The “Student” status of residence is granted to those who are enrolled in an educational institution in Japan for study purposes. Therefore, if you take a leave of absence, you cannot continue to stay in Japan with “Student” status of residence even if your residence card has not expired. Also, part-time work is not allowed during a leave of absence, even if you have permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted.

If you withdraw from the university, you cannot continue to stay in Japan with “Student” status of residence even if your residence card is within its expiration date.

* For international students with “Student” status of residence, if you plan to take a leave of absence, please contact the Student Affairs Division International Exchange Section immediately. For procedures of applying for a leave of absence, please contact the Educational Affairs Section of your Faculty/Graduate School. 

* International students with “Student” status of residence who are considering withdrawing from the university should consult with the Educational Affairs Section of your Faculty/Graduate School. Once you decide to withdraw from the university, please contact the Student Affairs Division International Exchange Section immediately.

 Taking a leave of absence from the university

International students with “Student” residence status whose leave has been approved must either 1) leave Japan promptly or 2) change their status of residence to the one appropriate for their intended activities during the period of absence.

1) Leave Japan promptly

When you leave Japan while on a leave of absence, you must return your residence card at the airport.

 2) Change the status of residence to the appropriate one

If you wish to remain in Japan while taking a leave of absence from the university, please consult with a regional immigration bureau and change your status of residence accordingly.

Your “Student” status of residence is subject to revocation if you continue to stay in Japan without changing it to the appropriate one (*1). Please note that losing a status of residence may result in deportation, which may have a significant impact on your future entry into Japan.

(*1) In exceptional circumstances deemed appropriate by the Immigration Bureau, you may be allowed to remain in Japan without getting your “Student” status of residence revoked. (e.g., a person who took a leave of absence from their educational institution for unavoidable reasons, such as a long-term hospitalization to treat an illness, and intends to return to school once he/she has been discharged.) Whether or not your situation constitutes a “justifiable reason” will be determined by the Immigration Bureau. Therefore, please do not judge for yourself, and consult directly with the Immigration Bureau. However, please keep in mind that even if approval is granted, you are not allowed to work part-time (or full-time) during a leave of absence as long as your status of residence is “Student.”

[References] Procedure for temporary absence from school (PDF)

  Returning from leave of absence

When you return to study after a leave of absence, you will need to re-apply for your residence status.

Before re-entering Japan, you must obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility” issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and apply for a “Student” visa again at the Japanese embassy in your country of residence.

It can take approximately 2 to 3 months for a “Certificate of Eligibility” to be issued. Therefore, it is recommended that you start the procedure as soon as you decide to return to the university, at least 4 months before you intend to return.

Please contact the Student Affairs Division International Exchange Section for information on the documents issued by the university that are required to apply for a “Certificate of Eligibility”.

  Withdrawing from the university 

International students with “Student” status of residence who withdraw from the university must submit a “Notification of the Accepting Organization” to a regional immigration bureau within 14 days of the date of their withdrawal and either 1) leave Japan promptly or 2) change to the appropriate residence status.

 
1) Leave Japan promptly

When you withdraw from the university and leave Japan, you must return your residence card at the airport.

For more information on the procedures for returning home, please click here.

 
 2) Change the status of residence to the appropriate one

If you wish to continue to stay in Japan after withdrawing from the university, please consult with a regional immigration bureau to change your status of residence.

Your “Student” status of residence is subject to revocation if you continue to stay in Japan without changing it to the appropriate one. Please note that losing a status of residence may result in deportation, which may have a significant impact on your future entry into Japan.