The “Study” status of residence is a work-related status for foreign nationals who teach foreign languages or other subjects at educational institutions in Japan, such as elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools.
Typical examples include foreign language teachers working at elementary schools, junior high schools, or high schools, as well as foreign teachers providing education at international schools and similar educational institutions.
Processing Time for The Study Visa
✅ Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (when inviting someone to Japan from overseas): Approximately 3–6 months
✅ Application for Change of Status of Residence (when changing the current visa to The Study Visa): Approximately 2 weeks–2 months
✅ Application for Extension of Period of Stay (visa extension): Approximately 2 weeks–2 months
Educational Institutions Covered by The Study Visa
As a general rule, the “The Study” status of residence applies to foreign nationals working at the following educational institutions:
✅ Elementary schools
✅ Junior high schools
✅ High schools
✅ Schools for special needs education
✅ Specialized training colleges
A typical example is a foreign teacher who teaches English at a junior high school or high school.
On the other hand, if a foreign national works as a language instructor at a privately operated English conversation school or similar institution, the applicable status of residence may be “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” rather than “The Study.”
Main Requirements for Obtaining The Study Visa
The requirements for the “The Study” status of residence vary depending on the educational institution where the applicant will work and the subject they will teach.
1. Academic Background and Qualifications
Where applicable, the applicant must, in principle, meet at least one of the following requirements:
✅ Have graduated from a university or received an equivalent or higher level of education
✅ Have majored in a subject related to the skills or knowledge required for teaching and completed a specialized course at a specialized training college in Japan or an equivalent program
✅ Hold a license or qualification related to the education they intend to provide
2. When Teaching a Foreign Language
✅ When teaching a foreign language, the applicant must, in principle, have received at least 12 years of education conducted in that foreign language.
3. When Teaching a Subject Other Than a Foreign Language
✅ When teaching a subject other than a foreign language, the applicant must, in principle, have at least five years of practical teaching experience in that subject at an educational institution.
Categories for The Study Visa
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan divides applications into the following three categories based on the applicant’s employment status and the type of educational institution.
Category 1
Applicants employed full-time at an elementary school, junior high school, high school, secondary education school, or school for special needs education.
Category 2
Applicants employed full-time at an educational institution other than those listed under Category 1.
Category 3
Applicants employed on a part-time basis.
The required documents vary depending on the applicable category.
Required Documents for The Study Visa
The required documents vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the school or educational institution where they will work. In general, the following documents are required.
【Documents Relating to the Applicant】
✅ Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (when applying from overseas) or Application for Change of Status of Residence (when changing status in Japan)
✅ Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within the last 3 months, with the applicant’s name written on the back)
✅ Copy of passport
✅ Residence card (if the applicant is already in Japan)
✅ Resume/CV detailing the applicant’s educational background, employment history, and qualifications
✅ Certificate of graduation or degree certificate
✅ Teaching license or documents proving teaching experience (if required)
【Documents to Be Prepared by the Educational Institution (Employer)】
✅ Employment contract or written notice of employment conditions stating the applicant’s job duties, salary, and period of employment
✅ Certificate of registered matters showing the official registration details of the educational institution
✅ School brochure or copy of the school’s website explaining the school’s activities
✅ Copy of financial statements showing the financial condition of the educational institution
✅ Certificate of authorization or accreditation of the educational institution
Difference Between “The Study” and “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”
Even if a foreign national works as a “teacher” in Japan, the applicable status of residence is not necessarily “The Study.”
When working as a teacher at a school established under the School Education Act or a similar educational institution
→ The “The Study” status of residence may apply.
When working as a language instructor at a privately operated English conversation school or similar institution
→ The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status of residence may apply.
In addition, when engaging in research, research guidance, or education at a university, an equivalent institution, or a college of technology, the “Professor” status of residence may apply.