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Immigration procedures

Regarding "Status of Residence" and "Period of Stay"

Japan’s Immigration Control System is as follows.

The Immigration Control and Refugee-Recognition Act (hereinafter referred to as the “Immigration Control Act”) establishes procedures related to the entry and residence of foreign nationals in Japan. Under this law, the activities and statuses of foreign nationals in Japan are classified into 29 types of “Statuses of Residence”, and each status has a designated period of stay (the length of time a person is permitted to remain in Japan).

Students who enroll in one of our school courses (courses of one year or longer) are granted the “Student” status of residence. Students participating in our short-term auditing program or short-term experience programs enter Japan under the “Temporary Visitor” status of residence.

Our school offers one-year, one-and-a-half-year, and two-year courses. Students in all courses initially obtain a visa with the “Student” status of residence and a period of stay of one year and three months.

Students enrolled in the one-and-a-half-year and two-year courses are required to complete a renewal procedure for their period of stay during their enrollment.

Procedure for applying for a visa to enter Japan

To study at a Japanese language school in Japan, you must obtain a visa.
The visa application process is as follows:
Our school staff will apply for the "Certificate of Eligibility" for prospective students at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau.
Once the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, we will send it to the prospective student. The prospective student must then take this certificate to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of residence to apply for the visa.
*The Certificate of Eligibility proves that you meet the requirements for a Japanese residence status and satisfy the entry conditions stipulated in the Immigration Control Act. This certificate facilitates the visa issuance process at Japanese diplomatic missions abroad and the immigration inspection at the airport.

Procedures for Entering Japan ~ Immigration Inspection at the Airport

Upon arrival at a Japanese airport, you must undergo immigration inspection.

For immigration inspection, you are required to present your passport with the visa attached, your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and the ED Card (Embarkation and Disembarkation Card). The ED Card is usually distributed on the airplane, but it is also available at the arrival airport.

You will also be required to provide personal identification information, including your fingerprints and facial photograph.

About the Visit Japan Web Service

This service allows you to complete immigration procedures such as "immigration inspection" and "customs declaration" online.
It can be used by both international travelers arriving in Japan and Japanese citizens returning home.

Visit Japan Web

Items Required for "Visit Japan Web" Registration

  1. Passport
  2. Flight Information
  3. Email address
  4. Smartphone or computer

How to Use Visit Japan Web

  1. Create a Visit Japan Web account on your smartphone or computer, then log in.
  2. User Information Registration
  3. Scan the passport
  4. Flight Number Input for Flights Entering Japan or Returning to Japan
  5. Entering Contact Information in Japan
  6. Customs declaration

※Please present the Visit Japan Web QR codes for "Immigration" and "Customs Declaration" upon entry.

At immigration, the following matters are examined:

  1. Your passport and visa must be valid.

  2. → Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility facilitates a simpler and faster immigration inspection.
  3. The period of stay must be within the period prescribed by law.
  4. You must not fall under any of the grounds for denial of landing stipulated by the Immigration Control and Refugee-Recognition Act.

Once you have fulfilled all of the requirements listed in items 1–4 and are granted permission to enter Japan, a landing permission stamp or seal will be placed in your passport, and a Residence Card will be issued.

Please be sure to check the information stated on your Residence Card and landing permission, including your Status of Residence and Period of Stay.

Students who wish to work part-time in Japan may also apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted at the airport upon arrival. If you complete this application when entering Japan, you do not need to submit a separate application to the Immigration Services Agency at a later date.

Transportation from the airport to your accommodation (apartment/dormitory)

Upon arrival in Japan, you will proceed to your accommodation (apartment or dormitory). Transportation options to your accommodation include trains and airport limousine buses. The airport limousine bus is convenient if you have large luggage, as it will take you close to your destination, but the fare is slightly higher than the train. Additionally, it only goes to the nearest station, so you will need to take a train, bus, or taxi from there to your accommodation. Boarding the airport limousine bus requires a reservation; purchase your ticket at the dedicated counter at the airport.Please note that the distance from the airport to our school or your accommodation is considerable. Taking a taxi will be very expensive, so please avoid it.

Items required for your visit to Japan

Passport

Student Visa or Short-Term Stay Visa

air ticket

Regular medications

When you first arrive in Japan, you may experience health issues as you adjust to a new environment. It can also be difficult to know whether medicines available at Japanese pharmacies are suitable for you. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring any medicines you regularly use in your home country, such as cold medicine or pain relievers.

Clothing

The average temperatures and clothing guidelines for each season in Tokyo are as follows, so it is necessary to bring some clothing appropriate for these average temperatures. Especially when visiting Japan in October, temperatures drop significantly from autumn onward, so it is advisable to bring warm clothing (such as sweaters and coats).

Season

Month

Average Temperature (°C)

Features

Dress Code Guidelines

Spring

March to May

12–20°C

Calm and pleasant

Lightweight coat, Cardigan, Long-sleeved shirt

Summer

June–August

25–31°C

The weather is hot and humid.

Short-sleeved shirt, lightweight pants, hat

Autumn

September–November

15–22°C

Cool and comfortable

Long-sleeved shirt, light jacket

Winter

December to February

2–10°C

The weather is cold and tends to be dry.

Thick coat, sweater, gloves

Japanese yen

The amount of Japanese yen you should bring varies significantly depending on the type of housing you choose, but you will likely need about 100,000 yen in addition to your housing costs to purchase daily necessities for the first few weeks after arriving in Japan.

Reference: Estimated Living Expenses for International Students in Tokyo

Living expenses vary depending on your lifestyle. The following shows an estimated monthly cost of living excluding housing expenses.

  • Food expenses: 30,000–40,000 yen (mainly cooking at home)
  • Utility bills: Around 8,000 yen
  • Other (Transportation, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Expenses): 20,000–30,000 yen