Student visa
What is “Student visa”?
This is one of the residence statuses issued for those wishing to stay in Japan
for an extended period (typically six months or longer) to receive education
at universities, vocational schools,Japanese language schools, and similar institutions.
For those enrolled in Japanese language schools,
extensions of up to two years (depending on the course of study) are permitted.
For individuals residing outside Japan to obtain a student visa,
they must first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
To apply, all specified requirements must be met.
>> The process for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and student visa is here
>> The requirements for applying for a Certificate of Eligibility are here
To maintain a student visa,
Both the school and the student must fulfil their respective obligations.
The Role of Japanese Language Schools
Study visas and Certificates of Eligibility (COE) are applied for by the institution to which the student currently belongs or intends to belong.
Therefore, the institution bears full responsibility for all matters concerning the study visas of all enrolled students.
It must manage all visa-related matters, including attendance rates, absence records, changes to various visa types, and confirmation of return to the home country,
and has an obligation to report all collected information to the Immigration Bureau.
The Role of Student
Students residing in Japan on a student visa must adhere to several regulations.
Below are three particularly important rules.
① Attendance Rate
Schools record attendance daily. Attendance rates are calculated based on these daily records,
and students with poor attendance are reported to the Immigration Bureau each month.
Should prolonged poor attendance occur, the Immigration Bureau may take the following measures:
ⅰ. Renewal of the period of stay may be denied, preventing continued residence in Japan.
ⅱ. It will be highly detrimental during reviews when applying for permission for activities outside the scope of the visa (such as part-time work) or when applying to change to another status of residence after graduation.
ⅲ. The current student visa may be revoked, necessitating compulsory return to the home country.
② Registration with the Host Institution
A student visa and the host institution are always linked as a single unit.
Leaving the host institution simultaneously invalidates the visa.
Upon leaving or graduating from the host institution (such as a Japanese language school or university),
you must either return home promptly or change to another visa status.
③ Reporting Obligations
You are obliged to report your plans after leaving or graduating from school
to the Immigration Bureau.
As detailed information is required regarding your return home, employment, further studies, etc., caution is necessary.
The school will submit the report, but failure to report or late reporting
may adversely affect your planned activities or future entry into Japan.
Regardless of the reason, when leaving your school, ensure you do not forget to report.