I'm currently on a WH visa and want to apply for a CoE in order to get the artist visa. I'm aware that this visa is hard to obtain but at least in theory I should qualify for it (earning enough to live here and achievements like international contracts), I also reached out to an immigration scrivener and he said I have a chance to get it, so I at least want to try it while I'm here. This week I was at the immigration office and was told that I need to return to my home country to get the visa, but I can apply for the CoE online in Japan.
Now I have two options
1) Applying now and in case it gets approved heading home and back to Japan within 3 months. Upside is that I will know the outcome of my application while being in Japan, downside is that it's a big hassle and more expensive to book flights in a shorter timeframe.
2) Applying online just before my WH ends and waiting in my home country for the outcome (I will be notified by mail). Upside is that I don't have to change my plans now (like cancelling housing contract, rebooking flights) and fly home as planned + I have a bigger timeframe available. Obvious downside is that in case of a negative outcome I waited for months at home just to get rejected. Also I don't know if and how they will contact me in case they need more documents because I won't have my current Japanese phone number when I'm at home. I will add my non-japanese number in the application but I don't know if they are willing to call me abroad.
Everything considered I'm leaning towards option 2.
In case my application gets accepted but I decide not to come back to Japan, will this have any negative impact on future applications? I have not decided yet if I want to stay here for another year or longer, but since now is my only chance to apply for the CoE I want to try it, and most importantly find out if I get accepted at all. Unfortunately there really is no other way than trying because the requirements are very vague.
Thankful for any constructive input
by Super-Artichoke6761