If you study in Japan on the Student (留学) status and your studies continue past the expiry date on your residence card, you apply for an Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請) at the immigration office that covers your address.
1. When to apply
- From about 3 months before your period of stay ends (for periods of 6 months or more).
- The application must be accepted by the expiry date. If it is, you can stay lawfully while you wait — until the decision or 2 months after expiry, whichever is first (特例期間).
- March, April, September and October are very busy. Apply early.
Use the renewal deadline calculator to get your exact dates and calendar reminders.
2. Documents
| Document | Who prepares it |
|---|---|
| Application form — applicant part (申請人等作成用 1–3) | You (VisaRenew fills it) |
| Application form — school part (所属機関等作成用 1–2) | Your school |
| Photo 4 × 3 cm, taken within 6 months | You (can be printed on the form) |
| Passport and residence card (shown at the counter) | You |
| Statement on living-expense support (滞在費支弁に関する申告書) | You — official form on the ISA page |
| Certificate of enrollment, transcript / attendance record | Your school (usually issued within 3 months) |
| Proof of funds (bank balance, scholarship certificate, remittance records) | You / your sponsor |
Your school may have a fixed procedure and deadline — ask the international student office first. Low attendance or poor grades can lead to refusal.
3. Fees (from 1 October 2026)
You pay only if permission is granted, based on the period granted: ¥33,000 for 1 year at the counter (¥27,000 online), from ¥10,000 for 3 months up to ¥75,000 for 5 years. See the fee calculator.
4. At the counter
- Submit the documents. Bring a postcard (はがき) with your own name and address — the result is mailed on it.
- Your card is marked 申請中 (application in progress). Keep the receipt.
- When the postcard arrives, buy the revenue stamp for the amount shown and collect your new card with your passport, old card and receipt.
5. Online instead
With a My Number Card (and its PINs) you can apply through the Immigration Services Agency online system. The online fee is lower and you don't queue. The school part is still prepared by your school.
Sources: ISA — Student status, ISA — application forms.