VISA / Status of Residence

FAQ

"Student" status of residence, Student visa, and Residence Card

"Student" Status of Residence

The "Student" status of residence is a status of residence for the purpose of pursuing education at a university or other institution. To obtain this status, you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Basically, the university applies on your behalf.

Student Visa

A Student visa is required for new entry into Japan as an international student. Application is made at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence (outside Japan). A Certificate of Eligibility is required for application.

Residence Card

After entering Japan with a Student visa, the student will be issued a residence card as proof of status of residence. The card can be picked up at the airport when you enter Japan. (For some airports, it will be mailed to the reported address at a later date.) Please note that if your residence card expires, you will be in Japan illegally.

Applying for your family’s visa and status of residence

The CIE does not apply for a status of residence for visa application on behalf of your family members. The CIE cannot be a guarantor for the students' family.

For information on visa application for your family, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

For information on applying for a status of residence for your family, please directly make an inquiry to the Immigration Services Bureau.

If you lose your residence card

If you do not carry your residence card with you, you can be fined an amount up to 200,000 yen, etc., so when you realize that you have lost your card, be sure to report the loss to the nearest police station as soon as possible. After that, go to the Immigration Services Bureau and apply for a reissuance of your residence card.

Necessary documents

  • Also take your student ID with you, in case you are asked to present it.

For further details, see the following website:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00010.html
(*Access the link above then change the language from "日本語" button at the bottom left of the screen to "English.")

If you change your nationality, name, etc.

If there is a change of nationality, name, or any other information that you have on the residence card, you are required to notify the Immigration Services Bureau of the change (with the exception of a change of address).

For further information, such as required documents, please see the following website:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00009.html
(*Access the link above then change the language from "日本語" button at the bottom left of the screen to "English.")

As you also need to inform Waseda university of the change, please keep us updated by submitting the latest information via the “Residency Check Form” from the link or QR cord below, in addition to notifying your affiliated school office.

Residency Check Form
https://forms.office.com/r/8U2jFGGyBq

For details on how to notify your affiliated school office, please refer to the following link and follow the instructions. Should you have any questions, please contact your affiliated school office.
01_Application and Procedures for Changing Information – Support Anywhere (waseda.jp)

When your address changes

When moving into a new place, you must have the address on your residence card changed within 14 days of your moving date. After you have completed the address change, please inform Waseda University of the change.

Flow of Procedures

  1. Go to the ward/city office of your old address, submit a "Tenshutu Todoke" (Notification of Moving out), and obtain a "Tenshutsu Shomeisho" (Change of Address Certificate).
  2. Within 14 days of moving in, go to the ward/city office of your new address and submit the "Tenshutsu Shomeisho"(Change of Address Certificate) and "Tennyu Todoke" (Notification of Moving in) to register as a resident.
  3. Once the ward/city office enters your new address on the back of your residence card, the change of address on your residence card is completed.
  4. Submit the latest information via the “Residency Check Form” from the link or QR cord below.

Residency Check Form
https://forms.office.com/r/8U2jFGGyBq

5. Be sure to log into MyWaseda to apply for a change of address and also change the address on your student ID card. For details, please refer to the link below. If you have any questions, please inquire at your affiliated school office.
01_Application and Procedures for Changing Information – Support Anywhere (waseda.jp)