Visa and status of residence
International students in Japan must hold the appropriate status of residence. Violations can result in significant disadvantages not only for the individual but also for other international students. It is essential to understand immigration laws and regulations correctly and act responsibly. This is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of studying at Science Tokyo and living in Japan. Science Tokyo supports international students in maintaining the correct status of residence and ensuring that procedures for renewal and changes are smoothly completed within the deadlines.
For those whose status of residence is "Student"
If you fail to submit the required application or notification, or if you submit false information to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau, you may be fined or imprisoned, have your status of residence revoked, or be deported. Overstaying by even one day makes you an illegal overstayer, which will result in immediate departure from Japan and a re-entry ban of at least one year. Such violations may also negatively impact visa applications for other international students enrolled at Science Tokyo. Please ensure that you complete all required application and notification procedures without fail.
According to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau policy, the Institute is required to report on all students with “Student” status who are engaged in study or research activities. Academic supervisors may inform the Student Support Division if a student does not attend classes/labs or has been out of contact for more than one month. If it is found that a student has an invalid residence status or has not engaged in academic activities for more than three months, we are obligated to report the matter to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (except for students on a leave of absence). As a result, the student may lose their student visa under the provisions of the Immigration Control Act.
Please note that your student visa has been issued for the purpose of engaging in academic activities in Japan. During your period of stay, you must devote yourself to your studies at Science Tokyo.
To Undergraduate International Students
Undergraduate international students who have acquired less than 25 credits* over the past year may not be granted permission to renew their period of stay. (For medical and dental science students, this applies to those who have not acquired the required credits for advancement to the next academic year.) In such cases, they will be required to leave Japan by the expiration date of their period of stay. To avoid this situation, please pay close attention to your academic performance.
*Note: This does not apply if the required number of credits left for graduation is fewer than 25.
Students who are concerned about their academic performance should consult with the appropriate office as soon as possible.
For Science and Engineering Students: Academic supervisor, academic advisor, Student Life Coaches, Student Support Division, etc.
For Medical and Dental Sciences Students: The faculty member in charge of your academic year, Student Division, etc.
Students who are concerned about their health are strongly encouraged to consult with the Student Guidance Room or the Health Support Center as soon as possible.
Updating residence card information
If there are any changes to the information on your residence card, such as renewal or change of address, etc., please report them to Science Tokyo as follows:
| Science and Engineering Students |
|
|---|---|
| Medical and Dental Sciences Students | Update your residence card information and submit a copy of your residence card (both sides) via the following link (MS Forms): If you are unable to submit via the above link, please email a copy (both sides) to: studentvisa.md@adm.isct.ac.jp |
Pay extra attention when:
Taking a leave of absence
Consult with the Student Support Division before deciding to take a leave of absence.
If you take a leave of absence, you cannot remain in Japan under "Student" status, nor are you allowed to work part-time. You must leave Japan promptly or change to an appropriate residence status if you wish to stay.
When leaving Japan, please return your residence card at the airport.
You will need to obtain a new Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply for a student visa in order to resume studying at Science Tokyo. The Student Support Division will assist you with the COE application, so please contact us at least three months before your planned date of re-entry to Japan.
Studying abroad
Consult with the Student Support Division before deciding to study abroad.
If you are going to study abroad for more than three months, your "Student" status will be revoked, even if your period of stay remains valid, as you will no longer be considered a student in Japan. When leaving Japan, please return your residence card at the airport.
You will need to obtain a new Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply for a student visa in order to re-enter Japan. The Student Support Division will assist you with the COE application, so please contact us at least three months before your planned date of re-entry to Japan.
Graduating from Science Tokyo/completing a degree program
The "Student" status is only valid during your period of enrollment at Science Tokyo. After graduation or completion, you must leave Japan promptly, even if your period of stay still remains valid. When leaving Japan, please return your residence card at the airport.
If your period of stay includes extra time beyond your enrollment for departure preparation, (i.e., if your residence period is significantly longer than your period of enrollment), you cannot change to "Temporary visitor" status for the purpose of such preparation.
If you plan to stay in Japan after graduation/completion, you must change to an appropriate status (see below for examples) and submit a "Notification of Affiliation Change (Leave/Transfer)" to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days of graduation/completion, unless you continue your studies at Science Tokyo.
- If you are planning to start work: contact the company where you have received a job offer (Naitei) and change your status to "Working."
- If you already have a job offer (Naitei) from a company and want to stay in Japan until your job starts: contact the company and change your status to "Designated Activities (Naitei Taiki)."
- If you want to continue job hunting (regular students only): contact the Student Support Division and apply for a change of status to "Designated Activities (Job Hunting)."
- If you have a letter of acceptance to a graduate school and want to stay until the date of enrollment: contact the Student Support Division and apply for a change of status to "Designated Activities (Shingaku Taiki)."
Withdrawing/being expelled from Science Tokyo
If you withdraw or are expelled from Science Tokyo, you cannot remain in Japan under "Student" status and must leave Japan promptly. When departing, please return your residence card at the airport.
If you plan to stay in Japan to enroll at another university or to work in Japan, please check your status with your new university or company. You must also submit a "Notification of Affiliation Change (Leave/Transfer)" to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days of the date of withdrawal/expulsion.
Procedures for status of residence
Find the application procedures and necessary documents for extending your stay or changing your status of residence. Please check the relevant contact points according to your field below.
Visa consulting service
Science Tokyo offers a Visa Consulting Service to assist foreign students and researchers with procedures related to their status of residence. Staff from a law firm with expertise in visa applications for Japan and the US will be available on designated days for face-to-face consultations on campus, as well as via phone or email. Additionally, we offer proxy submission services to the Immigration Bureau. Please make a reservation in advance and bring your student ID and identification (passport or residence card) when using this service.
How to apply
Consultations are available at the counter, via email, or by phone.
| Counter | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +81-03-5402-6191 |
Schedule and fees
Consultation counters
| Ookayama Campus | Taki Plaza Basement 1F |
|---|---|
| Suzukakedai Campus | Suzukake Hall H2 Building 2F Meeting Room 3 |
| Yushima Campus | Building 5, 3F |
Payment methods
| Proxy Application Fees |
|
|---|---|
| Stamp Fees | Individual Payment: Please pay in cash. However, university payment is possible only for COE proxy applications. |
| Revenue Stamp Fees | Individual Payment: Please pay in cash. |
Contact
Click on the link below to make an inquiry to the administrative team for science and engineering fields (International Student Support Group).
Yushima International Student Support Group, Yushima Student Support Office, Student Support Division
International Student Support Group, Student Support Division
- Remarks
- Please use the form found on this page (https://forms.office.com/r/tRbt6Bf0GQ) to make inquiries.