Visa & Entry
Student visa for Japan
留学りゅうがくryūgakuFrom admission letter to residence card
Foreign nationals who study full time at a Japanese university, vocational school or accredited Japanese language school need the Student residence status. The school normally applies for a Certificate of Eligibility on the student's behalf, after which the visa is issued abroad; part-time work requires separate permission.
Japan hosts a large and growing number of international students, from full degree students at universities to learners spending a year or two at a Japanese language school. Anyone studying full time for longer than a visa-free stay allows needs the Student residence status.
The process is organised through the school. Once admitted, the student provides documents, the school files the Certificate of Eligibility application with the regional immigration bureau, and the student then applies for a visa at the Japanese mission in the home country. Requirements vary by school and are set out on the Immigration Services Agency's page for the status.
Step by step
- 1Get admittedApply to the university or language school and obtain admission; language schools often have intakes in April, July, October and January.
- 2Certificate of EligibilitySend the required documents to the school, which applies for the Certificate of Eligibility at the regional immigration bureau. Processing usually takes one to three months.
- 3Apply for the visaWith the certificate, apply for the student visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
- 4Enter and request work permissionOn arrival, receive the residence card and, if you intend to work part time, apply for permission to engage in other activities at the airport.
- 5RegisterRegister your address and join National Health Insurance at the municipal office within 14 days of moving in.
Who needs the Student status
The status covers full-time study at universities and graduate schools, junior colleges, specialised training colleges (senmon gakkō), high schools and accredited Japanese language schools. Exchange students at partner universities of German, Austrian or Swiss institutions usually receive it for one or two semesters.
Short language courses of a few weeks can be taken during a visa-free stay, provided they fit within the permitted period and involve no paid work. Germans, Austrians and Swiss, who may extend a visa-free stay to up to six months on application, sometimes use this for longer courses, but the Student status is the regular route for courses longer than 90 days.
Documents and funds
Schools ask for identity documents, educational certificates, proof of Japanese or English ability where required, and evidence that the student can pay tuition and living costs. That evidence is usually a bank statement of the student or a sponsor, or a scholarship award. Language schools have their own document lists, which can include certificates of previous Japanese study.
Study in Japan
The Japan Student Services Organization's portal on programmes and scholarships.
Scholarships
Japanese government (MEXT) scholarships are advertised through Japanese embassies abroad.
Part-time work
The Student status does not allow work by itself. Students may apply for 'permission to engage in activity other than that permitted', which can be granted at the airport on first arrival or later at an immigration bureau. It allows part-time work of up to 28 hours a week, and more during long school holidays set by the school. Work in adult entertainment businesses is prohibited in all cases, and exceeding the limit can lead to refusal of renewal.
Arrival and registration
At major airports, students receive their residence card on arrival. They must register their address at the municipal office within 14 days of moving in, where they are also enrolled in National Health Insurance. Any change of school must be reported to the immigration authorities within 14 days.
The ID card of every mid- to long-term resident.
After graduation
Graduates of Japanese universities and vocational schools who find a job can apply to change to a work-related status, and many companies recruit international graduates. Those still job-hunting after graduation may be allowed to stay for a limited period under the Designated Activities status with the university's recommendation.
Residence statuses for employment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study Japanese in Japan without a student visa?
Yes, for short courses that fit within a visa-free stay and involve no paid work. For courses of several months or longer at a language school, the Student status is the regular route.
Can international students work in Japan?
Only with permission for activities outside their status, which allows up to 28 hours a week during term and more in long holidays.
Who applies for the Certificate of Eligibility?
Usually the school, on the student's behalf and with documents provided by the student.
Can I switch from a student to a work visa?
Yes, if the job fits a work-related status and the conditions are met. Graduates of Japanese universities and vocational schools commonly make this change.
Related
Sources
- 1.在留資格「留学」 (opens in a new tab) — 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency)
- 2.Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (opens in a new tab) — Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- 3.Study in Japan (JASSO) (opens in a new tab) — Japan Student Services Organization
- 4.Botschaft von Japan in Deutschland (opens in a new tab) — Embassy of Japan in Germany