The Student visa lets you study at an accredited school in Japan and, with a separate work permit, work up to 28 hours a week part-time. It is the most common first step toward working in Japan long-term.
Key facts
- Sponsor
- Accredited school in Japan
- Part-time work
- Max 28 h/week (with permit)
- Typical language-school stay
- Up to 2 years
- Proof of funds
- Required (bank statements)
- Family
- Possible for long programs
- Path to work visa
- Yes, via change of status
What is the Student visa?
The Student (留学, ryūgaku) status of residence covers study at Japanese language schools, vocational schools (senmon gakkō), universities and graduate schools. For most people without Japanese language skills, a language school is the realistic entry point: it gives you 1–2 years to reach the Japanese level that working visas and better jobs require.
Student visa as a pathway
Many long-term residents of Japan started on a student visa. The typical route:
- Language school (1–2 years) — reach JLPT N2 or higher.
- Job hunting — new-graduate hiring or mid-career positions.
- Change of status — from Student to a work visa without leaving Japan.
Vocational school graduates earn a diploma (senmonshi) that satisfies the education requirement of the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities visa.
Costs
Language school tuition is commonly in the range of ¥600,000–900,000 per year, plus living costs which vary widely by city — see Cost of living in Tokyo for a concrete example. Confirm exact figures directly with schools; prices differ by school and city.
Step by step
- Choose and apply to a school
The school must be accredited to sponsor student visas. Apply several months before the intake (language schools usually admit in April, July, October and January).
- Prepare financial documents
You (or a sponsor such as a parent) must show funds covering tuition and living costs, typically with bank statements and proof of income.
- School applies for your COE
The school submits the Certificate of Eligibility application to immigration in Japan on your behalf. This usually takes 1–3 months.
- Apply for the visa
With the COE, apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
- After arrival, get the part-time work permit
Apply for "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted" (shikakugai katsudō kyoka) — you can apply at the airport on arrival.
Common mistakes & warnings
- Working more than 28 hours per week is a serious violation and a common reason for visa renewal refusals and deportations.
- Never submit falsified bank statements or diplomas. Fraud leads to refusal and long-term bans.
- Poor school attendance is reported to immigration and can prevent renewal or change of status.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work part-time on a student visa?
Yes, up to 28 hours per week (and up to 8 hours a day during long school holidays), but only after receiving the separate work permission. Work in adult entertainment is prohibited regardless of hours.
Can I change from a student visa to a work visa?
Yes. Graduates hired by a Japanese company can change status to a work visa such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities without leaving Japan.
How much money do I need to show?
There is no single published figure; schools typically expect proof of funds covering at least the first year of tuition and living expenses. Ask your school for its guideline.
Official sources
- Study in Japan (JASSO / Government of Japan) (2026-07-15)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2026-07-15)
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.