Last Updated on February 23, 2023
This article was originally published on 29 June 2022 and was updated on 4 November 2022 to reflect new information.
4 November 2022 Update: The government of Japan removed measures requiring foreign nationals to complete the Entrants, Returnees, Follow-Up Systems (ERFS) when entering the country as of 11 October 2022. These measures were originally introduced as an additional security screening measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement coincides with the government’s decision to reopen visa applications to all foreign nationals.
Key Points
Employers will need to complete a Registration for Entrants, Returnees and Follow-Up System as part of the visa application process
Overview
As of 10 June 2022, the government of Japan requires employers of foreign nationals to complete a Certificate for Completion on the Registrations for Entrants, Returnees and Follow-Up System (ERFS). The ERFS will need to be obtained for the following groups of foreign nationals to enter Japan:
- Foreign nationals applying for a short-term stay visa (less than three months) for the purpose of business and employment.
- Foreign nationals applying for long-term work authorization.
- Foreign nationals applying for a short-term stay visa for tourism.
Applications must be submitted online by the corporate sponsor of the incoming foreign national employee. Within the application, the employer will need to include information regarding the foreign national who will be entering Japan, including information on the expected date of entry, the foreign national’s personal information, and the address that the foreign national will reside at while in Japan.
What are the Changes?
The government of Japan introduced a new entrance measure that must be completed by the sponsor of foreign national employees seeking to enter the country. The completed ERFS will need to be submitted along with any other documents required for the visa application.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Japan’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.
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Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.
