Student visas and Japanese language schools

You apply to a Japanese language school, a university or a vocational college. The school collects your documents, such as your passport, your academic record, proof of funds and a statement of your plans, and applies for the Certificate of Eligibility at the immigration bureau. Intake is often in April and October, and some language schools take students in January and July too.

When you receive the certificate, you apply for the Student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. On arrival, you receive your residence card at the airport and must register your address at the local office within 14 days.

Students may not work with the Student status alone. You apply for permission to engage in activity other than that permitted, which is often given at the airport. With it, you can work up to 28 hours a week, and up to 8 hours a day in long school holidays. Some work, such as in adult entertainment, is never allowed.

Working over the limit is a serious breach and can end your status. Keep records of your hours and wages.

You pay tuition and living costs, and schools or the immigration bureau may ask for proof of enough funds. You must join National Health Insurance, which students can do at the city office, and students can apply to defer the national pension payments.

After graduating, you can change status to a work status if you find a job, or look for a job for a period afterwards. Graduates of some universities can use special programmes for job hunting. The change is made at the immigration bureau.