Changing from Other Visa Status

It is possible to change from another visa such as spouse, dependent, diplomat etc., to a TUJ-sponsored student visa. 

Collect the required documents and contact the visa coordinator () for more information. Once you are granted the student visa, you are required to abide by all of the TUJ and Immigration visa regulations as outlined in the Visa Regulations section.

  1.  Collect the required documents
  2.  Contact the Visa Coordinator () to set up an appointment
  3.  Visit Japansese Immigration Bureau and submit your application
  4.  Pick up your new residence card (if granted). It usually takes 4-8 weeks. 
  5.  Submit the copy of your new residence card to the Visa Coordinator

Required Documents :

4. Proof of Financial Viability

The Japanese Immigration Bureau requires all students to show the ability to support themselves when applying for a student visa. You must prove that sufficient funds are or will be available from a reliable financial source.

The proof of financial viability needs to :

  •  show where the money is actually coming from
  •  be dated within the last three months
  •  total 3,000,000 yen (or equivalent in foreign currency) or more
  •  be in either Japanese or English

Financial viability can be proven by submitting copies of any combination of the following documents.

  •  Bank statements
  •  Financial Aid award letter
         (work with the Financial Aid Coordinator after your acceptance regarding your Financial Aid award)
  •  Scholarship award letters
  •  Retirement account statements
         (must have documentation regarding cash/loan availability)
  •  Loan approvals
         (work with the Financial Aid Coordinator after your acceptance regarding loan certification)
  •  GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility
         Submit a PDF copy of the COE issued by the VA. You do not need to submit a Letter of Sponsorship

If the document is not under your name or you do not have the full amount, a financial guarantor, such as a parent or relative can submit documents on your behalf to meet the requirement. Your guarantor should provide documents in his or her name and also complete the Letter of Sponsorship below.

 Letter of Sponsorship (PDF) 

5. Statement of Correctness and Understanding

Please print out and complete the Statement of Correctness and Understanding.

 Statement of Correctness and Understanding (PDF: 128KB) 

7. Official documentation showing completion of your previous activity in Japan

You need to prove to Immigration the reason you are changing your visa status
(e.g.: divorce certificate, parents re-locating to another country, resignation letter etc.)