Japanese Student Visa | From Study Preparation to Employment

What is a Japanese Student Visa (Status of Residence: "Student")?

Definition of a Student Visa

Technically known as the "Student" status of residence, the Japanese Student Visa is a qualification required for foreigners staying in Japan to study at Japanese educational institutions. This status is granted to foreigners enrolled in the following types of institutions:

•Universities (Graduate and Undergraduate)

•Junior Colleges

•Colleges of Technology (Kosen)

•Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakko)

•Miscellaneous Schools (Japanese Language Schools, etc.)

•High Schools and Junior High Schools

Duration of the Student Visa

The period of stay for a student visa varies depending on the educational institution and the study program. Common periods of stay include:

•4 years and 3 months (e.g., for Doctoral programs)

•4 years (e.g., for Undergraduate programs)

•2 years and 3 months

•2 years

•1 year and 3 months

•1 year

•6 months

•3 months

Upon initial entry, students are often granted a period of 1 or 2 years. However, if academic progress and conduct are satisfactory, the stay can be extended through renewals up to the maximum duration of the program.

The Student Visa Application Process

Obtaining a Japanese student visa generally involves the following steps:

STEP 1: Admission Procedures at a Japanese Educational Institution

First, you must apply to and receive an admission offer from the institution where you wish to study. Most universities and Japanese language schools provide admission guides and application procedures in English and other languages.

STEP 2: Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

After receiving admission, you must apply for a "Certificate of Eligibility" (COE). This application is submitted to the regional Immigration Services Bureau in Japan. In most cases, the educational institution acts as a proxy and handles the application on behalf of the student. It typically takes 1 to 3 months for a COE to be issued. Generally, applications are submitted around November for April enrollment and around May for October enrollment.

STEP 3: Visa Application

Once the COE is issued, you apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General in your home country. The required documents usually include:

•Passport

•Visa application form

•Photograph (taken within the last 3 months)

•Certificate of Eligibility (Original)

The visa application process usually takes about one week.

STEP 4: Entry into Japan and Obtaining a Residence Card

After obtaining your visa, you must enter Japan within its validity period. If you enter through major airports (Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka), a Residence Card (Zairyu Card) will be issued during immigration. If you enter through other airports or seaports, the card will be mailed to your registered address later. You must register your address at the local municipal office within 14 days of entry.

Required Documents and Requirements for a Student Visa

List of Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for the COE application:

•Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Prescribed form)

•Photograph (4cm x 3cm, taken within the last 3 months)

•Copy of Passport (Photo page)

•Admission Letter from the educational institution

•Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Educational background, work history, Japanese language study history, etc.)

•Documents proving financial capability:

•Bank balance certificate of the financial sponsor

•Employment certificate of the financial sponsor (Certificate of employment, business license, etc.)

•Income certificate of the financial sponsor (Showing annual income)

•Documents proving the relationship with the financial sponsor (if a relative)

•Graduation Certificate and Academic Transcripts from the last school attended

•Documents proving Japanese language proficiency (JLPT results or certificates of Japanese language study)

Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a student visa, you must primarily meet the following conditions:

1.Enrollment for Education: You must have an admission offer from a legitimate educational institution recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Justice.

2.Financial Requirements: You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during your stay. Generally, a minimum of approximately 2 million yen is considered necessary to cover one year's expenses.

3.Japanese Language Proficiency: If classes are conducted in Japanese, a certain level of proficiency is required. For Japanese language schools, a level equivalent to JLPT N5 or higher is often needed. Universities and vocational schools typically require a higher level (N2 to N1).

4.Institutional Requirements: The school must provide an appropriate environment and support system, including at least 10 hours of classes per week and full-time staff for student guidance.

Differences Between Language Schools and Universities

Japanese Language Schools

•Period of Stay: Initially 6 months to 1 year, extendable up to 2 years.

•Requirements: Relatively flexible; some schools accept students with N5 level proficiency.

•Purpose: Primarily to improve Japanese language skills and understand Japanese culture.

•Pathways: Many students proceed to universities or vocational schools after completion.

Universities and Vocational Schools

•Period of Stay: Initially 1 to 2 years, extendable up to 4 years for undergraduate programs.

•Requirements: Higher Japanese proficiency (often N2 or higher) and academic records are required.

•Purpose: Specialized study and obtaining degrees or certifications.

•Pathways: Opens doors to graduate school or employment in Japan.

How to Renew Your Student Visa

Timing of Renewal

You can apply for a renewal starting 3 months before your current period of stay expires. It is crucial to apply early, as staying past the expiration date constitutes illegal stay.

Required Documents

•Application for Extension of Period of Stay

•Photograph (4cm x 3cm)

•Passport and Residence Card

•Certificate of Enrollment

•Academic Transcripts (or certificate of research activities)

•Documents proving financial capability (Bank balance, scholarship certificates, etc.)

