The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has added a note to its Q&A regarding changes of status from "Temporary Visitor."

Previously, the guidance stated that a change of status from "Temporary Visitor" to another status is, in principle, not permitted unless there are unavoidable special circumstances. It also explained that those wishing to stay in Japan for a mid-to long-term period should apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and obtain a visa before entering Japan.

The following note has now been added:

"(Note) The mere issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility while the applicant is staying in Japan does not constitute unavoidable special circumstances."

This clarification emphasizes that even if a COE is issued while the applicant is in Japan under "Temporary Visitor" status, this alone does not justify a change of status.

In practice, there are cases where individuals enter Japan as temporary visitors and subsequently secure employment or sponsorship, leading to a COE being issued while they remain in Japan. However, the issuance of a COE only confirms that the substantive requirements for the new status have been met. It does not address whether a change of status from "Temporary Visitor" should be permitted.

Therefore, in principle, applicants are still expected to depart Japan, obtain a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad, and re-enter Japan under the appropriate status.

The addition of this note appears intended to prevent misunderstandings that a COE issuance automatically allows a change of status from "Temporary Visitor." 

Careful attention to this distinction is advisable in practice.