If your visa application is denied, here's what you should do:
1. If your visa application is denied while your visa is still valid:
First, go to the Immigration Bureau and ask for the reason for the denial.
If the reason for the denial is something that can be rectified, prepare again and reapply.
You can reapply until the last day of your visa's validity (the expiration date of your residence card). If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday when the immigration office is closed, applications will be accepted until the next day when they are open.
If your application is accepted, you will be allowed to stay in Japan until the review of your application is completed, for a maximum of two additional months as a special period beyond the expiration date of your residence card.
2. If your visa application is denied after your visa expires:
Since your visa (residence card) has already expired, you cannot stay in Japan legally.
Therefore, the Immigration Bureau will give you a temporary stay permit called "Preparation for Departure (出国準備)" as a preparation period for leaving the country.
In this case, your residence card will be invalidated with a hole punched in it.
Additionally, a sticker labeled "Preparation for Departure (出国準備)" will be affixed to your passport.
3. Is changing from "Preparation for Departure (出国準備)" to another visa (status of residence) possible?
When you receive the "Preparation for Departure (出国準備)," depending on the length of stay granted, you can apply to change to another visa (residence status).
If "31 days" are granted, you can apply to change to another visa (status of residence).
Many cases have been approved for changing to another visa during the preparation for departure period, allowing them to continue living in Japan.
In contrast, if "30 days" are granted, your application to change to another visa (status of residence) will not be accepted.
In this case ("30 days" granted), you must leave Japan, prepare in your home country, apply for a COE (Certificate of Eligibility), and then return to Japan after receiving the COE.