Student Visa
Japanese Student Visa
To study at a Japanese language school for over 90 days, you must obtain a Japanese student visa.
IMPORTANT:
Student visas are issued by semester and not issued all year for immediate use.
Schools apply for student visas on behalf of all prospective students, so students need to apply on the date specified by the immigration authorities to coincide with the start of that specific language school's semester.
The school year at Japanese language schools typically begins in April, July, October, or January.
April and October are the most popular times to enroll. Regardless of the term you enter, graduation is always in March of the following year or the year after that.
You will prepare the documents to be submitted to immigration in coordination with the school's staff or with our help.
The immigration authorities require certain documents, but some schools may also require additional documentation. The procedures may vary slightly depending on the school and the staff member you are working with, so be sure to check the table below for the application period and when to start preparing your documents.
Japanese Student Visa and School Semester Timelines
Ready to embark on your Japanese language adventure? Here's a breakdown of the admission process, visa application, and school terms:
Timelines:
| Admission Periods | School Duration | Graduation Dates | Visa Application Periods | Visa Results | Document Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 2 years | March of the year after next | 3 months prior to the start of the term | February of the same year | August of the year before you travel to Japan |
| July | 1 year 9 months | March of the year after next | 6 months prior to the start of the term | May of the same year | December of the year before you move to Japan |
| October | 1 year 6 months | March of the year after next | 9 months prior to the start of the term | August of the same year | April of the same year |
| January | 1 year 3 months | March of the following year | 12 months prior to the start of the term | November of the year before you go study | June of the year before you travel to Japan |
Visa Length / Stay Length
Your visa's duration won't perfectly match your study time. It depends on the school you apply to, with stays ranging from 6 months to 1 year and 3 months. Don't worry about renewing it yourself, though! The school handles everyone's extensions in one go, starting about three months before your visa expires.
Applying is straightforward and the same for all intakes. To ease things up, get a jump on the process by checking the handy timings below!
Your Japan Study Journey: A Step-by-Step Timeline
Pre-Application (4+ months):
- Get a Head Start: Begin learning Japanese for a smoother transition.
3 months before application:
- Find Your Fit: Research and choose schools that align with your goals.
- Connect & Apply: Contact your chosen school(s) and schedule interviews.
- Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary materials for your application.
2 weeks before application:
- Submit to School: Send your completed application package (online or postal).
Application Date:
- School Takes the Lead: Your chosen school submits your application to the Immigration Bureau.
Application Processing (variable):
- Immigration Liaison: Your school handles any communication from the Immigration Bureau on your behalf.
Certificate of Eligibility Issued:
- Visa Pathway Unlocked: The Certificate of Eligibility confirms your visa eligibility.
Within 3 days of Issue:
- Secure Your Spot: Pay your tuition fees to secure your place in the program.
1 week after Payment:
- Document Receipt: Receive the original Certificate of Eligibility document.
Within 1 week of receiving the original:
- Visa Time: Apply for your student visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
1-2 weeks after Visa Approval:
- Passport to Japan: Visa issuance, opening the door to your study adventure!
Post-Visa Issuance (1 week):
- Travel Planning: Choose your travel date and book your flight tickets.
1 week before Entrance Ceremony:
- Welcome to Japan!: Arrive in Japan and prepare for your official arrival.
Pre-Entrance Ceremony:
- Final Steps: Complete any remaining admission and administrative procedures.
Entrance Ceremony:
- The Journey Begins! Celebrate your official enrollment and the start of your studies in Japan!
- Remember: This is a general outline, and specific timelines may vary depending on your chosen school and program. Always check with your chosen school for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Bonus Tip: Start your application process early to avoid any last-minute stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new academic adventure in Japan!
Documents Required for Japanese Student Visa Applications
General requirements
- All documents must be issued within three months of the application date.
- Documents will generally be exchanged digitally, but originals may be required in some cases.
Required documents
- Application form (school-issued form)
- Resume (school-issued form)
- Financial statement (school-issued form)
- Photographs (4 cm x 3 cm, 2 Photos)
- Passport copy
Here is a more detailed explanation of each document:
Application form
This form is provided by the school you are applying to. It will ask for basic information about you, such as your name, address, and date of birth. It will also ask about your educational background and your reasons for studying in Japan.
Resume
This document should list your educational background, work experience, and any other relevant skills or qualifications. It should be formatted in a clear and concise manner.
Financial statement
This document should show that you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Japan. It can include bank statements, proof of employment, or other financial documents.
Photographs
You will need to submit two photographs (4 cm x 3 cm) with your application. The photographs should be taken within the past six months and should show your face clearly. No selfies.
Passport copy
You will need to submit a copy of your passport with your application. The copy should include your personal information page and any pages with visas or stamps.
Potentially Required Supplemental Documents
- Graduation certificate from your most recent school
- Proof of Japanese language proficiency
- Documentation to prove your relationship with the person who will be paying your expenses
- Bank statement showing the balance of the account of the person who will be paying your expenses
- Explanation of how you will fund your studies
- Proof of employment or income for the person who will be paying your expenses
- Proof of enrollment or a certificate of expected graduation if you are still enrolled in school
- Additional statement of purpose if you have been out of school for more than 5 years
Here is a more detailed explanation of each document:
Graduation certificate from your most recent school
This document will show that you have completed your most recent level of education. It should be issued by your school and should include your name, date of birth, and degree or diploma awarded.
