Japan student visa (Ryugaku)

You need admission to an educational institution in Japan: a university or junior college, a graduate school, a specialised training college (senmon gakko), a high school or a Japanese language institute notified by the Ministry of Justice. You must show that tuition and living costs are covered by your savings, a sponsor or a scholarship.

Language schools and some colleges ask for evidence of prior Japanese study (often 150 hours or a JLPT/NAT-TEST level); universities set their own language and academic criteria.

The ISA does not publish a single fixed amount; you must prove you can pay tuition and live in Japan for the period of study. Schools usually ask for a bank balance certificate and, for a sponsor, an income certificate and a letter explaining the support. Scholarship holders submit the award letter, for example for the MEXT scholarship offered through Japanese embassies.

After admission the school collects your documents and files the Certificate of Eligibility application at the regional immigration bureau. The school sends you the certificate, and you apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate for your place of residence. MEXT scholarship students recommended by an embassy follow the embassy's scholarship procedure instead.

Mid- to long-term residents receive a residence card at Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai and other major airports (elsewhere it is mailed after address registration). Within 14 days of finding a home you must register your address at the city, ward or town office, which also enrols you in National Health Insurance and the National Pension unless your employer covers you under its schemes.

Changes of employer or school, marriage status and address must be notified to the immigration bureau within 14 days. Leaving Japan for up to one year (or until your status expires, if sooner) is possible without a re-entry permit by ticking the special re-entry box at departure.

If your course lasts longer than the period granted, you extend at the immigration bureau with a certificate of enrolment, attendance and grades. After graduation you can change to a work status such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, or obtain Designated Activities to keep job hunting for up to one year with your university's recommendation. Extension fees rose on 1 October 2026 (JPY 33,000 for one year).

Students may work only after receiving permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status. It can be requested at the airport on first landing or later at the immigration bureau, and allows up to 28 hours a week, or 8 hours a day during long school holidays. Work in adult entertainment businesses is banned. Breaking the limit can lead to refusal of extension or deportation.