{"id":216994,"date":"2026-06-10T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=216994"},"modified":"2026-06-10T16:13:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T07:13:18","slug":"japanese-language-test-locations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/japanese-language-test-locations\/","title":{"rendered":"How to meet Japan\u2019s new student visa language requirement: test locations in your country"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Student visa applicants are generally expected to have a basic level of Japanese ability<\/strong>. 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<\/a>. Applicants are now typically expected to demonstrate their level through an official exam result<\/strong> (such as JLPT N5 or equivalent) or by completing a school assessment\/interview<\/strong>. Please note that some schools may require both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the immigration website<\/a> lists 12 options for the official exam result, the majority of those tests have little to no testing infrastructure outside of Asia. If you’re applying from North America, Europe, or Latin America, your choices are a lot more limited<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will walk you through the two exams that are more easily accessible<\/strong> for most of our students, broken down by region so you can match the right test to your application timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The big two: what are your real options?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before taking a look at locations, here’s a quick overview of the two tests available to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The JLPT<\/strong><\/a>(Japanese-Language Proficiency Test)<\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

English-speaking markets (US, UK, Canada, Australia)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

JLPT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The schedule varies depending on where you live<\/strong>. In the US, the JLPT runs once a year in December. Registration typically opens in mid-August and sells out within hours, so make sure to plan ahead. Australia, Canada, and the UK get two sittings per year (July and December) depending on the location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Testing locations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n