Part 1: What is a Temporary Visitor Visa? Why Changing to Another Status is Generally Not Allowed

1. Introduction

Many people ask, “I entered Japan with a Temporary Visitor Visa — can I change my visa status while I’m here?”
This is actually a common question. However, the short answer is: Changing from a Temporary Visitor Visa to another visa status is, in principle, not allowed.
In this article, I’ll explain why, based on Japan’s immigration laws and the purpose of the system.

2. What is a Temporary Visitor Visa?

A Temporary Visitor Visa (short-term stay) is issued for purposes such as sightseeing, visiting family or relatives, or short-term business trips.
Key characteristics include:

• Stay period: 15, 30, or up to 90 days
• Any paid work is strictly prohibited
• Activities are limited to those approved under the visa purpose

In other words, it is strictly for short-term stays — not for living in Japan long-term or working here.

3. The Legal Reason for No Change of Status

According to Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 20, Paragraph 2, the rule is clearly stated:

“Except when there are unavoidable special circumstances, permission for change of status of residence shall not be granted.”

This means that unless there are truly exceptional circumstances, you cannot change to another visa status while holding a Temporary Visitor Visa.

4. What are “Unavoidable Special Circumstances”?

So, what counts as “unavoidable special circumstances”?

Examples include:

• Natural disasters or wars making it impossible to return to your home country
• Sudden illness or serious accidents requiring long-term hospitalization
• Urgent family emergencies (e.g., sudden death of a parent or guardian)

In other words, these are circumstances beyond the person’s control.

On the other hand, “I got a job” or “I married a Japanese national” alone is usually NOT considered an unavoidable special circumstance.

5. Why is this so strictly controlled?

Why is Japan so strict about this rule?

The main reason is to prevent illegal overstays and unauthorized employment.
If it were easy to switch to a work visa or other long-term status while on a short-term visa, many people might misuse the system and enter Japan with the wrong visa purpose, undermining proper immigration control.

6. Summary (Part 1)

A Temporary Visitor Visa is, as the name suggests, only for a short stay.
Changing to another status is strictly limited by law and by the purpose of the immigration system.

In the next part, I will explain the exceptional cases where a change may be allowed and the correct way to apply for the right visa from the start.