Japan Residence Card and Student Status
In Japan your stay is set by your status of residence (your permission to live in Japan), called Student. Most students get the residence card (zairyu card) at the airport. You extend it at the regional immigration office before it ends.
JapanJAPAN RESIDENCE CARD
Type: Student
Status: Student
Your residence card (the ID card for foreigners living in Japan) shows you live in Japan legally. Keep it valid for as long as you study. Fees are in Japanese yen (JPY).
How Student Status Works in Japan
Your status of residence, Student, lets you study in Japan. Your residence card shows it. You keep it by studying full time and following its rules.
Visa or Status of Residence?
Put in your passport by the embassy or consulate at home.
Used to enter Japan.
Shown on your residence card. Seven big airports give you the card when you land: New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Other places send it by post.
Lets you stay and study. Your period of stay can be up to 4 years and 3 months.
You extend it in Japan before it ends.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA)
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) gives residence cards, extensions and changes of status through its regional immigration offices.
Key Papers
Residence card (zairyu card)
Your ID in Japan. It shows your status, your period of stay and if you may work.
Passport
Keep it valid. You need it for every immigration step.
Enrollment certificate
Your university gives it. You need it to extend your stay.
Transcript
Your marks so far. You need it to extend your stay.
Breaking the Rules
What You Must Do
Carry your card
If you are 16 or older, carry your residence card at all times.
Register your address
Do the moving-in notification at the city or ward office within 14 days of moving in.
Tell the immigration office about changes
Report a change at your school, such as leaving it, within 14 days.
Extend in time
Apply before your period of stay ends.
Work only with permission
Get permission to work from the immigration office before any part-time job.
Ways to Stay as a Student and After
Many students extend their stay. Graduates who stay on to work change their status.
Key Time Limits
Get papers from your department office
Before you apply
Apply at the immigration office
From 3 months before the end date
Wait for the decision
2 weeks to 1 month
Pay and get your new card
When you are called
Your Options
Designated Activities (the name of the job-hunting status)
For degree graduates who keep looking for a job in Japan.
Key Requirements:
- You graduate with a degree. Research and exchange students cannot use it.
- A recommendation letter from your department office.
- Proof you looked for a job while studying.
- 6 months, renewable once, up to 1 year in total.
Extension of period of stay (Student)
For students who keep studying or move to a higher degree.
Key Requirements:
- Enrollment certificate and transcript from your university.
- A 4 cm x 3 cm photo, passport and residence card.
- Standard time: 2 weeks to 1 month.
Change of status of residence
For graduates who got a job or a new reason to stay.
Key Requirements:
- Papers for the new status, such as a job offer.
- Standard time: 1 to 2 months.
Extension Steps
Get papers from your department office
Your department office fills in part of the form and gives you an enrollment certificate and transcript.
Duration: Before you apply
Apply at the immigration office
Bring the form, a 4 cm x 3 cm photo, passport and residence card.
Duration: From 3 months before the end date
Wait for the decision
This is the standard time for an extension.
Duration: 2 weeks to 1 month
Pay and get your new card
Pay the fee with revenue stamps (government stamps you buy to pay it) and receive a new residence card.
Duration: When you are called
How to Extend Your Stay
You extend your stay at the regional immigration office, in person or online.
Main Steps
Check your end date
Look at the end date on your residence card.
You can apply from 3 months before it, if your period of stay is 6 months or more.
Get your papers
Ask your department office for its part of the form and certificates.
Bring a 4 cm x 3 cm photo, your passport and residence card.
Go to the immigration office
Apply at the regional immigration office for your area.
You can also apply online.
Get your new card
Pay the fee and receive your new residence card.
From 1 October 2026 the fee for a 1-year stay is JPY 33,000 at the counter.
Extension Steps
Check your end date
It is on your residence card. You can apply from 3 months before it.
Get university papers
Enrollment certificate, transcript and your department office's part of the form.
Prepare the rest
Photo, passport and residence card.
Apply
At the regional immigration office or online.
After You Graduate
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student | Designated Activities (to continue job-hunting) | Degree, recommendation from your department office, proof of job hunting while studying | 1 to 2 months | 6 months, renewable once, up to 1 year in total |
| Student | A work status | Papers for the new status, such as a job offer | 1 to 2 months | Needs a job offer |
Papers for an Extension
Papers to bring for an extension. Most universities ask for much the same. The office can ask for more.
Extension of period of stay
Application form
The form for extension of period of stay. Your department office fills in its part.
Photo
4 cm high and 3 cm wide.
Passport and residence card
Bring both.
Enrollment certificate
From your department office or graduate school.
Transcript
From your department office or graduate school.
Fee
Paid with revenue stamps when you get your new card.
How Long Each Step Takes
How long each step usually takes.
Steps
Get your papers
Your department office's part of the form, enrollment certificate and transcript.
Key Activities:
- Ask your department office early.
- Bring a 4 cm x 3 cm photo.
Apply
At the regional immigration office for your area, or online.
Key Activities:
- Bring your passport and residence card.
- Apply from 3 months before your end date.
Decision
The office checks your papers.
Key Activities:
- The office may ask for more papers.
New card
Pay the fee with revenue stamps and get your new card.
Key Activities:
- From 1 October 2026: JPY 33,000 for a 1-year stay at the counter.
What Can Slow It Down
Busy months
Offices are crowded at the start of the school year and in long holidays.
Weak marks or a repeated year
You may need a letter giving the reason and a letter from your supervisor.
Standard Times
Fastest Cases
Typical Cases
Complex Cases
Keep Your Status Safe
A few habits keep your stay legal from start to end.
Good Habits
Carry your card
Your residence card is your ID in Japan.
Keep it with you at all times.
Lost card
Report it and get a new one.
Apply at the regional immigration office within 14 days of learning that it is lost.
Travel and come back
Leaving Japan for a short trip.
If you leave Japan and come back within 1 year, and your card is still valid, you do not need special permission to re-enter. Fill in the re-entry card at the airport.
Leaving for good
When you finish.
Give your residence card back at the airport when you leave Japan for good.
Common Mistakes
Plan Ahead
Mark your card's end date and the 3-month window before it.
Common Questions About Your Japan Student Status
Short answers to what students ask most about the residence card and their stay.
Common Questions
Useful Links
Extension of period of stay (Immigration Services Agency of Japan)
When to apply, the fee and the time it takes. In Japanese.
Learn MoreGuidebook on Living and Working
The government's guide for foreign residents, in English and other languages.
Learn MoreNeed More Help?
Your university's international office helps with forms. The regional immigration office decides.
Complete Guide to Japan
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