Apply for visa extension before or after..

[tokyo-barcelona]

So I have the option of renewing my visa before the gaijin card changes go into effect or I can do it after.

Im thinking it is probably safer and may be less frustrating to do it the old way.

I visited immigration and they say there will be no difference in the renewal process only that I would get a 5 year visa instead of a 3 year visa. But the lady I spoke to didnt seem so confident when I asked her direct questions. I am guessing no one really knows how all this is going to go down.

I feel it seems the visa process seems to be getting stricter. I received some info from the kuyakusho for getting the new ID card and basically it includes NHI info, nenkin, ect ect.

So I think it would be better just to get another 3 year visa instead of being the first to try out the new system.

Any opinions on this?

Also my gaijin card expires a week before the new id system goes into effect. I can renew before or after but I think I will go with after with the new ID card.

[themoonrules]

So you want to extend your current status of residency correct? But you also need to get a new Alien Registration Card as well right? (Two different things).

The first part, what immigration told you is pretty much correct, for extending residency status, nothing is new here, you apply for an extension of your current residency status like how it's done before, same forms, same process nothing is new in the process of getting status of residency or extending them. The only thing new in this regard is they are adding a 5 year status of residency status, so you might be able to get a 5 year status instead of the current max of 3 years.

The second part is the new residency card, which is just information like you already have on the current Alien Registration Card (minus a few items, with a few items added), however the issuing authority will change from local city offices to immigration bureau offices. The new system incorporates changes in regards to who you report changes of items to, and actually makes things easier as you no longer need to apply for a re-entry permit for trips outside of Japan (that last less than one year). Also foreigners are now able to be registered in Japanese family registries.

Your ARC if you renew it before the new card system, will become the defacto residency card after July 7 2012, and EVERYONE regardless of if they hold a new card or old ARC card will fall under the new system of registration.

So extending your status now or extending your status later, it's still the same forms, the same documents etc you have to provide. The added advantage is you "could" get a 5 year status of residency stamp rather than a three year.

Whatever the case, make sure you apply for the extension BEFORE the expiration date of your status of residency.