Status of residence
A status of residence is a qualification that allows a foreigner to engage in certain activities while residing in Japan. Foreigners residing in Japan are permitted to engage in activities within the scope of the status of residence granted upon entry (landing), and their stay is limited to the period of stay determined according to their status of residence. International students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at universities are, in principle, required to obtain a "student" status of residence. Failure to possess the appropriate status of residence may result in the student being unable to remain enrolled.
Reference URL:Status of residence: "Student" (Immigration Services Agency of Japan)
Residence card
Foreign nationals who become long-term residents after receiving permission to land in Japan will be issued a "Residence Card." The Residence Card is issued at the airport upon arrival in Japan (New Chitose Airport, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, Hiroshima Airport, and Fukuoka Airport). If you arrive at any other airport, the card will be sent to the address you registered with your local ward/city office at a later date.
Please always carry your residence card with you.You are required to present your residence card if requested by an immigration officer, immigration security officer, police officer, etc. Failure to carry your residence card may result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen, and failure to present it may result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
Regarding the submission of residence status information to the university
Hirosaki University manages the residence status of international students in accordance with Article 19-17 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, and regularly reports to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Immigration Services Agency.
All international students enrolled at this university,You will need to submit a copy of your residence card to the International Cooperation Headquarters Support Office in the following situations:
① Upon enrollment
② When you renew your residence card and obtain a new card
③ When you change your residence status and obtain a new card
④ When permission is granted for activities outside of one's visa status
<Caution>
(1) Please submit (1) as soon as possible after enrollment.
(2) Please submit items ② to ④ within 7 days.
(3) You can renew your period of stay starting three months before the expiration date indicated on your residence card.
If you exceed the expiration date by even one day, you will be considered an illegal resident, so be sure to go to the Immigration Services Agency before the expiration date.
Please apply for an extension of your period of stay.
Extension of period of stay
Students with a "student" visa have a period of stay ranging from 3 months to 4 years and 3 months. To extend this period, they must apply for an extension of their period of stay at the immigration bureau that has jurisdiction over their area of residence before their current period of stay expires. Applications for extension of the period of stay can be made starting 3 months before the expiration date.Please submit your application at least 10 days in advance.
To renew your period of stay, you must be deemed to have a need to continue residing in Japan in order to continue the activities permitted under your current status of residence. In addition, your application will be reviewed to ensure that you have not deviated from the scope of activities permitted for international students during your previous period of stay, and that there are no problems with your ability and methods to bear tuition and living expenses, as well as your living situation.
Once the renewal of your period of stay is complete, be sure to submit your residence card to the International Cooperation Headquarters Support Office.
The main documents required for the procedure are as follows. However, the required documents may vary depending on the individual, so please check with the Immigration Services Agency in advance.
Documents to be submitted
①Application for Extension of Period of Stay
For applicants/those who wish to complete the form → Fill it out yourself
For creation by affiliated institutions, etc. → Please request from the academic affairs office of your faculty (students in the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate School of Medicine and Health Sciences should contact the Academic Affairs Group).
*Do not fill this out yourself.
② One photograph (4 x 3 cm)
③ Passport and residence card
④ Transcript
⑤ Certificate of enrollment
⑥ Other required documents ▷CLICK HERESee
⑦ Fee: 6,000 yen (if approved)
Application location
Sendai Regional Immigration Bureau, Aomori Branch Office (1-3-5 Nagashima, Aomori City)
Weekdays 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm
Standard processing period
2 weeks to 1 month
New Residence Card
Please bring your new residence card to the support office once it's ready.
Points to note
・Before returning home for a long holiday, be sure to check your residence permit expiration date.
If your residence card expires while you are traveling abroad, please complete the renewal procedure before you depart.
