Procedures After Leaving the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
While you are covered under the SOFA, you may stay in Japan without being subject to the regular residence status (visa) system. However, once you are no longer covered under the agreement—such as upon retirement or the termination of your contract—you must obtain a residence status (visa) in order to remain in Japan for more than 60 days.
However, the procedures differ in many ways from regular visa applications, and it is not uncommon for people to be unsure about which application is appropriate or what documents they need to prepare.
This article is intended for those who are planning to leave the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) framework, as well as for foreign nationals who have already left it and are currently staying in Japan. We will explain the specific application procedures required after leaving SOFA and how to proceed with them.
📌Application Deadline and Process Overview
As explained above, if a person who was staying in Japan under the SOFA wishes to continue residing in Japan after leaving SOFA status, they must obtain a valid residence status by applying for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence. Key points to keep in mind.
- No application is needed if you leave Japan within 60 days after leaving SOFA status
- If you intend to stay beyond 60 days, you must apply for residence status within 30 days of leaving SOFA
- The application must be submitted by the applicant themselves, their legal guardian (if underage), or a certified immigration lawyer (Gyoseishoshi)
- No application fee is required
Because there is a time limit for applying after leaving SOFA status, it is important to begin the application process early.
The appropriate residence status will depend on your intended activities in Japan. Common examples include.
- If you plan to work in Japan → a work visa (e.g., Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services)
- If you are married to a Japanese citizen → Spouse of Japanese National
For those feeling uncertain about the procedures after leaving SOFA — If you’re wondering, “What should I do next?”
Obtaining a visa after leaving SOFA requires careful attention to application timing and procedures. A visa application specialist will guide you through the process in a way that suits your individual situation.
💡 Free Initial Consultation (by email, 1–2 exchanges)｜Reply within 1–2 business days
※Based on your individual circumstances, we will briefly advise you on the likelihood of approval, the necessary procedures, and the next steps.
For those feeling uncertain about the procedures after leaving SOFA
A visa application specialist will guide you through the process in a way that suits your individual situation.
💡 Free Initial Consultation (by email, 1–2 exchanges)｜Reply within 1–2 business days
※Based on your individual circumstances, we will briefly advise you on the likelihood of approval, the necessary procedures, and the next steps.
📄 Required Documents for the Application
If you are applying for the "Spouse of Japanese National" residence status, you will need to submit standard application documents along with proof of SOFA separation.
- Official document clearly stating the separation from SOFA status, such as:
- 「Notification of Personnel Action」
- This notification is typically issued by the affiliated organization on the day of separation.
- After obtaining this document, you must submit your application for residence status within 30 days.
However, in some of the cases we have handled, permission was granted without issue by submitting an official letter prepared by the affiliated organization to certify SOFA separation even before the official “Notification of Personnel Action” was issued.
Since applications related to SOFA are often processed relatively quickly, if your case is not urgent, it is generally smoother to wait until the official notification is issued before proceeding with the application.
Finally — To those who are about to leave SOFA, or who have already left it
If you wish to continue staying in Japan after leaving SOFA, you may be wondering: “Which residence status applies to my case?” or “What procedures should I follow?” Many people share these concerns. Since information on the internet often does not fully cover the latest screening trends or detailed requirements, seeking support from a professional can be very effective for accurate and timely procedures.
✅ Want to know which residence status may apply to your case
✅ Want to confirm the required documents and application process
✅ Want to minimize mistakes or the risk of denial
If you have these concerns, please make use of our inquiry service (the first consultation is free). We will give you a brief assessment of the likelihood of approval and guide you through the necessary procedures and next steps.
Should you decide to proceed with our support, we will carefully assist you from preparing the required documents to filing the application on your behalf.
💡 Free Initial Consultation (by email, 1–2 exchanges)｜Reply within 1–2 business days
Selected Articles on the Basics and Procedures of Visa Applications (in Japanese)
在留資格取消しの理由とは？｜対象となるケースと注意点
在留資格が取消しになるのはどのようなケースかご存じですか？この記事では、入管による取消しの主な理由や対象となる具体的な行為、注意点をわかりやすく解説します。
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ビザ申請中に在留期限が切れたらどうなる？特例期間制度について解説
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