⚠ New Japanese-language requirement for 日本語教育機関 (Japanese language school) entrants — effective April 2026
Applicants entering a Japanese language school (日本語教育機関 / 認定日本語教育機関) on or after April 2026 must demonstrate Japanese language ability at CEFR A1 or above (roughly equivalent to JLPT N5) via a recognized test result, when applying for the 留学 status of residence.
Acceptable A1-equivalent proofs include JLPT N5 or higher, J.TEST F-G level, NAT-TEST 5-Q, etc.
Important scope: this rule applies ONLY to Japanese language school entrants. University / graduate school / 専門学校 (vocational school) applicants are NOT subject to this MOJ rule — those institutions apply their own admissions standards (typically JLPT N2 for Japanese-medium programs, or English proficiency for English-medium programs).
Source: MOJ ISA — 日本語教育機関への入学をお考えのみなさまへ
The Student visa (留学) is one of Japan's most popular and impactful residence statuses, enabling hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals each year to pursue education at Japanese universities, graduate schools, language schools, and vocational institutions. Japan's higher education system is globally recognized, and the student pathway offers an exceptional route to long-term residence, career development, and cultural immersion.
The application process centers on obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the immigration authorities, typically with the support of the accepting institution. Financial self-sufficiency is a key requirement — applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay tuition and living expenses, either through personal savings, family support, or scholarships. Japan offers numerous government and private scholarships, including the prestigious MEXT scholarship program.
Students who work part-time (with permission, up to 28 hours per week) gain invaluable practical experience in the Japanese workplace while funding their studies. After graduation, students have the option to apply for a post-graduation job-seeking visa (特定活動, up to 1 year) to search for employment in Japan, making the student pathway one of the most well-rounded immigration routes available.
Who Is This For
- ✓University and graduate school students enrolled in Japanese degree programs
- ✓Japanese language school students
- ✓Vocational school (専門学校) students
- ✓High school exchange students
- ✓Students in preparatory courses (別科) before entering degree programs
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 4 years and 3 months (depending on program length)
Requirements
- •Acceptance letter from a Japanese educational institution recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEXT)
- •Sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses
- •Japanese language ability sufficient for the chosen program (or enrollment in a language program)
- •Valid passport
- •Completed immigration procedures
- •Genuine intent to study (immigration officers assess this during interviews)
Costs & Fees
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Acceptance letter from the Japanese school or university
- Certificate of enrollment or admission
- Financial guarantee documents (bank statements, scholarship letter, sponsor's income proof)
- Academic transcripts from previous schools
- Japanese language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
- Reason for study document or personal statement
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Apply to and receive acceptance from a recognized Japanese educational institution
- 2Have the institution apply for a Certificate of Eligibility on your behalf
- 3Receive the COE (typically takes 1–3 months)
- 4Submit the COE with your visa application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
- 5Receive your student visa and travel to Japan
- 6Register your address at the local municipal office within 14 days of arrival
- 7Attend school regularly (attendance is monitored; poor attendance may affect visa renewal)
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠Attendance rate is critical — below 80% renewal is at risk, below 70% almost certain rejection
- ⚠Exceeding part-time work hours is the most common violation; the Immigration Bureau will check tax records
- ⚠After withdrawal from school, the status of residence does not immediately lapse, but must be changed or the country departed as soon as possible
- ⚠Submitting false academic qualifications or financial proof will result in permanent rejection