Handling a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) That Is No Longer Needed

- We obtained a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for a candidate overseas, but the individual declined the job offer and the COE is no longer required. Is it acceptable to simply dispose of the COE?
- Instead of discarding the document, we recommend returning the COE to the immigration office. Although the candidate has declined the job offer in this case, immigration authorities may request confirmation regarding any previously issued COE when reviewing future applications.
To ensure smoother processing for future applications, it is best to return any unused COE to immigration. When doing so, it is advisable to submit the following documents together with the COE:
・A copy of the application receipt (if available)
・A brief explanation letter stating the reason for the return
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.
Free Consultation on Hiring Foreign Employees
Since our establishment in 1986, we have been providing nearly 40 years of consulting services specializing in visa applications for companies employing foreign nationals.
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