28/08/2026
Changes to Immigration Application Fees from October 1, 2026
Starting October 1, 2026
fees for the following immigration procedures will be revised due to the enforcement of the revised Cabinet Order for Enforcement of the Immigration Control and Refugee-Recognition Act:
😊Change of status of residence
😥Extension/renewal of period of stay
🫣Permanent residence (PR) permission
The revised fees for changes of status and extensions of period of stay will be determined according to the length of the period of stay granted.
Important:
The new fees will apply to foreign nationals who submit their application on or after October 1, 2026 and subsequently receive permission.
Important for applications submitted before October 1 2026
Applications submitted on or before September 30, 2026 will still be subject to the old fees, even if the permission is granted on or after October 1, 2026.
In other words:
If you submitted your application by September 30, 2026, you will pay the old fee even if your approval comes after October 1, 2026.
Reduction or exemption of fees
Under the revised Immigration Control and Refugee-Recognition Act, fees may be reduced or completely waived for people who are considered eligible because of financial hardship or other special circumstances.
The specific categories of people who may qualify are listed in the revised Cabinet Order.
The Immigration Services Agency has also published guidelines explaining situations in which applicants may qualify for a fee reduction.
For more details, see the Immigration Services Agency’s dedicated page regarding fee reductions and exemptions from October 1, 2026.
Changes to payment methods for online applications
Along with the revised Cabinet Order, the Regulation for Enforcement of the Immigration Control and Refugee-Recognition Act has also been revised.
For applications submitted through the Online Residence Application System, the method of paying the fee will change.
Previously, payment was made using revenue stamps (収入印紙).
From October 1, 2026,
online applications will use:
🥰Convenience-store payment
🥰Bank payment
🥰Internet banking, which can allow cashless payment
The payment will be handled through a service provider designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency.
Most important point for your PR application
This notice is specifically saying that the fee increase is based on the date the application was submitted, not the date the PR decision is made.
So, if your PR application was submitted on April 3, 2026, your application was submitted before September 30, 2026.
Therefore, even if your PR approval comes after October 1, 2026, the old PR fee should apply according to this notice.
