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. Please submit the following three 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

The "Application Form for Change of Status of Residence" (pages 1-2 for organization) takes approximately one week to be issued. 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 can go to the Immigration Services Agency to complete the procedures yourself, or you can request Visa Consulting Services which is charged.
Please refer to the following website for the documents required for the procedure.
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/student.html

It takes about two weeks to three months to process your application at the Immigration Services Agency. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to provide other documents.

Step 4:

When the screening process of your application is completed, the Immigration Services Agency will send you a notice by post. Please go to the Immigration Office to receive your updated residence card.

Step 5:

Please submit a copy of both sides of your residence card to the GSFS 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.