Japanese Student Visa Changes 2026: What Language School Students Must Know
In April 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan introduced stricter requirements for students on a student visa, especially those attending language schools.
If you are a student or planning to study Japanese in Japan, understanding these changes is essential.
New Japanese Language Requirement
Previously, many schools accepted proof such as:
- Around 150+ hours of Japanese study
- Basic self-reported learning history
Applicants must now provide objective evidence of Japanese ability, such as:
- Official Japanese language test results (e.g. JLPT)
- Structured interviews conducted by the school
While some applicants may be considered exempt from additional testing, such as those who have graduated from Japanese universities or completed structured education in Japan, most applicants will now be required to provide either an official test result or undergo a school interview to verify their Japanese ability.
Stronger Monitoring of Part-Time Work
While students in Japan are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week, schools are now mandated to monitor this more closely. Moving forward, institutions will conduct quarterly reviews of each student’s work status, maintaining detailed records of employer information, job responsibilities, and total hours worked. Any discrepancies or violations will be reported directly to the immigration authorities.
In conclusion, while these new regulations introduce more oversight, they also aim to ensure a higher standard of success for international students in Japan. For those currently enrolled, strictly adhering to the 28-hour work limit is more critical than ever. Prospective students should look beyond the traditional 150-hour study certificates and proactively contact their chosen schools to confirm specific testing or interview requirements.