Preparing a student visa application, and what to watch in daily life in Japan
Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) ／ Published ／ Last updated
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
In a student visa application, accurate information, proof of financial means and a clear purpose in studying are the keys to success. Once life in Japan has begun, it is important to understand the rules properly, such as staying within the scope of your 資格外活動許可 and notifying a change of address.
What is this enquiry about?
A person aiming to obtain a student visa wants to know what to be careful about in preparing the application and in daily life in Japan.
Subject: preparing an application for 在留資格「留学」 (Student), and points to watch in daily life
Situation: A person who dreams of studying at a Japanese university or vocational school and is aiming to obtain a student visa.
Question: What should be watched when preparing the application? What should be watched in daily life in Japan?
What should I be careful about when preparing the application?
Accurate information, proof of financial means, a clear purpose, choosing your school, preparing documents early, and keeping to deadlines.
Aim for accurate information: everything in the application documents must be written accurately and truthfully. A false statement is not only a cause of denial; it may also make it difficult to enter Japan afterwards.
Prove your funds properly: you need to prove that you have the financial means to pay tuition and living costs. Check carefully the rules on the period covered, the name on the account and the amount for documents such as the certificate of bank balance, and be ready to explain where the money came from.
Make the purpose of your studies clear: be clear about why you want to study in Japan and what you want to study, and show a concrete study plan and your outlook for the future.
Choose your school carefully: you must choose a 教育機関 (educational institution) approved by the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau). Look carefully at what is taught, the record of graduates going on to further study or work, and the school's reputation, and choose one you can trust.
Prepare the required documents early: do not simply wait for the certificate of admission; gather the documents you can prepare alongside it. Documents sent from your home country in particular can take time in the post.
Keep to the deadlines: always meet the deadlines set by the school and by the 地方出入国在留管理局.
What should I be careful about in daily life in Japan?
Understanding your visa conditions, carrying your Residence Card, notifying a change of address, and settling into society.
Understand your visa conditions: understand properly how long you may stay and what activities you may carry out. If you want to work part-time, you must obtain 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted) beforehand, and you may then work up to 28 hours per week (during the school's long holidays, up to 8 hours in 1 day).
Carry your Residence Card at all times: it is the important proof that you are in Japan lawfully, so be ready to show it at once if a police officer or other official asks.
Notify a change of address at once: if your address changes because you move, you have a duty to notify your city, town or village office within 14 days. Forgetting to do so may affect your visa renewal and other procedures.
Follow Japanese rules and make an effort to fit into society: follow the law, the rules of society and everyday manners, and try actively to mix with people in your area.
Take on the language barrier: improving your Japanese will make your life in Japan much fuller.
Ask for help when you are in trouble: do not hesitate to speak to your school's centre for international students, an international exchange association, your own country's consulate, or a specialist such as a 行政書士 (certified administrative procedures legal specialist, gyoseishoshi).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I write something untrue in the application documents?
You may not only fail to get the visa, but also become unable to enter Japan afterwards.
What do I need before I start working part-time?
You need to obtain 資格外活動許可. With it, you may work part-time up to 28 hours per week.
By when must I report a change of address?
You have a duty to notify the city, town or village office where you live within 14 days.
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.
