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Student visa applicants are generally expected to have a basic level of Japanese ability. In the past, evidence of around 150 hours of study could be used as proof. As of the October 2026 intake, immigration has changed the requirements. Applicants are now typically expected to demonstrate their level through an official exam result (such as JLPT N5 or equivalent) or by completing a school assessment/interview. Please note that some schools may require both.
While the immigration website lists 12 options for the official exam result, the majority of those tests have little to no testing availability outside of Asia. If you’re applying from North America, Europe, Oceania, or Latin America, your choices are a lot more limited.
This guide will walk you through the two exams that are more easily accessible for most of our students, broken down by region so you can match the right test to your application timeline.
Please note: make sure to do your own research and double check the testing locations that are best for you, as the locations and information can change.
The big two: what are your real options?
Before taking a look at locations, here’s a quick overview of the two tests available to you.
The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is the most widely recognized Japanese language exam in the world. It’s paper-based and affordable, but it runs on a very rigid schedule and seats fill up within hours of registration opening. The official website for overseas testing locations can be found here.
The BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) is computer-based and administered through Pearson VUE testing centers. Because it’s on-demand, you can book a seat year-round with just a few days’ notice. A score of 300 or higher satisfies the immigration requirement.
North America
JLPT testing locations
The following list of overseas testing locations is provided from the official JLPT website.
- Canada: Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa, London
- US: locations can change per year, please refer to the American Association of Teachers of Japanese website to check your nearest testing center
- Mexico: Mexico City, Monterrey, Mérida, Aguascalientes
BJT testing locations
Available year-round through Pearson VUE, but the number of authorized centers in English-speaking countries is limited. As of now, there are only four cities in North America and it’s better to confirm locations on the official website’s “test center search page” since locations listed on the website are not consistent with the search page. The search page should be the most up-to-date for testing locations. You can find the link for it under the header “testing locations,” which is right before the list of locations begins.
- Canada: none available in Canada; North American locations are only in the US
- US: New York City; Chicago; Los Angeles; Denton, Texas
- Mexico: none available in Mexico; North American locations are only in the US
Central/South America
JLPT testing locations
The following list of overseas testing locations is provided from the official JLPT website.
- Costa Rica: San José
- Argentina: Buenos Aires
- Uruguay: Montevideo
- Ecuador: Quito
- Colombia: Bogotá, Cali
- Chile: Santiago
- Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo
- Trinidad and Tobago: St. Augustine
- Panama: Panama City
- Paraguay: Asunción, Amambay, Yguazú, Encarnación, Pirapó
- Brazil: São Paulo, Londrina, Belém, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Brasília, Salvador, Manaus, Curitiba, Florianópolis
- Peru: Lima
BJT testing locations
As of now, there is only one location in Central/South America and it’s better to confirm locations on the official website’s “test center search page” since locations listed on the website are not consistent with the search page. The search page should be the most up-to-date for testing locations. You can find the link for it under the header “testing locations,” which is right before the list of locations begins.
- Brazil: São Paulo
Europe
JLPT testing locations
The following list of overseas testing locations is provided from the official JLPT website. Please note that in Portugal, the JLPT is not currently being held because of lack of demand. However, it is possible that they will resume holding the exam in Lisbon next year, depending on the situation.
- Ireland: Dublin
- Italy: Bergamo, Rome, Venice
- UK: London 1, London 2, Edinburgh, Leicester
- Austria: Vienna
- The Netherlands: Leiden
- Greece: Athens
- Switzerland: Zürich
- Sweden: Stockholm
- Spain: Barcelona, Madrid 1, Madrid 2, Granada, Valencia, Las Palmas
- Denmark: Copenhagen
- German: Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Berlin
- Norway: Kongsvinger
- Finland: Helsinki
- France: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes
- Belgium: Leuven (no test in 2027), Ghent (no test in 2026; test will be held in 2027)
- Ukraine: Kyiv
BJT testing locations
As of now, there are only four cities in Europe and it’s better to confirm locations on the official website’s “test center search page” since locations listed on the website are not consistent with the search page. The search page should be the most up-to-date for testing locations. You can find the link for it under the header “testing locations,” which is right before the list of locations begins.
Oceania
JLPT testing locations
The following list of overseas testing locations is provided from the official JLPT website.
- Australia: Canberra, Gold Coast, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide
- New Zealand: Auckland, Christchurch, Palmerston North
BJT testing locations
As of now, there are only two cities in Oceania and it’s better to confirm locations on the official website’s “test center search page” since locations listed on the website are not consistent with the search page. The search page should be the most up-to-date for testing locations. You can find the link for it under the header “testing locations,” which is right before the list of locations begins.
Southeast Asia
JLPT testing locations
The following list of overseas testing locations is provided from the official JLPT website.
- Singapore
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru
BJT testing locations
We recommend confirming locations on the official website’s “test center search page” since locations listed on the website are not consistent with the search page. The search page should be the most up-to-date for testing locations. You can find the link for it under the header “testing locations,” which is right before the list of locations begins.
- Singapore
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
Please note: These are only two of the tests available in Southeast Asia. The remaining 10 other official exam options that immigration will accept can widely be found throughout the continent of Asia. Depending on your location, availability, and preference, these exams are available to you as well:
What are my next steps?
Start earlier than you think you need to. JLPT registration fills up within hours of opening, often months before the exam date. If you’re targeting a January, April, July, or October school intake, figure out your best exam date needed for your visa application now.
Match your exam to your situation. If you live near a major city with Pearson VUE access and want maximum scheduling flexibility, the BJT is a good option. However, the JLPT is more widely known in Japan, more available abroad, and is usually the one asked for by immigration.
Don’t navigate this alone. Visa requirements, registration windows, and approved test lists can change. If you’re unsure whether your current timeline works, reach out to us at Go! Go! Nihon. We can help you review your situation, identify the right exam, and suggest school options that might give you more flexibility if your timeline is tight.
To learn more about visa requirements, language tests, or life in Japan, make sure to check out our blog.