•Processing fee (4,000 yen)

Key Evaluation Points

•Academic Performance: Whether you are earning necessary credits and progressing appropriately.

•Attendance Rate: Generally, an attendance rate of 80% or higher is required.

•Financial Status: Whether you have the funds to continue your studies and life in Japan.

•Conduct: Whether you have followed laws and regulations.

Part-time Work Regulations and Precautions

Applying for Permission

To work part-time, students must obtain "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted."

•At Entry: You can often apply and receive permission immediately at the airport immigration counter.

•After Entry: You can apply at the nearest regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Working Hour Limits

•During Semesters: Up to 28 hours per week.

•During Long Vacations (Summer, Winter, Spring): Up to 8 hours per day (within 40 hours per week).

•Note: Ensure that the total hours do not exceed 28 hours regardless of which day the week starts.

Prohibited Industries

Working in the "Adult Entertainment Industry" (e.g., cabarets, pachinko parlors, mahjong parlors, game centers) is strictly prohibited.

Important Reminders

•Penalties: Exceeding 28 hours is considered illegal labor and can lead to deportation.

•Multiple Jobs: The 28-hour limit applies to the total hours across all jobs.

•Taxes: If annual income exceeds 1.03 million yen, you are liable for income tax.

Advancing to Higher Education in Japan

Advancing from a Japanese Language School to Higher Education Institutions

If you wish to advance from a Japanese language school to a university or vocational school, you must take the following steps:

• Setting Academic Goals: Deciding on the university, faculty, or vocational school you wish to enter.
• Entrance Exam Preparation: Preparing for the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
• Submission of Application: Applying in accordance with the application guidelines of each school.
• Entrance Examinations: Written exams, interviews, document screening, etc.
• Announcement of Results and Enrollment Procedures.
• Procedures for Renewing or Changing Status of Residence (Visa).

Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is an exam required for international students wishing to enter Japanese universities and other institutions.

Many Japanese universities (98% of national universities, 61% of public universities, and 52% of private universities) require applicants to take this exam.

Subject Composition of the Exam

Japanese as a Foreign Language: Reading comprehension, listening and listening-reading comprehension, and writing.

Science: Choose 2 subjects from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (for science stream applicants).

Japan and the World (General Subjects): Comprehensive questions covering politics, economics, society, geography, history, etc. (for liberal arts/humanities stream applicants).

Mathematics: Course 1 (for liberal arts) or Course 2 (for science).

This exam is held twice a year (in June and November).

Entrance Examination Systems for International Students

Many universities conduct special entrance examinations specifically for international students.

Pre-arrival Admission System: At some universities, it is possible to apply, take the exam, and receive acceptance while remaining in your home country.

Special Selection for International Students: Selection is based on a combination of EJU scores, interviews, and other criteria.

English Program Entrance Exams: Entrance exams for programs where classes are conducted in English (TOEFL/IELTS scores are emphasized).

Scholarship Information

The main scholarship systems available for international students include the following:

MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government Scholarship): Covers travel expenses, tuition, and living costs.

JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Scholarships: Monthly stipend of 30,000 to 80,000 JPY.

Local Government Scholarships: Provided independently by prefectures or municipalities.

Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students: Monthly stipend of 48,000 JPY.

University-Specific Scholarships: Scholarship systems provided by individual universities.

Switching from a Student Visa to a Work Visa

Job Hunting Schedule

New graduate recruitment in Japan follows a unique schedule. Generally, it proceeds according to the following timeline:

• Around March (Year before graduation): Start of job hunting preparation (Self-analysis, industry research).
• Around June (Year before graduation): Participation in internships.
• December to March (Year before graduation): Company information sessions and entry (applications) begin.
• April to June (Graduation year): Recruitment selection (Written exams, interviews).
• June onwards (Graduation year): Obtaining job offers (Naitei).
• October onwards (Graduation year): Application for Change of Status of Residence.

Options After Graduation

International students graduating from universities or vocational schools mainly have the following options:

• Employment in Japan: Requires changing to a work visa.
• Continuing Education in Japan: Renewal or change of student visa.
• Returning Home: Utilizing what was learned in Japan in the home country.
• Continuing Job Hunting: Continuing to seek employment under the "Designated Activities" visa (maximum 1 year).

Procedures for Changing to a Work Visa

To change from a student visa to a work visa, an "Application for Change of Status of Residence" is required.

Required Documents

• Application for Change of Status of Residence.
• Photo (4cm × 3cm).
• Passport and Residence Card.
• Certificate of Graduation (or Certificate of Expected Graduation).
• Employment Contract or Notice of Employment (documents clearly stating job description, position, salary, etc.).
• Documents regarding the employing company (Company overview, corporate register, financial statements, etc.).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
•  

Timing of Application

While the application to change to a work visa is possible immediately after graduation, it is often done at the following times:

• From December of the graduation year onwards (for those scheduled to graduate in March).
• After receiving a job offer, applications are generally possible starting about 3 months before the scheduled start date of employment.

