{"id":27010,"date":"2022-02-23T15:00:34","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T15:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=27010"},"modified":"2025-12-11T20:33:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T11:33:26","slug":"change-to-a-student-visa-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/change-to-a-student-visa-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to change to a student visa in Japan for those already in the country"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated December 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons why you might want to change to a student visa<\/a> in Japan. You might be on a Japanese work visa<\/span> but wish to study full-time to improve your language skills. Or you might have a one-year working holiday visa<\/a> but want to stay in Japan longer and invest in your future here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before starting the visa change process in Japan, note that you cannot switch from a tourist visa to a student visa<\/strong>. Since a student visa takes over three months to process, and a tourist visa only allows a stay of up to 90 days, you’ll need to apply from your home country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For details on short and long-term study options, check our guide here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go! Go! Nihon might be able to help you change from your current visa to a student visa in Japan. Read our article to learn about what you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The process to change to a student visa in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are thinking about studying at a language school full-time, we recommend first contacting immigration to confirm the feasibility of the timeline as everyone will have different variables tied to their current visa status e.g. if you\u2019re on a work visa, this will depend on your employment contract details.<\/span> For those on a working holiday visa<\/a>, it is possible to change to a student visa in Japan without leaving. Contact us<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Language schools accept conversions to a student visa on a case-by-case basis, so the next step would be to <\/span>contact<\/span> Go! Go! Nihon<\/a> at least four months before your current visa expires<\/b> and three months before your desired school term starts. This is to ensure that we can process your application to convert visas in time and we can introduce schools that may be able to accept your application.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you have applied to a school and received school approval, you will need to file an application with your local immigration bureau for a change of visa status. Recently, immigration procedures can take longer than before, depending on the application. Keep in mind that timing may vary and it is best to never do things at the last minute.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please keep in mind that converting your visa in Japan is not guaranteed and you may in rare circumstances be required to leave Japan<\/strong> in order to complete the conversion process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your application to change to a student visa in Japan is rejected, you will continue on your current visa for the remainder of its validity period.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paperwork required<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After you are accepted by a school, immigration requires a full set of paperwork for a visa change<\/a> application, just as if you were applying from overseas. The school will help you prepare the documents you will need to submit to immigration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, the documents you will need to provide will include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n