“Study abroad” residence status

The 'Study abroad' is a status of residence required for foreign nationals to study at Japanese educational institutions. With this status of residence, working is not permitted. However, they are allowed to work part-time as an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence. Unlike other work-related residence statuses, there are no restrictions on working (except for work related to the Entertainment Business Act), so they can be active in a variety of occupations, which is desirable for companies and stores that want to hire young foreign students as part-time workers. In this issue, we would like to inform you about the 'Studying Abroad' status of residence.

1) Outline of the system:

According to the definition by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, this status of residence allows the following activities:

'A person who is studying at a university, technology college, high school or secondary school, junior high school, high school of special needs or a special needs school in Japan.’

Specific education institutions as universities, vocational schools, and Japanese language schools may be also included

2) Working with a 'Studying Abroad' Residence Status:

3) Working as a student

An activity other than that permitted under the status of residence is defined as one that allows students to receive remuneration. To obtain permission to engage in activities outside the status of residence, the following requirements must be met:

-Engaging in the activity outside the status of residence does not interfere with the applicant's original activity. The applicant must be engaged in activities related to the status of residence they currently have.

-The activity to which the application applies falls within the scope of the Immigration Law's Appended Table (1) or (2) (However, specified skills and technical internships are excluded).

-The activity for which the applicant is applying does not fall under any of the following activities:

Activities that are deemed to be in violation of laws and regulations: 

Adult Entertainment business.

-Activities conducted at a business establishment where a storefront sexually oriented business is operated.

-Sexually oriented businesses that are not stores.

-Video transmission type sexually oriented businesses.

-Store-based telephone sex referral business.

-Activities engaged in non-store telephone dating agency business.

You must not have been served or notified of the issuance of a detention order or a written notice of opinion hearing, meaning you must not have a record of bad conduct.

If you are engaged in activities that fall under the status of residence based on a contract with a Japanese public or private organization, the organization must agree to your engagement in other activities. If 'Permission' is stamped in the 'Permission to Engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence' section of the Resident card, then the foreigner has permission to engage in these other activities. When working abroad as an international student, be sure to check this carefully.

4）About the period of stay

The period of stay for students with the 'Study abroad' status is from 3 months to 4 years and 3 months. To extend this period of stay, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your area of residence before the expiration date of your current period of stay. 

An application for an extension can be filed three months prior to the expiration date of your ongoing period of stay.

5）How to obtain a “Study Abroad” Residence Status

　　　①Application and examination:　　　

First, apply to the school of your choice and take the examination.

Receive a letter of admission.

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　　②Receipt of Letter of Acceptance:　　

If you are accepted to the school of your choice, the school will send you a letter of admission.

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　③Application for Certificate of Eligibility:

 The school will then apply for a Certificate of Eligibility on your behalf to the Immigration and Residence Management Act.

The foreigner receives the Certificate of Eligibility.

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　　④Apply for a visa:　　

Upon receipt of the Certificate of Eligibility, the foreigner will apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy abroad, together with the admission permit and other required documents.

Arrival in Japan and start of study:

Once the visa is issued, the foreigner can safely come to Japan and begin their new life as a foreign student.