In 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency revised the rules for verifying Japanese language proficiency when international students apply for a Student visa to attend language schools or preparatory courses. Under the updated policy, demonstrating a 150-hour study background is no longer sufficient on its own to prove language readiness. Applicants must now present an official language test certificate or undergo a direct school interview to establish at least A1-equivalent proficiency. These updated procedures apply to Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications starting with October 2026 student admissions.
What are the 2026 language proficiency rules for Japan student visa applications?
When applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to enter a Japanese language institution or a university Japanese preparatory course (日本語別科), applicants must demonstrate sufficient language ability to undertake their studies. Previously, immigration authorities permitted applicants to satisfy this requirement by submitting proof of 150 hours or more of Japanese language instruction. However, under updated operational guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency, relying solely on a 150-hour study certificate is no longer permitted.
Educational institutions must now evaluate an applicant's Japanese skill through an approved language test certificate or an official interview. Immigration policies urge schools to conduct interviews whenever feasible to directly verify student skills. When submitting visa applications, educational institutions are now required to submit an official confirmation document (各種確認書). This document details how the school objectively confirmed the applicant's ability, such as recording interview test questions and scores or written entrance test results. This requirement applies regardless of whether the school is classified as an accredited institution (適正校).
There are specific exemptions to submitting this confirmation document. Applicants who are renewing or changing status while staying at the same institution without changing schools do not need to submit the confirmation form. Additionally, applicants holding a degree from a higher education institution in designated countries or regions listed by immigration authorities are exempt from providing proof of Japanese proficiency. Exemptions also apply to university preparatory course students receiving full scholarships covering tuition and housing from governments or universities, provided over half of their first-year courses are conducted in a foreign language and the institution meets compliance standards.
Which tests and standards prove A1 Japanese language proficiency?
To meet entry requirements for Japanese language schools, applicants must show skills corresponding to level A1 or higher on the Japanese Language Education Framework. Official guidance from the Immigration Services Agency specifies the main recognized examinations:
- JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese): A1 level or higher
- JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test): N5 level or higher
For the time being, immigration authorities also accept several alternative examinations as equivalent to A1 proficiency:
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test: 300 points or higher
- J.TEST (Test of Practical Japanese): Level F or higher, or 250 points or higher on FG-level test
- Japanese NAT-TEST: Level 5 or higher
- STBJ (Standard Test for Business Japanese): 350 points or higher
- TOPJ Practical Japanese Proficiency Test: Beginner A level or higher
- J-cert General Japanese Language Test: Beginner level or higher
- JLCT Japanese Language Capability Test: JCT5 or higher
- PJC Bridge: Level C- or higher
- JPT Japanese Proficiency Test: 315 points or higher (or 68 points on JPT Elementary)
- Japanese Online Test: JT5 or higher
- S-JEP (Sundai Japanese Evaluation Test): 300 points or higher
On March 2, 2026, the agency issued formal guidelines for creating Japanese language tests used in Student visa evaluations. While A1 proficiency is required for initial admission to a language school, students who plan to advance to Japanese universities or vocational colleges after graduation generally need B2-level proficiency to understand higher education lectures.
When do the new COE and visa extension rules take effect?
The implementation dates for these updated verification rules depend on the category of visa application being submitted:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications: Applies to student applications for enrollment terms starting in October 2026 or later.
- Change of Status and Visa Extension applications: Applies to all applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026.
Language institutions in Japan typically admit new students twice a year (April and October) or four times a year (January, April, July, and October). Because immigration offices handle a large volume of COE applications near enrollment terms, regional bureaus set designated submission windows for schools acting on behalf of applicants. Standard enrollment duration at Japanese language schools is capped at a maximum of two years.
What are the regulations on part-time work for international students in Japan?
Under a Student visa, engaging in paid employment is prohibited unless the student receives Permission to Engage in Activity Other than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (資格外活動許可). Once granted, this permission allows students to work up to 28 hours per week during regular academic terms, and up to 8 hours per day during official long school breaks (such as summer vacation). Work in adult entertainment businesses is strictly prohibited.
Exceeding permitted work hours is a illegal violation that can result in deportation, denial of visa extensions, and termination of studies. Educational institutions are legally required to manage and monitor their students' work status every three months. Schools must record the employer name, job duties, and daily hours worked. If an employer forces a student to work over 28 hours per week or if a student fails to fix violations after receiving guidance, the institution must report these records to regional immigration offices.
Students must plan their finances carefully before arriving in Tokyo. Income from part-time jobs cannot be relied upon to cover all tuition and living expenses. Beware of deceptive brokers who claim students can earn over 300,000 yen per month through part-time work to pay off debt, as following such advice often leads to illegal work hours and forced departure.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging accommodation is an essential step when preparing for your study period in Tokyo. You should start researching housing options once your language school confirms your enrollment timeline, and complete your reservation after your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Student visa is issued. When searching for housing, consider proximity to your campus, transit convenience, and upfront setup costs. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Availability is shown up to about 12 months ahead; a booking is confirmed when the card payment goes through. Having a secure home ready before landing lets you settle in smoothly and focus on your studies from day one.
FAQ
What changed regarding the 150-hour Japanese study history requirement in 2026?
Studying Japanese for 150 hours is no longer accepted on its own as proof of language ability for Student visa applications. Applicants must now present a recognized test certificate or undergo an official school interview.
When do the new language verification rules apply for COE applications?
The revised verification procedures apply to Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications for foreign students enrolling in program terms starting in October 2026 or later.
How many hours per week can international students legally work in Japan?
With part-time work permission, international students can work up to 28 hours per week during normal school terms and up to 8 hours per day during official long school breaks.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「日本語教育機関に入学する者に係る運用の一部見直しについて | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-12)
- 出入国在留管理庁「日本語教育機関への入学をお考えのみなさまへ | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-12)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.