Why poor grades and low attendance affect your visa

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 1 August 2025　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Answer

The student visa is a status of residence whose purpose is education in Japan, so poor grades and low attendance raise the suspicion of activity outside that purpose. Attendance in particular is said to be an important item in screening, and if a problem arises it is important to speak to your school promptly and to prepare a written explanation and a plan for improvement.

What is this enquiry about?

A guide for readers who want to know how poor grades and low attendance affect the renewal of a student visa.

Subject: renewal of 在留資格「留学」 (Student) and your academic situation
Situation: A student living in Japan who keeps within the time limit on part-time work but is worried about their grades and attendance.
Question: Why do academic problems affect the renewal of a student visa? What can be done about it?

Why do grades and attendance matter so much?

The student visa is a status of residence whose purpose is study, so problems raise the suspicion of activity outside that purpose.

The student visa is a status of residence whose purpose is 「日本で教育を受けること」, to receive education in Japan. If you neglect your studies and spend a lot of time on part-time work, or hardly attend school at all, doubts arise as to whether you really came to Japan in order to study. If it is judged that you are in Japan in order to work part-time, the risk that your visa renewal is denied rises. In addition, in order to be recognised as an 適正校 (a school in good standing), many schools manage their students' attendance, grades and progress to graduation or further study strictly, and report regularly to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau). It is said that if your grades are markedly poor or your attendance is extremely low, this information has a direct effect on screening for your visa renewal.

How exactly do poor grades and low attendance affect me?

Missing credits and repeating a year, low attendance, and a broken balance with part-time work are each viewed as problems.

Missing credits and repeating a year: the 地方出入国在留管理局 may judge that you have no will to continue your studies, or that there is no prospect of your graduating. If you repeat a year, it is important to prepare a 理由書 (written explanation) setting out the reasons in concrete terms, and to show a firm intention and a concrete plan for the future.
Low attendance: this is said to be one of the items given the most weight when a student visa is renewed. If you are absent for an unavoidable reason such as illness or an accident, always obtain a medical certificate or other proof and submit it to your school.
A broken balance between part-time work and study: even if you keep your part-time hours within the limit, if this stops you concentrating in class and your attendance falls, it may have a bad effect on your visa renewal.

What should I do if a problem arises?

Speak to your school early, make a plan for improvement, review the balance with part-time work, and consult a specialist.

Speak to the staff at your school at once: do not hide poor grades or low attendance. Talk to the staff in charge of international students or to your class teacher. If there is an unavoidable reason, such as illness or family circumstances, submit the documents that prove it.
Make a plan to improve your studies, and carry it out: draw up a concrete study plan, carry it out, and be ready to explain the plan in detail if you are asked for a 理由書.
Review the balance between part-time work and study: if your studies are suffering, adjust within reason, for example by cutting your part-time hours.
Speak to a 行政書士 early: if your grades or attendance are very low, or you have been denied in the past and are worried, it is recommended that you speak to a specialist.

Keep in mind at all times that the real purpose of the student visa is study, and take your daily school life seriously. If you are worried about your studies, do not carry it alone: it is recommended that you speak to your school or to a 行政書士 (certified administrative procedures legal specialist, gyoseishoshi) early.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I keep within the part-time work hours, is my student visa renewal safe?

It is said that even if you keep within the hours, poor grades or low attendance may have a serious effect on your visa renewal.

What should I do if I have to repeat a year?

It is said to be important to prepare a 理由書 setting out the reasons in concrete terms, and to show a firm intention to concentrate on your studies from now on, together with a concrete plan.

What should I do if I am absent repeatedly for unavoidable reasons?

Obtaining a medical certificate or other proof and submitting it to your school without fail is among the suggested steps.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.