Tohoku Song Da Joint Stock Company would like to inform parents and students of the latest updates regarding student visa regulations in Japan, based on the newest announcements from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Tokyo and Osaka regional offices).
Accordingly, policies on student visa assessment and management will be tightened to ensure higher quality standards for international students. The key updates are as follows:
Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
1. Japanese Language Certificate Now Mandatory for COE Applications
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All applications for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) must include a valid Japanese language certificate (JLPT, NAT, TOPJ, J-Test, etc.).
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Certificates must be issued by recognised organisations and remain valid at the time of application.
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After submission, Japanese language schools will still conduct their own assessment of the student’s Japanese proficiency before final acceptance.
➡️ The previous practice of accepting applicants with only 150 hours of Japanese study without certification will no longer apply in many cases.
Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
2. Stricter Regulation of Part-time Work
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Authorities will conduct regular inspections every 3 months for international students.
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Inspection scope includes:
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Number of working hours
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Legality of employment
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Violations include:
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Working more than 28 hours per week
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Engaging in unauthorised job types
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➡️ Possible consequences:
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Report to immigration authorities
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Impact on visa renewal
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In serious cases, revocation of residence status
3. Implementation Timeline
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For COE applications: Applies to intakes after October 2026
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For visa renewal/change: Effective from 1 July 2026
4. Key Implications
These changes clearly reflect Japan’s direction:
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Prioritising students with genuine Japanese language ability
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Strengthening control over study purposes
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Preventing misuse of student visas for employment
5. Recommendations for Students
Students are advised to:
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Obtain a Japanese language certificate early (minimum N5–N4 level)
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Prepare a clear and logical study plan
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Strictly comply with part-time work regulations after arriving in Japan
Tohoku Song Da will continue to update the latest policies and support students throughout the application process, Japanese language training, and study planning in line with new regulations.
FOR MORE DETAILS OF OUR STUDY ABROAD AND WORKING OVERSEAS PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT:
TOHOKU SONG DA JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Address: No. 4, Alley 180 Thai Thinh, Dong Da Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline: 0989044852
Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com