1. Key points of the policy update

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced a partial revision of the operation of the Student status of residence for people entering Japanese language institutions.

The main points are as follows.

• Japanese language ability must be checked more concretely at the admission screening stage.
• Japanese language institutions must more carefully monitor, advise, and keep records regarding students’ permitted part-time work.

Although this is often described as a tightening of the Student visa system, the practical impact is not limited to students. Japanese language schools and, in some cases, part-time employers also need to pay attention.

2. What will change regarding Japanese language ability?

Until now, in status of residence applications, a learning history of 150 hours or more could be used to prove Japanese language ability equivalent to A1 or above.

After the applicable date, however, a test certificate or confirmation through an interview will be required. In practice, schools and applicants should not rely only on a statement that the applicant has studied Japanese for 150 hours.

Documents that may become important

• JLPT, BJT, JFT-Basic, or other test results
• Interview records prepared by the Japanese language institution
• Questions, answers, and evaluation details from the interview
• Confirmation forms requested for the application
• A study plan, reason for admission, and future plan in Japan

3. Applicable timing differs by application type

The applicable timing differs depending on the type of application. This is important because the required preparation may change depending on whether the case is a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, or extension of period of stay.

4. Monitoring of permitted part-time work

A student who wishes to work part-time generally needs permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.

For a general permission, the working limit is usually up to 28 hours per week. During long school holidays, the limit is up to 8 hours per day.

Under the new operation, Japanese language institutions are expected to check the status of students’ part-time work once every three months, including whether the student has permission, the name of the employer, the type of activity, and daily working hours.

Main items to be checked

• Whether the student has permission for part-time work
• The name of the employer
• All employers if the student works at multiple places
• The actual work content
• Daily working hours
• Records of guidance and improvement if a violation is found

5. Practical points for students, schools, and employers

6. Common misunderstandings

Misunderstanding 1: A1 means JLPT N1

This is incorrect. A1 is an entry-level category in a different framework. JLPT N1 is the highest level of the JLPT.

Misunderstanding 2: A 150-hour study certificate is always enough

After the applicable timing, a test certificate or interview confirmation becomes important. Relying only on study hours may be risky.

Misunderstanding 3: Part-time hours are counted separately for each employer

In principle, if a student has multiple part-time jobs, the total working hours must be managed together.

7. Practical comment from our office

This revision shows a shift from a formal review of admission documents to a more practical review of whether the student has the intention and ability to study in Japan and whether the student’s activities in Japan are consistent with the Student status of residence.

This may become especially important when a student moves from a Japanese language institution to a vocational school or university, or when changing from Student status to a work-related status of residence.

It is better to prepare early. Students should keep their residence card, school records, attendance and grade certificates, part-time work records, and Japanese language documents organized before filing an extension or change application.