A. RESIDENCE CARD
Upon arrival at the airport, students must present their Certificate of Eligibility, Passport, and Visa for immigration clearance to receive a “Residence Card.” This card is issued to foreigners staying in Japan for the medium and long terms.
If a student intends to work part-time, they must apply for a permit to work outside the status of residence during immigration procedures.
During their stay in Japan, medium and long-term students are not required to carry their passports but must have their residence cards with them at all times. Short-term students, however, need to carry their passports as they will not have a residence card.
After receiving the residence card, students must register their address at the administrative office of the city/district where they reside. This must be done within 14 days of entry.
B. NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
Once the address is registered, students should promptly apply for National Health Insurance. With insurance, international students are entitled to the same benefits as Japanese citizens.
C. EXTENSION OF STATUS OF RESIDENCE
If the study period exceeds the permitted duration upon entry, students must submit an application for an extension of their stay to the Immigration Office and obtain an extension. This application can be made up to 3 months before the end of the permitted stay period.
D. PART-TIME JOB (ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE STATUS OF RESIDENCE)
Students with a “student” status can work up to 28 hours per week. During long school breaks, they can work up to 40 hours within a specific period. In such cases, a certificate issued by the school must be provided to the workplace. Except during long vacations, in which students needing to work over 28 hours must request prior permission from the school.
The permit to work outside the status of residence is only valid for students with a “student” status who are actively attending classes. Students are encouraged to apply for the permit at the airport upon arrival, as it can also be obtained there. Alternatively, the application can be made at the Immigration Office after entry, but the process may take approximately one month. For detailed information on applying for the permit after entry, please consult the school staff.
Engaging in part-time work without a permit or exceeding the prescribed working hours is a violation of the Japanese law and may result in the termination of the student’s study abroad program in Japan.
E. OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT
The school strongly recommends students to open a bank account upon their arrival in Japan. A bank account is necessary for various purposes, such as part-time employment, visa renewal, money transactions with family members, and receiving scholarships.
*Upon leaving Japan, students must ensure their account balance is 0 and complete the account closing procedures.
*Students are strictly prohibited from allowing anyone else to keep or borrow their residence cards, insurance cards, bank books, or cards. Under no circumstances should students hand over these documents to another person. If these documents are misused for illegal activities, the student may be considered an accomplice and face severe punishment.
F. PURCHASING A CELL PHONE
A personal phone number is essential for job hunting in Japan. Additionally, numerous essential procedures in daily life require contact details, making a smartphone extremely convenient.
G. DISCOUNTED TRAIN TICKETS FOR STUDENTS
Monthly train tickets offer a convenient way to reduce transportation costs. These tickets allow unlimited travel between the nearest station to your residence and the nearest school station.
*Absolutely do not give or lend your monthly ticket to others.