Student Visa
To attend a school in Japan, foreigners need to obtain a student visa.
A student visa is the necessary visa for studying in Japan and is primarily applied for in order to enroll in educational institutions in Japan.
Overview of Student Visa
The student visa is the required qualification for attending universities, vocational schools, Japanese language schools, or other educational institutions in Japan.
While holding a student visa, you are required to attend the designated school and complete your studies within the stay period.
When renewing the visa, you need to provide proof of your academic progress.
Student Visa Application Procedure
To obtain a student visa, you need to proceed with the application process in cooperation with the school you are enrolling in.
The main application steps are as follows.
- Step 1
Admission to a Japanese Educational Institution
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First, you need to enroll in a Japanese educational institution (university, vocational school, Japanese language school, etc.).
Once your admission is confirmed, you will receive an "Admission Certificate" from the school.
- Step 2
Application for Certificate of Eligibility
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Based on the Admission Certificate, the school will apply for a "Certificate of Eligibility" from the Immigration Bureau.
This certificate is a prerequisite for applying for a student visa.
- Step 3
Application for Student Visa
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Once the "Certificate of Eligibility" is issued, you can apply for a "Student Visa".
If you are applying from outside Japan, you will apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate; if you are already in Japan, you will apply at the Immigration Bureau.
- Step 4
Issuance of Student Visa
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Once the "Student Visa" is issued, you can start your study abroad life in Japan.
The visa is typically issued for 1 or 2 years and can be renewed depending on your academic progress.
Important Notes on Student Visa
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To obtain a student visa, you must prove your ability to pay tuition fees and living expenses.
You may be required to provide income statements or bank balance certificates from your parents or sponsors. -
After obtaining a student visa, you are required to continue your studies.
When renewing or extending your visa, you will need to prove your academic progress, so it is important to attend school and focus on your studies. -
If you hold a student visa, part-time work is allowed, but there are restrictions on the type of work.
Since your studies take priority, you must be careful to ensure that part-time work does not interfere with your academic progress.
Work Visa
To work in Japan, foreigners must obtain a work visa.
Below, we will explain the overview of work visas, the main types, and the application procedures.
Overview of Work Visas
To work in Japan, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate work visa.
Work visas come in various types depending on the profession and type of work.
The type of visa to apply for is determined based on the desired profession and the requirements of the company.
Work Visa Application Procedures
To obtain a work visa, the applicant needs to collaborate with the company where they intend to work.
The main steps in the application process are as follows.
- Step 1
Employment Contract with the Company
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To apply for a work visa, first, an employment contract with a company in Japan is required.
If the job offer or employment is not confirmed, a work visa cannot be obtained.
- Step 2
Application for Certificate of Eligibility
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The company supports the employee by applying for the "Certificate of Eligibility" to the Immigration Bureau.
Once this certificate is obtained, the applicant can officially apply for the work visa in Japan. - Required Documents Employment contract, company business plan, Certificate of Eligibility application form, applicant's academic and work history certificates (such as graduation certificates, resume, etc.)
- Step 3
Application for Work Visa
- After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant applies for a work visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate.
- Place of application If applying from abroad, submit the application at the Japanese embassy or consulate. If already in Japan, the application is processed at the Immigration Bureau.
- Step 4
Issuance of Work Visa
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Once the visa is issued, the applicant can start working officially in Japan.
The visa duration is generally between 1 to 5 years.
Important Points About Work Visas
Japanese Language Ability
Some professions may require proficiency in Japanese.
Especially for the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa", demonstrating the necessary Japanese language ability will be advantageous.
Restrictions on Job Responsibilities
You cannot engage in work beyond the scope of the job allowed by the visa.
For example, with the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa", you cannot work in positions not authorized, such as customer service in a restaurant.
Residence Permit
Residence permits (status of residence) in Japan vary depending on the type of visa.
Each visa, such as a student visa or work visa, has specific residence conditions. By following the appropriate procedures, it is possible to extend your stay.
Residence Permit for Student Visas
If you are staying in Japan on a student visa, you are generally required to attend a Japanese educational institution and focus on your studies.
You will need to complete the residence permit renewal procedures before your visa expires.
Student Visa Residence Permit Renewal Procedure
If you hold a student visa, you are typically granted a residence permit for one or two years, and you must complete the renewal procedure before the residence period expires.
The following steps are required for renewal.
Required Procedures
[Submit Renewal Application]
Submit the renewal application to the immigration bureau before the deadline approaches.
[Interview and Additional Document Submission (if applicable)]
You may be required to attend an interview or submit additional documents if necessary.
Required Documents
Proof of academic progress (grade certificate, attendance certificate), financial support proof (parent's income certificate, bank balance certificate, etc.), passport, and a photo.
The residence permit renewal must be completed before the expiration date approaches.
Since the process may take some time, it is important to start preparing early.
Work Visa Residence Permit
If you hold a work visa, a residence permit renewal procedure is also required.
Work visas usually have a validity period of one to five years, and during that time, you must apply for status changes or renewals.
Work Visa Residence Permit Renewal Procedure
To renew the residence permit for a work visa, you must prepare several necessary documents and proceed with the required procedures.
Since the renewal process must be completed before the visa expiration date approaches, it is important to plan and proceed in advance.
Delays in the procedure may affect your residence status, so it is essential to start preparing early.
- Confirmation of Job Content
A document proving that the job under the work visa is being carried out is required. - Employment Contract
The submission of the current employment contract is required. - Work Performance and Salary Statements
Documents proving job performance and salary payments, such as salary slips and related documents, need to be submitted. - Certificate of Residence Status (if applicable)
A new "Certificate of Eligibility" is usually not required, but certificates provided by the company or documents related to job content may be requested.
Important Points Regarding Residence Permits
Change of Job Content
If you hold a work visa, you cannot switch to a job that does not comply with the visa's conditions.
If you wish to change jobs, you will need to go through the process of changing your visa.
If you hold a student visa, your studies must be prioritized.
Even when working part-time, your studies must come first, and there are restrictions on the number of hours and types of work you can do.
Additionally, staying in Japan without renewing your residence permit will result in illegal stay, and you may face legal issues.
Make sure to renew your visa before it expires.
Application for Extension of Residence Permit
If you wish to extend your stay in Japan under a student or work visa, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit.
The extension application requires documents proving your current residence status and a certificate showing the reason for your continued stay.
Residence permits for student and work visas can be extended by properly following the renewal process, allowing you to continue your stay in Japan.
The renewal requires submitting documents that prove your academic or employment status, so it is important to start preparing well ahead of the deadline.
