The student visa (for Japanese language schools) is the first option for many people who want to live in Japan. However, there are many rules you need to understand before applying for this type of visa. Today, we’ll share some important tips about:

How long can stay with the student visa in Japan?

One of the most common questions among those who want to study Japanese in Japan is: How long can I stay with a student visa? While the maximum duration is 2 years, there are important details about course start dates and how they affect your stay.

Visa duration depends on your start month

At Japanese language schools, you can begin your studies in January, April, July, or October. However, the maximum study period depends normally on the month you start:

• Starting in January → up to 1 year and 3 months
• Starting in April → up to 2 years (maximum possible)
• Starting in July → up to 1 year and 9 months
• Starting in October → up to 1 year and 6 months

Why is the full 2-year stay not possible in all cases?

The reason is simple (though it may vary by school): most schools are able to sponsor a student visa because their courses are designed to prepare students to enter higher education in Japan. Therefore, courses must end before the Japanese academic year begins—in April. That’s why, no matter when you start, your course will end by March to allow a smooth transition to university if desired.

The initial visa doesn't always cover your full stay

At many language schools, your first student visa will be for 1 year or 1 year and 3 months, even if your course is longer. Don’t worry—this is normal.

As long as your attendance rate stays above 90%, you will be able to renew your visa and complete the full period allowed for your start month.

Attendance: a key factor to keep your visa

In Japan, attendance with a student visa is taken very seriously. Immigration authorities and schools closely monitor whether students are attending classes regularly. Having less than 90% attendance can result in:

• Problems renewing your visa
• Warnings from your school
• In serious cases, visa cancellation

That’s why it’s essential to attend classes responsibly and on time—not only to learn Japanese effectively, but also to ensure you can continue your studies without issues.