Proof of Japanese language proficiency*
This document will show that you have the Japanese language skills necessary to study in Japan. It can include a Japanese language proficiency test score, a letter from a Japanese language school, or other documentation.
University graduates or higher with a valid advanced degree diploma are exempt.
Documentation to prove your relationship with the person who will be paying your expenses
This document will show that the person who will be paying your expenses is legally responsible for you. It can include a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, or other documentation.
Bank statement showing the balance of the account of the person who will be paying your expenses
This document will show that the person who will be paying your expenses has enough money to support you while you are studying in Japan. It should show a balance of at least 1 million yen per year of study.
Explanation of how you will fund your studies
This document will explain how you will fund your studies. It should include a detailed breakdown of your estimated expenses and how you will cover those expenses.
Proof of employment or income for the person who will be paying your expenses
This document will show that the person who will be paying your expenses has a stable income. It can include a pay stub, a tax return, or other documentation.
Proof of enrollment or a certificate of expected graduation if you are still enrolled in school
This document will show that you are currently enrolled in school or that you are expected to graduate within the next year. It should be issued by your school and should include your name, date of birth, and degree or diploma program.
Additional statement of purpose if you have been out of school for more than 5 years
This statement will explain why you are applying to study in Japan after being out of school for more than 5 years. It should include your reasons for wanting to study in Japan, your plans for after your studies, and any other relevant information.
It is important to start preparing your application documents early. This will give you enough time to gather all of the required documents and to ensure that they are complete and accurate.
*Prospective students coming to Japan to study Japanese must complete 150 hours of basic language study before entry, equivalent to the JLPT N5 level. They must also submit three certificates of completion to immigration officials.
Part-Time Work in Japan
Student visas in Japan do not allow for part-time work or employment. To work part-time, you must obtain a "Permission to Engage in Activities Other than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence Granted." Even if you have obtained permission, you are only allowed to work up to 28 hours per week, and there are some places where employment is prohibited. If you violate these rules, you will be considered to be working illegally and may be subject to deportation.
Applying for a Permission to Engage in Activities Other than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence Granted is very simple. You simply need to submit an application form when you enter Japan. There is no fee for this. If your application is approved, a stamp will be placed on the back of your residence card indicating that you are allowed to work part-time. A sticker with the same information will also be placed in your passport. Once you have this, you are allowed to work part-time.
If you forget to complete this process when you enter Japan, you can either ask your school to help you or apply yourself to the Immigration Bureau after you enter Japan. In this case, it may take longer to be approved, and your school may charge a fee for the application. If you are planning to start working part-time soon, it is best to complete the process when you enter Japan.
The period of time during which you are allowed to work part-time is generally the same as your period of stay in Japan. You must apply for a Permission to Engage in Activities Other than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence Granted together with your application to extend your period of stay before the period expires.
Here are some additional tips for working part-time in Japan:
- Be sure to understand the rules and regulations for part-time work in Japan. There are restrictions on the hours you can work, the places you can work, and the types of jobs you can do.
- Research potential employers before you apply for a job. Make sure the employer is reputable and that the job is a good fit for your skills and interests.
- Be prepared to communicate in Japanese. Even if you can find a job where you can speak English, it will be helpful to be able to communicate in Japanese with your co-workers and customers.
Working part-time in Japan can be a great way to earn some extra money, learn about Japanese culture, and meet new people. By following these tips, you can make the most of your part-time work experience.
Student Visa Extension in Japan
To extend your visa in Japan, you must apply to the Immigration Bureau before your current visa expires. However, student visa extensions cannot be applied for by the individual. The school must apply for the extension on your behalf.
You can apply for an extension up to three months before your current visa expires. Your school will provide you with instructions and information about the extension process. The extension process is generally less complicated than the initial visa application process, and there are fewer required documents. However, it is important to prepare the documents that your school requests as soon as possible.
Your school will submit your application and pick up your new visa after the extension is approved. You do not need to worry about anything as long as you follow the instructions from your school.
The processing time for a visa extension can vary, but it typically takes 1-3 months if there are no problems.
Required documents:
- Proof of enrollment
- Declaration of means of support (Immigration Bureau form)
- Bank statement copy
- Photographs (4 cm x 3 cm, 2 Photos)
- Copy of residence card (original required on the day of application)
- Copy of passport
Here are some additional tips for extending your visa in Japan:
- Be sure to check with your school about the specific requirements for visa extensions. The requirements may vary depending on the school and your nationality.
- Start preparing your documents early. This will give you plenty of time to gather all of the required documents and to make any necessary corrections.
- Follow the instructions from your school carefully. This will help ensure that your application is processed smoothly.
Extending your visa in Japan can be a simple process if you follow the instructions from your school and prepare your documents early.
