Change of Status

Non-Japanese nationals studying at GSFS should hold a student visa by the time of enrollment. If you live in Japan with any other status of eligibility such as "family/dependant" and are going to be a GSFS student, you should change your status to "Student". It is usually a requirement when applying for scholarships as well. Research students who are non-degree seeking students as well as regular course students should have "Student" as status of residence. It is recommended to change your status of residence to "Student" once you have decided to enroll.

You will need to complete the following 5 steps:

Step 1:

Download the Application for Change of Status of ResidenceFill out the the Application forms 1-3 for Change of Status of Residence for Applicants.
Applications are accepted from any changes in the applicant's resident status up until the applicant's resident status expires.

Step 2:

The Application for Change of Status of Residence (form 1-2 *For organization) should be completed by the GSFS Student Affairs Team. You must submit the following four documents to the GSFS Student Affairs Team:

• The completed application form 1-3(For applicant, part 1, 2 P and 3 P "Student")
• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your residence card
• A supporting document showing sources of your income (e.g., a scholarship award certificate, a bank statement of balance, etc.)

You will receive the Application for Change of Status of Residence (forms 1-2, *For organization) a few days after submitting your application. Since incomplete application documents cannot be accepted, please inquire with the VISA Consulting Services regarding your application documents or supporting documents showing sources of your income. The consultation is provided free of charge by the University of Tokyo. Application by proxy will be charged a fee. Visa Consulting Services provide consultation via e-mail and telephone and can be accessed outside the office hours of Kashiwa campus.

Legal Professional Corporation IMS (Visa Consulting Services)
e-mail:todai-visa-support@attorney-office.com
phone:03-5402-6191

Step 3:

You may apply at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan by yourself or through the VISA Consulting Service at Kashiwa Campus. Required documents for either method are the same and are as follows:

• Completed application form 1 - 3 (For applicant)
• Completed application form 1, 2 (For organization)
• Certificate of enrollment or an acceptance letter from the educational institution where the person concerned intends to study.
  * You might be requested other kinds of certificate too, which depends on the changing status. Please ask the VISA Consulting Service to confirm it in advance.
• Passport
• Resident card
• A supporting document showing sources of your income (e.g., a scholarship award certificate, a bank statement of balance, etc.)
• A photo (40mm x 30mm)
• Application fee 4,000 yen (as of May 2020)

It will take approximately 1 to 3 months for the Immigration Services Agency of Japan to process your papers. Be aware that additional documents may be requested.

Step 4:

When your documents are ready for pick-up, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan will send you a notification letter via postal mail. After being notified by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, bring your passport and notification letter to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan to collect the documents. You must go to your local city hall within 14 days of completing these procedures to renew your residence card.

Step 5:

Hand in a copy (both sides) of your residence card to the Students Affairs Team.

Reference
(Immigration and Naturalization Service)
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/02.html

(Visa Consulting Service)
https://attorney-office.com/

*Non Japanese residents are allowed to stay in Japan for 2 months from the last day of the period of stay on their visa once their applications are accepted, regardless of the date the applications are made as long as the application procedures are completed before the expiration date.

If you have completed the application procedure before the expiration date of your period of stay, it is legal to stay in Japan with the same status of residence for two more months after the original expiration date of whichever is the shorter period.