Procedures After Leaving the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
This article is intended for those who are planning to leave the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) or have already left and are residing in Japan. It provides a clear explanation of the necessary visa application procedures and key points to keep in mind.
While you are covered under the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), you can reside in Japan without being subject to the standard residence status (visa) system. However, if you leave SOFA status due to retirement, contract termination, or other reasons, you must obtain a residence status (visa) to remain in Japan beyond 60 days.
Unlike standard visa applications, there are many unique aspects to this process, and it is not uncommon for people to be unsure which application is appropriate or what documents to prepare.
This article explains the specific application procedures required after leaving SOFA and how to proceed.
Even if you wish to handle the process yourself, you may want to consider consulting a specialist if you have any concerns. Please note that AI-generated advice is often not suitable for visa applications, where conditions and required documents can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, and may lead to incorrect answers.
Our office provides comprehensive support, from visa consultations to full application representation. Online consultations are also available — simply click the provided URL to connect from your home or workplace. If you feel uncertain about the procedures involved in leaving SOFA, please feel free to contact us, even if you live far away.
📢 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.
📢 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.
📌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
📄 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.
💬 For those who are about to leave SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) or have already left — How to smoothly proceed with procedures to stay in Japan
If you wish to remain in Japan after leaving SOFA, you may be wondering, “Which visa category applies to me?” or “What procedures do I need to follow?” It’s common to feel uncertain in this situation.
Information available online may not fully cover the latest examination trends or requirements, so seeking professional support can be highly effective for ensuring accurate and timely application procedures.
✅ Want to know which visa category you can apply for in your case
✅ Want to confirm the necessary documents and application process
✅ Want to avoid mistakes or the risk of denial as much as possible
If these concerns apply to you, take advantage of our free consultation service. We will provide accurate advice based on the latest information, tailored to your specific circumstances.
🚨 For Those Facing Challenges with Visa Applications Offering Initial Free Consultations via Email!
Our office offers comprehensive support, from consultations to full representation for various visa applications. A visa application specialist will assist you with an optimal plan tailored to your situation, guiding you through to approval.
💡 Email consultations are available 24/7. We typically respond within 1–2 business days.
📱💻 For those who prefer, we also provide brief online consultations (about 30 minutes). Simply click the provided URL to connect instantly.
📢 For Those Who Have Researched but Still Feel Uncertain…
When online information still leaves you feeling uncertain, the best option is to consult a specialist. We will review your documents and guide you through the procedures tailored to your situation.
📢 For Those Who Have Researched but Still Feel Uncertain…
We will review your documents and guide you through the procedures tailored to your situation.
📍 Visa Basics & Application Procedures – Featured Articles(Note: Other pages are in Japanese.)
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