Procedures regarding residence status

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (students who stay outside of Japan)

If you are temporarily back in your home country and do not have a valid residence card, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility.

*You cannot extend your period of stay from overseas. It is necessary to acquire a new status of residence and a new visa.
In order for acquisition a new status of residence and a new visa, you have to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility.

Those who need

  • The students whose period of stay is expired while staying in home country.
  • The students who have been leaving Japan for more than a year.
  • The students who have taken a leave of absence and plan to return to school.

How to apply

1. Online application to the University

  • Military leave: Certificate confirming the enlistment and discharge dates (in English or with a Japanese translation)
  • Leave of absence, expulsion, withdrawal, or refusal of renewal: Statement of reason ( if you were absent due to illness, you must  also submit a doctor's certificate)
  • Study abroad: Transcript from the university where you studied, or other document that shows that you studied abroad.

    Please download the format of the statement of reasons below.

2. The university applies to the immigration bureau on your behalf.

3. As soon as the certificate of eligibility is issued by the immigration bureau, the university will e-mail it to your  Hosei e-mail address and you will obtain a visa at the Japanese embassy in your home country.

4. Entering Japan after obtaining a visa.

*If you went back to your home country with your residence card, please return it at the airport when you enter Japan. A new card will be issued at the airport.

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