The Departure Order System

October 2006
Immigration Services Agency

(1) Foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa will be detained by the Immigration Services Agency, processed, and then deported. Furthermore, foreign nationals who are deported will not be permitted to re-enter Japan for a period of five years (or as many as ten, in certain cases).

(2) However, foreign nationals who freely make an appearance at an immigration office and wish to leave Japan may be eligible for a departure order (provided they meet the requirements listed below), thus avoiding detention. Foreign nationals who leave under a departure order will not be permitted to re-enter Japan for a period of one year.

The foreign national must meet any one of the following conditions:

1. Has requested immediate departure from Japan and promptly made an appearance at an immigration office
2. Only transgression is overstaying
3. Has not been sentenced to imprisonment for theft or certain other crimes
4. Has not been deported or left the country under a departure order before
5. It is certain that the foreign national will depart promptly

Please follow the guidelines at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau listed below that is nearest to you. Guide maps for individual Regional Immigration Services Bureaus/District Immigration Services Offices may be found on the Outline of the Immigration Services Agency page.

As immigration offices will conduct an investigation into any violations made by those who present themselves to an immigration office, be sure to bring your passport, certificate of alien registration, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau or District Immigration Services Office.