How to Renew or Extend a Japan Student Visa in 2025: Documents, Fees, Timeline, and Pitfalls

Renewing your Japan student visa isn’t about getting a “new” visa—it’s about applying to extend your Period of Stay under the Student status (留学). In 2025, the process has updated fees, stricter documentation checks, and an online filing option. If you prepare methodically, your application can go smoothly, but missing details or filing late can have serious consequences.

Duration blocks. Student status is granted in set durations, such as 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and up to 4 years 3 months. If your current expiry is approaching and your studies aren’t finished, you must apply for an Extension of Period of Stay.

Typical cases for renewal:

• Continuing the same program until graduation.
• Moving into a higher-level program immediately (e.g., Bachelor’s to Master’s).
• Extra time for thesis completion.
• Repeating a year due to academic or personal reasons.

• Earliest date to apply: Around 3 months before your expiry, if your current stay is 6 months or more.
• Latest date: On or before your current expiry—even a single day late counts as an overstay.
• Best practice: Start gathering documents 6–8 weeks before expiry and submit 4–6 weeks ahead to avoid issues.

Core documents for all students:

• Application for Extension of Period of Stay (Student version).
• One passport-size photo (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within the last 6 months).
• Passport and Residence Card (originals).
• Certificate of Enrollment.
• Academic Transcript and, where available, an Attendance Record.
• Proof of tuition payment or payment plan.
• Proof of financial capacity: recent bank statements, scholarship certificates, or sponsor’s financial documents.

Extra documents in specific situations:

• New program admission letter if advancing to higher studies.
• Study plan or thesis progress report if extending for research.
• Explanation letters for long absences, with supporting evidence.

Note: Most documents must be issued within 3 months of your application date. Any documents in a foreign language should have a Japanese translation.

• In person: File at your local regional immigration bureau during weekday hours (usually 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00).
• Through a proxy: Your school’s international office, a registered immigration lawyer, or a legal guardian can file on your behalf, but you must still be in Japan during review.
• Online filing: Available in 2025 via Japan’s residence application portal. If you have a My Number card, you can submit yourself, or your school can file as a proxy.

From April 1, 2025, the extension fee is:

• ¥6,000 for counter applications.
• ¥5,500 for online applications.

If your application is accepted before March 31, 2025, the old fee of ¥4,000 still applies—even if approval comes after April 1.

Payment is made when collecting your new Residence Card, via revenue stamps (収入印紙) bought at post offices.

Typical review time: 2–4 weeks, but longer during peak seasons or if documents are incomplete.

Special Period (特例期間): If you file before expiry but immigration hasn’t decided by then, you can remain in Japan under your current Student status for up to two months beyond the expiry date or until your application is approved—whichever comes first.

Travel caution: You can leave Japan using Special Re-entry Permission while your extension is pending, but you must return before your current period ends unless you have already received your new card.

If you have permission to work part-time, it ends with your current stay period. When collecting your new Residence Card, re-apply immediately for the work permit to cover the new validity period.

Work limits remain at 28 hours/week during term time and up to 8 hours/day during long breaks. Overworking can lead to renewal refusal.

• Advancing to a higher degree: Provide admission proof, current academic records, and a realistic study plan.
• Changing schools: Submit both acceptance from the new institution and transcripts from the old one.
• Research extensions: Provide a supervisor’s letter with a detailed completion timeline.
• Extended absences: Supply official approvals or medical certificates.

• Poor academic progress or low attendance.
• Insufficient financial proof to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Submitting outdated or incomplete documents.
• Violations such as overworking or failing to update your address with immigration.
• Filing late, even by one day.

If you finish studies but want to job hunt, you can switch to Designated Activities (job hunting) for 6 months, extendable once (total up to 1 year). With a job offer, apply for a Change of Status to a relevant work visa.

8 weeks before expiry:

• Confirm expiry date and earliest filing date.
• Plan your financial evidence collection.

6 weeks before expiry:

• Request enrollment, transcript, and attendance certificates.
• Obtain supervisor’s letter if needed.

4 weeks before expiry:

• Complete forms, attach photo, decide filing method.

2 weeks before expiry:

• Submit application and keep copies of all documents.

Upon approval:

• Pay the fee via revenue stamps.
• Re-apply for work permission if needed.
• Update your school with new Residence Card details.

Conclusion

Renewing or extending your Japan student visa in 2025 is a process that rewards preparation, precision, and timing. By starting early, gathering the exact documents immigration requires, and understanding the latest rules—from fee changes to the special two-month grace period—you can avoid unnecessary stress and keep your studies on track. Treat the renewal not as a routine formality, but as an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to academic progress and compliance. With careful planning, you’ll secure your new period of stay smoothly and focus fully on your life in Japan.