Status of residence while you are staying in Japan
The "Student" status of residence is granted for the sole purpose of studying in Japan and as such does not permit work. However, if you file an application at a regional immigration services bureau or other such official organization and are granted permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted, you can work part-time.
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- Persons with the "Student" status of residence who are entering Japan for the first time and have confirmed that the will be living in the country for over three months may apply for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted at an airport, etc. when landing permission was issued.
- If applying after arrival, please do so at a regional immigration services bureau.
Temporary exit from Japan
An international student studying in Japan who will be returning to his/her home country temporarily or visiting another country for a short period must apply for a re-entry permit at a regional immigration services bureau.
However, those in possession of a valid passport and residence card who will be returning to Japan within one year of their departure do not need to apply for a re-entry permit at a regional immigration services bureau before leaving Japan.
Extension of period of stay
If a foreign national wish to stay in Japan beyond the period of authorized stay granted to him/her at the time of entry into Japan, he/she must file for an extension of stay with a regional immigration services bureau, etc. in Japan before his/her original period of authorized stay expires. (Usually, a foreign national can file for an extension of stay three months before the expiration of his/her original period of authorized stay in Japan.) Staying past the period of authorized stay in Japan without doing so can incur serious penalties or deportation.
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Forgetting to extend your period of stay and residing illegally in Japan can result in your expulsion from the school and the loss of any scholarships you receive.
Changing of the status of residence
When the activity (student) initially applied for is discontinued, status of residence must be changed to a different type in order to engage in other activities (employment, etc.). The application must be filed at a regional immigration services bureau.
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Engaging in income-generating businesses or activities without proper approval will result in punishment and deportation.
Revocation of the status of residence
Status of residence can be revoked in cases where a foreign national has reported falsely on his/her activities, personal history or submitted false documents.
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Status of residence will be revoked if a person with the "Student" status of residence is working every day without going to school unless with valid reasons.
Bringing dependents to Japan
Dependent spouses and children of international students who study under the status of residence of "Student" in universities can reside
in Japan under the status of residence of "Dependent" based on the period of stay of the international student supporting them.
It is recommended that international students bring their dependents after they are familiar with life in Japan and are economically stable.
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Take note that it will be difficult for dependents to obtain the "Dependent" status of residence in Japan if the initial entry was as a "Temporary Visitor" (commonly referred to as the tourist visa).
Notification and application to the immigration services agency and the municipal office
File a notification or application as soon as possible in the following cases:
- Regional immigration services bureau
Any change in the name, sex, date of birth, nationality/region or school, or if your residence card is lost or damaged, etc. - Municipal office
When your address in Japan changes, before returning to your home country after finishing studies in Japan, etc.
