Is the visa situation getting stricter?

[Tsuwabuki]

I was speaking to overarching policy, and mentioned that individual agents have lots of leeway.

This does not change the fact that the policy itself is that such a change of status is not allowed in the way that Jamurai is trying to figure out if it is. Rick posted the applicable section I already described.

Over the last year and a half, my experiences with new coworkers has shown a very consistent policy from MOFA and MOJ in regards to this matter. It has nothing to do with how strict one immigration agent was for me on some particular day. It has to do with the application of the policy since the MOFA announcement in July of 2008.

A work visa to a spouse visa is different. You already resided in Japan. A temporary visitor does not reside in Japan, which is what Jamurai was talking about, and what I was answering to.

I stand by my claim that your claim that changing from a temporary visitor to a working visa under normal circumstances is allowed is indeed "patently false" as has been demonstrated by the MOFA quote, the MOJ quote, and my description of the process as it has played out people arriving after me since July 2008.