What Is the "Professor" Status of Residence? (As Defined by the Ministry of Justice)

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Ministry of Justice), activities that qualify for the "Professor" status of residence are as follows:

• Qualifying activities: Conducting research, research supervision, or education at a Japanese university, junior college, graduate school, equivalent institution (such as a specialized training college's advanced course), or college of technology (kosen)
• Examples: University professor, associate professor, lecturer, research assistant, etc.

Both full-time and part-time employment are eligible. The documents required at the time of application differ depending on the employment category.

Eligibility Requirements for the Professor Visa

The applicant must be engaged in research, research supervision, or education at one of the following institutions:

• University (including undergraduate and graduate programs)
• Junior college
• Institution equivalent to a university (e.g., certain advanced courses at specialized training colleges)
• College of technology (kosen)

Eligible job titles include president, professor, associate professor, lecturer, assistant professor, and research assistant. The hiring institution (university, etc.) must prepare documents certifying the nature, duration, position, and remuneration of the applicant's activities.

Period of Stay

The granted period of stay is one of the following: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months. Renewal of the period of stay is also possible.

Required Documents

The documents required vary depending on the type of application (new entry, change of status, renewal, or acquisition). Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Certificates issued in Japan must have been issued within the past 3 months from the date of application.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan – Status of Residence "Professor"

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (for new entry into Japan from abroad)

• Reply envelope (a standard envelope with the applicant's address and postage for registered mail affixed) – 1 envelope
• Photo – 1 photo (attached to the application form in accordance with specified requirements)
• Application for Certificate of Eligibility – 1 copy
• Document prepared by the university or equivalent institution certifying the nature, duration, position, and remuneration of the applicant's activities – 1 copy

Employment category: For full-time employees, the above documents generally suffice. For part-time employees, additional materials may be required depending on the category. For details, please contact the regional immigration office or the Foreign Residents Information Center.

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

• Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
• Photo – 1 photo (not required for applicants under 16 years of age)
• Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence – 1 copy
• Document prepared by the university or equivalent institution certifying the nature, duration, position, and remuneration of the applicant's activities – 1 copy

If you have commenced activities that fall under this status of residence, please submit your application promptly. Failure to engage in activities permitted under your current status of residence may result in cancellation of your status.

3. Application for Permission to Extend Period of Stay (for those already residing in Japan under the "Professor" status)

• Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
• Photo – 1 photo (not required in certain cases, such as applicants under 16 years of age or those applying for an extension of 3 months or less)
• Application for Permission to Extend Period of Stay – 1 copy
• Municipal tax assessment certificate (or non-taxable certificate) and tax payment certificate showing total annual income and tax payment status – 1 copy each (issued by the municipality of your registered address as of January 1st)
• If you have changed from full-time to part-time: Document prepared by the university or equivalent institution certifying the nature, duration, position, and remuneration of the activities – 1 copy

4. Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence (for those acquiring the "Professor" status while residing in Japan)

• Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence – 1 copy
• Photo – 1 photo (not required in certain cases, such as applicants under 16 years of age)
• Document certifying nationality or document certifying the grounds for acquisition – 1 copy
• Materials related to activities in Japan (same materials as for the Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence)
• Passport (to be presented)

※If someone other than the applicant submits the documents, that person must present identification. For guidance on completing application forms and details on required documents, please contact your regional immigration office or the Foreign Residents Information Center (TEL: 0570-013904).

Required Notifications for Current Residents Under This Status

• If there is a change in your affiliated institution: Notification regarding the affiliated institution
• If information other than your address on your Residence Card changes: Notification of change of Residence Card details other than place of residence
• If your address changes (relocation): Notification of change of address
• When you establish your address after arriving in Japan: Notification of address following initial landing

Checklist

For Those Considering Applying for the Professor Visa

• You have received a job offer (or have signed an employment contract) from a Japanese university, junior college, college of technology, or equivalent institution
• You are scheduled to engage in research, research supervision, or education
• You can obtain a document issued by the university or equivalent institution certifying the "nature, duration, position, and remuneration of your activities"
• You are considering either changing your current status of residence to "Professor" or entering Japan from abroad as a new applicant