entering education system	From 3months before the visa expires.
Spouse of a permanent resident or Japanese	From 3months before the visa expires.