Key Points for Evaluation

The following points are primarily examined during the application for a work visa:

• Relevance of Education/Specialty to Work: Is there a connection between the content studied at the university or vocational school and the duties to be performed?
• Salary Level: Is remuneration guaranteed to be equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national?
• Credibility of the Company: The management status of the hiring company and its past track record of employing foreign nationals.

Designated Activities Visa (For Job Hunting)

If employment is not secured immediately after graduation, switching to the "Designated Activities" status of residence allows for a job hunting period of up to 1 year (initial 6 months + one 6-month renewal).

This is subject to the following conditions

• Must have graduated from a university, graduate school, or vocational school.
• Possession of a recommendation letter from the graduated school.
• Possession of the intent and ability to engage in job hunting activities.
• Financial independence (availability of funds to cover living expenses of approximately 100,000 JPY per month).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long is the processing time for a student visa? 

A: Screening for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) usually takes 1 to 3 months. The subsequent visa application at the embassy/consulate usually takes about 1 week. Since the timeframe varies depending on the credibility of the educational institution and the timing of the application, we recommend applying well in advance.

Q2: Can I study abroad even if I cannot speak Japanese at all? 

A: If it is a Japanese language school, it is possible as they offer courses for beginners. However, having a minimum level of Japanese ability (greetings and basic phrases) will make life in Japan smoother. For university faculties and vocational schools, a certain level of Japanese proficiency (N2 level or higher) is required in most cases. There are programs where you can obtain a degree in English, but high English proficiency is required in those cases.

Q3: Can I cover tuition and living expenses solely with income from a part-time job? 

A: You should consider this realistically difficult. It would be tough to cover all tuition and living expenses just with the permitted 28 hours per week of part-time work, especially in urban areas like Tokyo. It is recommended to create a sufficient financial plan before studying abroad and to have some savings or financial support (remittances) ready.

Q4: What happens to my visa if I drop out?

 A: If you drop out, it is determined that you are no longer engaging in the activities of the "Student" status of residence, and your visa will be revoked in principle. You must promptly transfer to another educational institution or apply to change to another status of residence. If left unattended, this results in illegal overstaying and you may be subject to deportation. If you are considering taking a leave of absence or dropping out, be sure to consult with the staff in charge of international students at your school or the Immigration Bureau in advance.

Q5: What should I do if I haven't decided on a job immediately after graduation? 

A: If you do not have a job lined up immediately after graduation, you can apply to change your status of residence to "Designated Activities (for Job Hunting)." This status is initially granted for 6 months and can be extended for another 6 months. To apply, you need a certificate of graduation and a recommendation letter from your school. Part-time work is still permitted (within 28 hours per week) during this period. However, it is important to keep evidence that you are earnestly job hunting (email exchanges with companies, interview schedules, etc.).

Q6: Is it possible for an international student to start a business in Japan? 

A: Yes, it is possible. If an international student wishes to start a business in Japan, they must apply to change their status of residence to "Business Manager." You must meet the following conditions:

• The business plan must be clear.
• An office space must be secured.
• The capital must be 5 million JPY or more (or the business scale must be equivalent).
• There must be a plan to employ at least two full-time employees (or a plan to hire Japanese nationals other than yourself).

Recently, some local governments have implemented the "Program for Promoting Startups by Foreign Nationals," in which case the above conditions may be relaxed.

Q7: Can I live with my parents or spouse in Japan? 

A: While studying in Japan on a student visa, if you meet certain conditions, you can apply for a "Dependent" status of residence for your family (spouse and children). However, parents (mother or father) are not eligible for "Dependent" status, so they must come to Japan under a separate status such as "Temporary Visitor." To obtain a Dependent visa, the international student must prove they have the financial capacity to cover their family's living expenses.

Q8: What are the main reasons for a student visa renewal being denied? 

A: The main reasons for denial of a student visa renewal include:

• Low attendance rate (generally below 80%).
• Failure to earn necessary credits or poor academic performance.
• Violation of part-time work regulations (exceeding 28 hours per week, etc.).
• Lack of financial ability (inability to cover tuition and living expenses).
• False applications or criminal record.
• If it is judged that working is the primary activity rather than studying.

To avoid denial, it is important to engage seriously in your studies and live according to the rules.

Conclusion

Studying in Japan is more than just getting a degree; it is a precious opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth. 

By understanding the rules and planning ahead, you can have a fulfilling experience. 

We sincerely hope your journey in Japan is fruitful and contributes to your future global career.