Lori Meadows
Japan is open to international students, but they must follow certain procedures and requirements. International students must apply for a visa and a residence card, and may need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test. There are also opportunities for scholarships and part-time work, and new visa regulations have been introduced to increase job opportunities for international students. However, Japan has also introduced stricter rules for international student admissions, including changes to the requirements for designated activities visas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | Individuals of overseas nationality wishing to enter Japan must first apply for and be issued with a visa. |
| Visa type | The residential status for the purpose of studies is designated as "Student." |
| Visa duration | The specific period of stay is determined by the Minister of Justice for each applicant, not exceeding 4 years and 3 months. |
| Visa extension | A "Temporary Visitor" visa may be extended to 15, 30, or 90 days. |
| Visa exemption | Nationals of countries under the Visa Exemption Arrangements are exempt from applying for a visa. |
| COVID-19 border measures | From October 11, 2022, entrants/returnees with a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate are exempt from pre-departure testing. |
| COVID-19 testing | Entrants/returnees without a valid vaccination certificate must present a negative pre-departure test conducted within 72 hours. |
| Quarantine | Quarantine is no longer required unless the entrant/returnee displays symptoms of suspected COVID-19 infection upon arrival. |
| Work opportunities | Graduates of state-designated technical schools can work in professions that may not directly align with their majors. |
| Work visa | The rules for the "designated activities" visa have been changed to offer students more work opportunities. |
| Job hunting | International students can job hunt while studying in Japan. |
| Internships | International students can do internships while studying in Japan. |
| Part-time work | International students can work part-time if they obtain permission by filing an application at a regional immigration services bureau. |
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What You'll Learn
International students need a visa to enter Japan
Japan is open to international students, but they must apply for a visa before entering the country. The type of visa required will depend on the student's nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. International students must also follow the necessary border measures, which are updated frequently. As of October 11, 2022, entrants and returnees with valid COVID-19 vaccination certificates of three doses are exempt from pre-departure testing. Those without valid certificates must present a negative test result within 72 hours before departure.
International students must apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country. The specific visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on the student's nationality and country of residence. For example, US citizens are exempt from visa fees. On the other hand, some countries and regions are also exempt. It is recommended to apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before the departure date, as it usually takes five business days to issue, but it can take longer for certain visa types.
To obtain a student visa, international students must first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from a regional immigration services bureau in Japan. Typically, the school accepting the student will act as their proxy in this process. The residential status for international students is designated as "Student," and the period of stay is determined by the Minister of Justice for each applicant, not exceeding four years and three months.
In addition to the visa and COE, international students must have a valid passport and may need to obtain a residence card (zairyu card) if they plan to stay in Japan for more than three months. During the immigration process, a Landing Permission stamp will be affixed to the passport, indicating the later issuance of the residence card. Within 14 days of determining their residence in Japan, students must register as residents at the municipal office administering their address.
It is important to note that working in Japan with a tourist visa is illegal. International students who wish to work part-time must obtain permission from a regional immigration services bureau. Additionally, students planning to stay in Japan after graduation to seek employment must change their status of residence to "Designated Activities," with a period of stay of up to six months, renewable once.
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Students must apply for a residence card
International Students in Japan
As of October 11, 2022, Japan has updated its border control measures. International students entering Japan must follow these measures, which include providing a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate of three doses or a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result.
International students wishing to study in Japan must first apply for a visa and be issued with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from a regional immigration services bureau. The specific period of stay is determined by the Minister of Justice for each applicant, not exceeding 4 years and 3 months.
A residence card, or "zairyu card", is issued to foreign nationals residing in Japan for more than three months. This card is extremely important and must be carried at all times. It serves as your official identification in Japan, displaying your entry date, legal stay duration, and student residence status. It is necessary for opening a bank account, signing contracts, renting a room, and taking admission tests. Failure to carry your card can result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen and suspicion of staying illegally in Japan.
To obtain your residence card, visit the airport upon arrival in Japan with your visa and Certificate of Eligibility. An immigration agent will issue your residence card after verifying your documents. If you do not have a fixed residence address, you have 14 days to visit your local ward or city office to register.
It is important to update your residence card with any changes in address or personal information. Within 14 days of moving, submit a moving-in notice to the municipal authorities of your new residence and have your new address written on the back of your residence card. For changes in personal information, bring your card to the Immigration Services Agency's service counter to make the necessary modifications.
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Border control measures are updated regularly
Border control measures for Japan are updated regularly. It is important to check the latest measures before your departure, as they are changed frequently. For example, as of October 11, 2022, entrants and returnees to Japan were no longer required to use the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) when applying for a visa, and the "Short-Term Stay" visa exemption arrangements for nationals of certain countries were resumed.
