Japan · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Studying in Japan requires the "Student" status of residence. The accepting school usually applies on your behalf for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at a regional immigration bureau; with the CoE you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate and receive a residence card on arrival. The CoE is valid for three months, within which you must enter Japan. Part-time work needs separate permission first.
To study in Japan you need the "Student" status of residence. The accepting school usually applies on your behalf for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at a regional immigration bureau; with the CoE you apply for the student visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) handles status of residence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues the visa.
- The "Student" status of residence covers university, college and language-school study; most applicants go through the CoE route first.
- The accepting school usually applies for the CoE as your proxy; the CoE is valid for three months, within which you must enter Japan.
- With the CoE you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate, then receive a residence card on arrival.
- Students may take part-time work up to a weekly limit after obtaining "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted".
- 1
Get accepted by a school in Japan
The "Student" status covers university, college and language-school study. The accepting school is central to the process, because it normally applies for the CoE as your proxy.
- 2
Let the school apply for the CoE
The school files the Certificate of Eligibility application at a regional immigration bureau. Supply your documents promptly, since this stage sets the whole timeline.
- 3
Enter Japan within the CoE's three months
The CoE is valid for three months. If you do not enter Japan within that window it lapses and the school has to start the application again.
- 4
Apply for the visa with your CoE
Take the CoE to a Japanese embassy or consulate to obtain the student visa. The CoE is the substantive approval; the visa is the travel document that follows it.
- 5
Collect your residence card on arrival
You receive a residence card at the port of entry. Carry it, and register your address at the local municipal office after moving in.
- 6
Get work permission before any part-time job
Part-time work requires "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted", up to a weekly limit. Obtain it before starting, not afterwards.
- Acceptance from a school in Japan obtained
- Documents supplied to the school for the CoE application
- CoE received and its three-month window noted
- Visa obtained at a Japanese embassy or consulate
- Entry to Japan planned within the CoE validity
- Residence card collected and address registered
- Work permission obtained before starting any job
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA)
National authority for status of residence and the CoE.
- Study in Japan — Immigration procedures
Official guide to the CoE and student-visa steps.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa
Visa issuance information.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certificate of Eligibility?
It is the document confirming you meet the conditions for the "Student" status of residence, normally applied for by your school at a regional immigration bureau. It is the substantive approval — the visa issued afterwards is the travel step.
How long is the CoE valid?
Three months, within which you must enter Japan. If the window lapses the school has to start the application over, so align your travel plans with the CoE date rather than the term start alone.
Can I work part-time as a student in Japan?
Yes, up to a weekly limit, but only after obtaining "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted". Working before that permission is granted breaches your status, so apply first.
Government portals
- Prime Minister's Office of Japan — Official site of Japan's Prime Minister — cabinet policies, press conferences, policy statements
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Japan visa applications, overseas safety info, consular services, and diplomatic policy
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Residence status, work visas, permanent residency, and naturalization in Japan
- National Tax Agency (Japan) — Income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax filing and e-Tax online submission