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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"), which governs procedures for the entry and stay of foreign nationals, categorizes the activities and status of foreigners in Japan. It establishes 29 types of "status of residence" and specifies a "period of stay" (the duration of permissible residence) for each status of residence. Students enrolling in our school's programs (courses lasting one year or longer) are granted the "Student" residence status. Furthermore, those utilizing the Short-Term Auditing System or participating in Short-Term Experience Programs enter Japan with the "Temporary Visitor" residence status.
Our school offers 1-year, 1-year-and-6-month, and 2-year courses. Students enrolling in any of these courses will obtain a "Student" visa with a "1 year and 3 months" period of stay. Students enrolled in the 1-year-and-6-month or 2-year courses will need to renew 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. During immigration inspection, you will present your passport with the visa affixed, your Certificate of Eligibility, and your ED card (Entry/Exit Record Card: typically distributed on the aircraft, but also available at the arrival airport). You will also provide personal identification information such as fingerprints and a 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

Visit Japan Web Usage Flow

  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. Not falling under any of the grounds for refusal of landing specified in the Immigration Control Act.

Upon meeting conditions 1 through 4 and being granted entry, a landing permission endorsement will be affixed to your passport via a sticker or stamp, and a residence card will be issued. The residence card and landing permission endorsement specify your "status of residence" and "period of stay," so be sure to check them carefully.Additionally, it is now possible to apply for permission to engage in activities outside the scope of your status of residence at the airport. Students wishing to work part-time in Japan can apply for this permission upon entry. Doing so eliminates the need to apply again later at an immigration office.

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

medicine cabinet

When you first arrive in Japan, you may feel unwell as you adjust to the new environment. It can be difficult to determine whether medicines sold at Japanese pharmacies will suit you. It's best to bring any over-the-counter medicines you regularly use back home, such as cold medicine or headache medicine.

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

Moon

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

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

Cold and prone to dryness

Thick coat, sweater, gloves

Japanese yen

The amount of Japanese yen you bring will vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. However, for the first few months after arriving in Japan, you will likely need around 100,000 yen in addition to your accommodation costs to purchase essential items for daily living.

Reference: Estimated Living Expenses for International Students in Tokyo

The amount varies depending on your lifestyle, but below is an estimate of monthly living expenses other than housing costs.

  • Food expenses: ¥30,000 to ¥40,000 (primarily home-cooked meals)
  • Utilities: Around ¥8,000
  • Other (Transportation, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Expenses): ¥20,000 to ¥30,000