Immigration

Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Excerpts)

1. Alien Registration

Foreigners intending to stay in Japan for 90 days or more must register within 90 days of their arrival with their local government office, as stipulated in the Alien Registration Law. To do this, you must go to the municipal office of the area in which you reside, complete an Alien Registration Application form (forms are available at municipal offices), and submit your application along with two identical passport photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm, taken within the past six months). Be sure to take your passport with you when you go.
If there are changes to any of the following items contained in your Certificate of Alien Registration, you must report those changes to your local municipal office within 14 days. You must report changes in your (1) address, (2) period of stay, (3) residence status, (4) nationality, (5) name, (6) occupation, or (7) place of employment. If you plan to stay in Japan for more than five years, you must apply for confirmation within 30 days of your fifth birthday counting from the day you submit your initial registration application. Take your passport and two identical passport photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm, taken within the past six months) with you to do this.

2. Carrying Your Certificate of Alien Registration

Store your Certificate of Alien Registration in a safe place, and carry it with you at all times. You must present your certificate upon request to any government official, such as an immigration examiner, immigration control officer, or police officer, who asks to see it.

3. Extending the Period of Stay

International students are given permission to stay in Japan for either one or two years. This period can be extended by completing certain procedures.
You can apply for an extension starting one month prior to the day on which your period of stay expires.

4. Temporary Departure and Re-entry

If you plan to leave Japan during summer break, you must report your intentions to your academic advisor or department chairperson and the appropriate department.
You must obtain a re-entry permit from your local Immigration Bureau office before leaving the country. You will not be allowed to return to Japan without this permit, and will have to obtain a new visa if you leave without obtaining the permit.
Please carry your Certificate of Alien Registration with you when temporarily leaving and re-entering Japan.

5. Unauthorized Activities Permit (Part-Time Employment)

Because your residence status is “College Student,” you may not engage in any activities other than the study and research activities you are pursuing as a student. To engage in an activity other than your authorized activity, you must obtain permission to do so from the Immigration Bureau. If you would like to obtain a part-time job to earn money for tuition and other expenses during your stay in Japan, you must apply for and obtain a permission to engage in activities other than those admitted for the resident status from the Immigration Bureau in advance.
Part-time jobs are generally limited to 28 hours a week. However, you may not obtain a part-time job in an adult entertainment industry or adult entertainment industry-related business.

Contact the appropriate department of the faculty with which you are affiliated before applying for a permit from the Immigration Bureau.


Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Justice, Immigration Bureau