【July 2026】Stricter Japanese Language Requirements for Student Visas | Administrative Scrivener Commentary

The method for verifying Japanese language proficiency for individuals enrolling in Japanese language education institutions (Japanese language schools) under the Status of Residence “Student” will be progressively stricter starting July 1, 2026. Previously, proof of “150 hours or more of Japanese language study history” was sufficient, but this will change to an operation requiring proof by examination certificate or interview. In this article, an Administrative Scrivener will organize the changes, application schedule, and preparations to be made immediately, based on primary information from the Immigration Services Agency, for both individuals wishing to study abroad and Japanese language schools accepting international students and companies considering hiring them.

1. What Has Changed (Overview of the Review)

The Immigration Services Agency has reviewed the operational guidelines for the method of proving Japanese language proficiency for international students enrolling in Japanese language education institutions. The key points are as follows:

• 📋 The target is the method of verifying Japanese language proficiency for individuals enrolling in Japanese language education institutions (so-called Japanese language schools) or Japanese language departments under the Status of Residence “Student.”
• 🔍 Previously, it was permissible to prove proficiency equivalent to or higher than A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for Japanese language education with “150 hours or more of Japanese language study history.”
• ✅ With this review, the handling will change to require proof by examination certificate or interview.

The background to this change is the optimization of the international student system. Concurrently, operations to strengthen the understanding of activities other than that permitted under the Status of Residence (part-time jobs) have also begun in April 2026, as part of a broader trend to promote “examinations based on actual circumstances” across the entire international student system.

2. Differences Between Previous and New Operations

It is important to note that the required level of Japanese language proficiency (A1 equivalent) for enrolling in Japanese language education institutions has not been raised; rather, “how to prove it” has changed.

When confirming through an interview, the Immigration Services Agency requires the submission of objective and specific verification methods and their results at the time of application, such as “how many questions from a Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 practice book were answered in Japanese out of multiple questions.” The practical key point is to understand that the operation is no longer “sufficient to gather documents of study history.”

3. When and Which Applications Will Be Affected

The timing of application commencement varies depending on the type of application. Special attention is required here, as misunderstanding this could lead to insufficient preparation time.

This operational review was decided on January 23, Reiwa 8 (2026), and the Immigration Services Agency’s Q&A was published with content current as of May 19, Reiwa 8 (2026). Individuals enrolling in Japanese language departments are also included. On the other hand, there are also cases that are exempt, such as those from countries/regions listed in a separate table who submit certificates upon graduating from foreign higher education institutions, so individual confirmation is necessary to determine which category applies.

4. Impact on Individuals Wishing to Study Abroad

For those aiming to enroll in a Japanese language school, it will be practically essential to establish a “state where Japanese language proficiency can be proven” before the application process.

• 🪪 Even those who previously relied on study history documents should consider taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT, etc.) and obtaining a certificate of passing early for peace of mind.
• 📝 If taking an examination is not feasible in time, confirmation through an interview by the accepting Japanese language education institution is expected. Inquire with your prospective institution early about how the confirmation will be conducted.
• ⚠️ Some examinations are only conducted a few times a year. Planning your examination schedule by working backward from your application deadline will be the greatest risk avoidance.

It should be noted that the level of Japanese language proficiency (A1 equivalent) itself has not changed. There is no need to be overly anxious, but proceeding with preparations based on the mindset of the era when “study hour documents were sufficient” may lead to delays in procedures due to insufficient proof.

5. Impact on Japanese Language Schools, Accepting Institutions, and Companies Considering Hiring

This is not irrelevant for Japanese language education institutions accepting international students, nor for companies that anticipate hiring international students in the future (changing Status of Residence from “Student”).