It is true, that a handful of countries can extend their visitor visa's by an extra 90 days (total of 6 months). The countries I posted, which are a few posts up,are:
- Ireland
- Austria
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
- United Kingdom
- Mexico

When I read information regarding the 90 day extension in the Japanese Embassy in my own country (Ireland) it stated:

" On arrival at immigration in Japan, such passports are stamped for a stay of 90 days. This period of stay may be extended for a further 90 days upon application to an immigration office once inside Japan, but approval is at their discretion. "

I would say the chances of approval on the extension would depend on showing proof of adequate funds for the extended stay and maybe also the purpose of the extension (e.g Plan of Travel itinerary, proof of short term study etc)

You have amazed me again, Cravez!

The last time was when you came out with that airsoft info!

Great to have you on the team

Thank you both for your feedback, much appreciated

craig wrote:

QUOTE:
Tourists from most countries (but not all!!) can usually get a 3 month tourist visa on arrival in Japan.
Most other visas must be applied for and approved before arrival in Japan.
If you have any more questions or information about tourists visas to Japan please post them here.

For one, Japan doesn't issue 90 day visas, nor tourist visa to most nations. This minimum is generally six months.

Also, I don't know of any visa that can't be applied for from within Japan. There are what? 20 visas that you can apply for in Japan? What visas must be applied for outside of the country?

Cravez wrote:

QUOTE:
The only countries that have extended temporary visa's over 3 months (to maximum 6 months) are:
- Ireland (lucky me!)
- Austria
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
- United Kingdom
- Mexico

Everyone else has a max 3 months(90 days) temporary visa permit except Brunei which is 14 days.

You don't need anything in particular to get this visa except of course your passport. If you do overstay it will increase your difficulty of getting back by ten fold (if at all, i heard they blackmark your passport if you overstay so if you do come back in future then they will know about it).

If you leave before it expires then it is fine. Although if you repeatedly keep leaving before it expires and entering again soon after you are only just messing them around and it looks bad, they are copping onto this as well so and you might not be allowed in again.

As Petina said, you MAY be able to get another one if you come back, but i point to what i said above. Maybe twice (spaced throughout) or once a year doing temporary visa status might be fine, but repeatedly milking and looping through the system is just wrong and it WILL reflect on any foreigners trying to come into the country as they will be harsher and more strict on everyone because of it. A few rotten eggs spoil the rest so they say.

If you do have any other questions then do post them, that's what the forum is for :)

These nations actually don't need a visa for 180 days

William wrote:

QUOTE:
yes I agree with you, I know it is.. but it's a bit tough and I have no other option.
I keep my head low.

thank you for your advice, I just thought that having ARC might be an advantage in job seek struggle. OK I guess I will wait with applying for another card and hand out the one I have so as not to get into trouble.

I wish some things were easier:(

Thank you.

Both of my jobs asked for the ARC. Also, if you want to do anything with the government, they'll want it also. Not to mention banks, mobile companies, etc.