Japan Teaching Visa Guide
Japan's visa process is employer-led — your school does the heavy lifting. Your job is to have the right documents ready and understand each step clearly. Here's the full process.
Visa quick facts
Instructor visa vs Humanities visa — which do you need?
There are two main work visas for English teachers in Japan. Which one you get is determined by your employer — not by you. The type of school you work for dictates the visa category.
For public school teachers
Covers roles at institutions established under Japan's School Education Act — public elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools. Also used for some private schools operating under the School Education Act.
Who uses this: JET Programme participants, Interac and other dispatch company ALTs, Board of Education direct hires.
Limitation: Instructor Visa holders cannot teach at informal schools, eikaiwa, or private language academies — these require the Humanities visa.
For private school and eikaiwa teachers
Covers private language schools (eikaiwa), conversation academies, cram schools, corporate English programs, and some university positions. This is the most commonly issued visa for English teachers in Japan.
Who uses this: AEON, ECC, NOVA, Gaba, and all eikaiwa chain teachers. Business English instructors. Many university EFL lecturers (who may need a Professor visa instead).
Limitation: Cannot be used for public school ALT positions — these require the Instructor visa.
Switching between visa types: Moving from a public school ALT role to an eikaiwa, or vice versa, requires a change of status of residence application — you cannot simply start the new job on your existing visa. Always confirm this before accepting a new offer that crosses visa categories.
The COE — what it is and why it matters
The Certificate of Eligibility is issued by Japan's Immigration Services Agency. It confirms you legally qualify to live and work in Japan. You cannot apply for a work visa without one — and you cannot apply for it yourself. Your employer must apply on your behalf.
It's free
Unlike the visa itself, the COE has no application fee. There is no cost to your employer to apply for one on your behalf.
It's employer-linked
Your COE is tied to a specific job offer. If you change employers before using it, the COE is invalidated and must be reapplied for with the new employer.
It expires in 3 months
Once issued, the COE must be used within 3 months. Apply for your visa at the Japanese Embassy promptly after receiving it — don't let it lapse.
The full visa process from job offer to arrival
Secure a job offer
You cannot begin the visa process without a formal job offer. Apply to JET through your country's Japanese Embassy (applications open in autumn), or directly to eikaiwa chains, dispatch companies, or universities. The offer must be from a school registered to employ foreign workers.
Timeline: 1–4 months depending on routeProvide documents to your employer
Your employer will request documents to submit the COE application on your behalf. Gather everything in advance — delays at this stage slow the entire process. Standard requirements: degree certificate (certified copy), official transcripts, valid passport copy, passport photos, criminal background check, and a personal statement or CV.
Your responsibility: gather and send documents promptlyEmployer applies for Certificate of Eligibility
Your employer submits the COE application to the nearest regional immigration office in Japan. You have no direct involvement at this stage — it is handled entirely by your sponsor. Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks, longer during peak hiring periods (January–March, June–August).
Processing: 4–12 weeksReceive COE and apply for visa
Once issued, your employer sends the COE to you (physical copy or email — both are accepted). Take it to your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate along with your passport, a completed visa application form, passport photos, and any other requested documents. Processing is usually 3–7 working days.
Visa processing: 3–7 working daysArrive in Japan and complete registration
At the airport you receive your Residence Card — carry it at all times. Within 14 days of moving to your address, register at your local municipal office (city or ward hall). This is a legal requirement. Your employer will guide you through subsequent steps: enrolling in shakai hoken, opening a Japanese bank account, and obtaining a Japanese phone number.
Register address within 14 days of arrivalWhat you need to prepare
For the COE application (your employer submits)
- Certified copy of bachelor's degree certificate
- Official university transcripts
- Colour copy of passport (photo page)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Criminal background check (from home country)
- Personal statement / letter of intent
- CV / resume
- Completed COE application form (your employer will provide)
For the visa application (you submit at Embassy)
- Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
- Certificate of Eligibility (original or email copy)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Application fee (varies by country)
- Any additional documents requested by your Embassy
Background check lead time: US FBI checks can take 12–16 weeks via standard channels. UK enhanced DBS checks take 2–8 weeks. Start your background check before you receive a job offer — it is almost always the longest-lead document and delays here delay everything downstream.
What happens when you land
At the airport border control, you receive your Residence Card (在留カード). This is your primary ID document in Japan — you are legally required to carry it at all times. Within 14 days, visit your local municipal office to register your address. Take your Residence Card and passport. After registration, you receive an updated Residence Card with your address printed on it.
Your employer will then help you enrol in shakai hoken (national health and pension insurance), open a Japanese bank account (you typically need your Residence Card with address for this), and set up a local phone number. Allow 2–4 weeks for all post-arrival admin to be completed.
Renewing and extending your visa
Work visas are issued for 1, 3, or 5 years and are renewable provided you remain employed in an appropriate role. Apply for renewal within 3 months before your visa expiry date. Submit the renewal application to your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau — your employer provides updated employment documentation. Renewals can take 2–8 weeks; apply early.
Changing employers: Changing jobs to a role in the same visa category (e.g., eikaiwa to eikaiwa) requires notifying immigration within 14 days but may not require a full visa change. Switching visa categories (e.g., ALT to eikaiwa) requires a formal change of status application — do not start the new job until this is approved.
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Visa questions answered
Can I start teaching before my COE arrives?
No. You cannot legally begin work until you hold the correct work visa — not a tourist visa, and not just the COE. Working before your visa is issued, even informally, risks deportation and a ban from re-entry. Wait for the full process to complete.
Can I look for a job while on a tourist visa in Japan?
You can attend interviews on a tourist visa — interviewing is not the same as working. Some teachers travel to Japan as tourists, attend interviews, receive a job offer, return home, and then go through the COE and visa process. This is common and legal. What you cannot do is start teaching while on a tourist visa.
What happens if my COE application is rejected?
Japan's immigration authority does not have to provide reasons for rejection. Common causes include incomplete documentation, concerns about the sponsoring employer's legal status, or issues with the applicant's background. Your employer can reapply after identifying and correcting the issue. A rejection is not a permanent ban — it can be appealed and resubmitted.
Do I need to leave Japan to renew my visa?
No. Visa renewals (extensions of period of stay) are done at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus within Japan — you do not need to leave the country. Changing visa categories (change of status) is also done within Japan. You only need to visit an Embassy if you are applying for a visa from outside Japan.