Qualifying Activities Under This Status of Residence

This status of residence covers activities involving language education and other forms of teaching at elementary schools, junior high schools, compulsory education schools, high schools, secondary education schools, schools for special needs education, and vocational schools, as well as miscellaneous schools or educational institutions with comparable facilities and curriculum, in Japan.

Source: Status of Residence "Education" | Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Eligibility Requirements for the Education Visa

Required Academic Background and Work Experience

If the applicant will be engaged in teaching at a miscellaneous school or an equivalent educational institution, or will be engaged in teaching in a non-teaching position at any other educational institution, the applicant must satisfy both of the following conditions (A and B).

A　The applicant has graduated from a university or received equivalent or higher education, or holds a license related to the intended educational activities.

B　One of the following:

• For teaching a foreign language: having received 12 or more years of education in that foreign language
• For teaching subjects other than a foreign language: having at least 5 years of practical work experience teaching that subject at an educational institution

※ For those working at miscellaneous schools established to provide primary or secondary education in a foreign language to children holding Diplomatic, Official, or Dependent (Family Stay) residence status, satisfying condition A alone may be sufficient in some cases.

Remuneration

The remuneration must be equal to or greater than that received by a Japanese national engaged in the same type of work.

Period of Stay

One of the following: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months.

Application Categories (Required Documents Differ by Category)

The required documents for the Education status of residence vary depending on your employment type.

• Category 1: Full-time employment at an elementary school, junior high school, high school, secondary education school, or school for special needs education → In principle, no additional documents required
• Category 2: Full-time employment at any other educational institution (vocational school, miscellaneous school, etc.)
• Category 3: Part-time employment

Required Documents

The required documents vary depending on the application type (new entry, change, renewal, or acquisition) and category. The information below is based on the Immigration Services Agency's guidelines and serves as a general reference. Please confirm the latest requirements at the Ministry of Justice website or at your local immigration office.

1. Certificate of Eligibility Application (for those newly entering Japan from overseas)

[Common to all categories]

• Return envelope (standard size, addressed, affixed with a simplified registered mail stamp): 1
• Photograph (specified format): 1
• Application for Certificate of Eligibility: 1
• Documents certifying the applicant's background
  • Resume clearly indicating the organization, nature of activities, and period of relevant employment: 1
  • Proof of academic and work history (one of the following):
    • For teaching subjects other than a foreign language: document certifying 5 or more years of practical experience teaching that subject: 1
    • For teaching a foreign language: document certifying 12 or more years of education in that language: 1
    • Copy of license or certificate held: 1
    • University graduation certificate, proof of equivalent or higher education, or proof of "Specialist" or "Advanced Specialist" title: 1
• Documents relating to the employing organization
  • Copy of the most recent annual financial statements (or a business plan for new businesses): 1
  • Documents clarifying business activities: company history, officers, organizational structure, business brochure, and certificate of registered matters: 1 each

For Category 1, no additional documents are required beyond the above. Categories 2 and 3 may require additional documents depending on employment type.

2. Application for Change of Status of Residence (changing from another status to "Education")

[Common to all categories]

• Passport and Residence Card (for presentation)
• Photograph: 1 (not required for those under 16)
• Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence: 1
• Documents certifying the applicant's background (same resume and academic/work history documents as listed under the Certificate of Eligibility above)
• Documents relating to the employing organization (financial statements, business information documents, certificate of registered matters)

The requirement for additional documents based on category is the same as above.

3. Application for Extension of Period of Stay (continuing under "Education" status)

[Common to all categories]

• Passport and Residence Card (for presentation)
• Photograph: 1 (may not be required for those under 16 or when renewing a stay of 3 months or less)
• Application for Permission to Extend Period of Stay: 1
• If under an employment contract: a document clarifying labor conditions (based on the Labor Standards Act). If under another type of contract: a copy of the contract
• Municipal residential tax assessment certificate (or non-taxable certificate) and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and payment status): 1 each
• Copy of the most recent annual financial statements (or a business plan if the organization is new): 1

For Categories 2 and 3, additional documents such as employer business information and a labor conditions notice may be required for the first renewal after changing jobs.

4. Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence (acquiring "Education" status while already in Japan)

[Common to all categories]

• Passport (for presentation)
• Document certifying nationality (required for those who have relinquished Japanese nationality, etc., based on applicable requirements)
• Photograph: 1
• Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence: 1
• Documents certifying the applicant's background (same as for the Certificate of Eligibility above)
• Documents relating to the employing organization (financial statements, business information documents, certificate of registered matters)

Whether additional documents are required varies by category.

※ Important Notes　Certificates issued in Japan must have been issued within 3 months prior to the date of application. Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Additional documents may be requested during the review process. For full details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency's page on "Education" Status of Residence or contact the Immigration Information Center (TEL: 0570-013904).