As of the same date, entrants and returnees who could provide a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing three doses of a vaccine approved by the Japanese government were not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test. Those who could not provide such a certificate were required to take a pre-departure test within 72 hours before departure and present a negative test result certificate when boarding their flight to Japan. An on-arrival test and self-quarantine were not required unless the entrant or returnee was displaying symptoms of a suspected COVID-19 infection.
International students wishing to enter Japan must first apply for and be issued with a visa. The specific period of stay is determined by the Minister of Justice for each applicant, not exceeding four years and three months. A "Temporary Visitor" visa may be granted to those travelling to Japan to take an exam, allowing a stay of 15, 30, or 90 days. Nationals of countries under the Visa Exemption Arrangements are not required to apply for a visa but must return to their home country after passing the exam to obtain a "Student" status of residence.
To obtain a "Student" status of residence, an international student or their proxy must first apply for an authorized Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional immigration services bureau in Japan. The specific procedures and required documents vary depending on the individual's situation, but typically include a passport and visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.
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International students can work part-time
International students in Japan are assigned the residential status of "Student" and working is not permitted under this status. However, international students are permitted to work part-time if they obtain "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted". This permission can be obtained by filing an application at a regional immigration services bureau.
To apply for this permission, students will need a residence card, a passport, and a certificate of eligibility (COE). It is important to note that students must obtain this permission before starting any part-time work, and working without this permission may result in punishment or deportation from Japan. International students are limited to 28 hours of part-time work per week and 8 hours per day during summer or winter breaks.
When looking for part-time work, international students in Japan should be aware of potential language barriers and ask employers to clarify the details of the job, including the number of working days, hours, payment, and payment date. It is also important to keep a record of the number of hours worked and the amount of payment received to avoid any misunderstandings or issues with non-payment.
In addition to part-time work, international students in Japan can also participate in internships and job hunting while studying. However, it is recommended that students engage in financial planning that does not rely solely on part-time employment, as the income earned is meant to supplement academic costs and necessary expenses rather than savings or remittances overseas.
As of October 11, 2022, entrants and returnees to Japan must follow specific border control measures, including presenting a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative test result. These measures are subject to frequent changes, so students are advised to check the latest updates before their departure for Japan.
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Graduates can stay to seek employment
Japan has introduced stricter rules for international student admissions, including new visa regulations that aim to increase job opportunities for international graduates. The Japanese Immigration Services Agency has implemented these measures to prevent inappropriate recruitment and illegal employment, following the discovery that the Tokyo University of Social Welfare lost contact with 1,610 international students over three years.
Under the new rules, graduates of state-designated technical schools will have the opportunity to work in professions that may not directly align with their majors. The Japanese government has also made it easier for foreign graduates to stay and work in Japan by changing the rules for the "designated activities" visa, which offers students more work opportunities. This visa allows graduates to stay in Japan for up to six months after graduation to seek employment, with one renewal permitted in principle. To be eligible, graduates must provide a letter of recommendation from their school and meet the prescribed conditions in Japanese or English proficiency.
International students with excellent entrepreneurial and managerial abilities who plan to establish a company or start a business within six months of graduation may also apply for a change in their status of residence to "Management". If the necessary funds, stores, or offices for starting a business are secured, and the university monitors and manages the graduate's entrepreneurial activities, the change in status may be approved.
Additionally, individuals travelling to Japan to take an exam must obtain a "Temporary Visitor" visa, which allows them to stay in the country for 15, 30, or 90 days. Nationals of countries under the Visa Exemption Arrangements are exempt from this requirement but must return to their home country after passing the exam to obtain a "Student" status of residence. As border measures are subject to frequent change, individuals should refer to the MHLW website for the latest updates before their departure for Japan.
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Frequently asked questions
International students entering Japan must apply for a visa and will be issued residential status based on their planned activities, status, and position in the country. Students must also carry a residence card at all times.
International students entering Japan from overseas must adhere to the country's border control measures. As of October 11, 2022, entrants and returnees with a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate are exempt from pre-departure testing. Those without a valid certificate must present a negative test result within 72 hours of departure.
International students can work part-time in Japan by obtaining permission from a regional immigration services bureau. Additionally, graduates of state-designated technical schools may work in professions that do not directly align with their majors.
Yes, international students can apply for scholarships provided by organizations such as the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and the Kyoritsu International Scholarship Foundation. These scholarships offer financial assistance to students with excellent academic performance and financial need.
International students who wish to stay in Japan after graduation must change their status of residence to "Designated Activities." This allows students to stay in the country for up to six months and seek employment opportunities. A letter of recommendation from their school is also required.
