Unused Certificates of Eligibility (COE)
- We are planning to hire a foreign employee who, a few months ago, was issued a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through another company in Japan. Since that COE is still valid, can it be used for entry to Japan under our company’s employment?
- A COE issued through another company as the contracting organization cannot be used by your company, regardless of whether the validity period remains. For work-related statuses of residence, the name of the contracting organization is stated on the COE, and it can only be used under the same employment conditions with the company that originally applied.
In this case, your company must act as the contracting organization and submit a new COE application. Immigration authorities will be aware that the individual was previously issued a COE through another company, and in most cases, the unused COE must be promptly returned to the Immigration Services Agency. If it cannot be returned due to loss, a written explanation of the circumstances must be submitted.
When an unused COE is returned at a later date, the screening period often becomes significantly longer than usual. Therefore, if an employee has an unused COE, or if your company obtained a COE but the employment offer is later withdrawn, it is advisable to return the unused document to immigration authorities as soon as possible together with a letter explaining the circumstances.
Related Service Page:
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application
The Certificate of Eligibility is a document confirming in advance to the Minister of Justice that the applicant’s intended activities meet the requirements for a status of residence in Japan.
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