If students wish to extend their permitted term of residence, they must apply for an extension at the Immigration Bureau which controls their residing area prior to the expiration date. Applications are accepted from three months prior to the expiry of the current period of stay. Please be sure to allow sufficient time before the  expiry of your period of stay when applying for an extension.

The Immigration Bureau will issue a new residence card with the new expiration date. Once received, you must bring your passport and new residence card to the Academic Affairs Section of the faculty/graduate school concerned.

Reference:

Immigration Services Agency of Japan Website
　Permission for Extending Period of Stay:
　　http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyuu/koushin.html
　Application for Extension of Period of Stay (Procedure):
　　http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/03.html
　Immigration Bureau Organization:　
　　http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/soshiki/index.html

How to apply

Documents to be submitted:

Residence Status: Student

  • Application for Extension of Period of Stay (P “student”)
  • Application for Extension of Period of Stay (for organization)
    • Please apply at Academic Affairs Section of your faculty/graduate school.
  • An ID photo (4 x 3 cm, taken within three months prior to the date of application)
  • Passport (Original)
  • Residence card (or Alien Registration Card)(Original)
  • Processing fee of ?4,000, to be paid in revenue stamps (shunyu inshi)
    • Revenue stamps (shunyu inshi) are available at post offices and convenience stores.
  • Student registration certificate indicating the new period of enrollment
    • Degree-seeking students can receive this from the automatic certificate issuing machine. Non-degree students need to ask the Academic Affairs Section of their faculty/graduate school.
    • If the applicant has failed to graduate within the expected period and must remain in Japan, a statement explaining the reason for failing to meet the graduation requirements must be submitted.
  • (Degree-seeking students only) Academic transcript
    • Research students are required to submit a ‘Certificate of the research activities’
    • Degree-seeking students, excluding those on a doctoral course, can receive this from the automatic certificate issuing machine. Doctoral course students and Non-degree students need to ask the Academic Affairs Section of their faculty/graduate school.
  • A document certifying that you have the means to pay for all the expenses incurred during your stay in Japan, such as a bank statement, Certificate of Scholarship etc.
  • Additional documents may be required by the Immigration Bureau.
  • All certificates issued in Japan must be issued within three months prior to the date of application.

Application Procedures

Submit the above documents to the Immigration Bureau which controls your residing area.