designated activities required documents ski instructor

Designated Activities (Ski Instructor) - Required Documents

Designated Activities (Ski Instructor) - Required Documents

The Designated Activities (Ski Instructor) visa status is for foreign nationals who engage in ski instruction activities in Japan.

To engage in activities under this status of residence, the applicant must hold a qualification recognized by the Japan Professional Ski Instructors Association (SIA) or an equivalent qualification. This page provides guidance on the required documents for new entry (Certificate of Eligibility application) and change of status of residence applications.

  • There is no separate extension application procedure for this status of residence.

Required Documents by Application Type


Important Notes Before Applying

  • For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
  • Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
  • All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
  • Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
  • In principle, submitted documents will not be returned. If you wish to have originals returned that are difficult to reacquire, please request this at the time of application.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)

This application is for those who wish to enter Japan with this status of residence for the first time.

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.

3. Return envelope - 1

Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.

4. Documents proving the content of activities - 1

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • (1) Copy of employment contract and documents specifying working conditions (including details of activities, employment period, remuneration, etc.)
  • (2) If entering into a contract other than employment, a copy of the relevant contract

5. Documents proving ski instruction qualifications

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • (1) Documents proving possession of one of the following qualifications recognized by the Japan Professional Ski Instructors Association (SIA):
    • Alpine Ski Stage I
    • Alpine Ski Stage II
    • Alpine Ski Stage III
    • Alpine Ski Stage IV
  • (2) Documents proving possession of a ski instruction-related qualification recognized by SIA as equivalent to or higher than those listed in (1) above

6. Documents proving the outline of the workplace organization

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • (1) Brochure (pamphlet, etc.) with detailed information about the workplace’s history, officers, business content, etc. - 1 copy
  • (2) Other documents prepared by the workplace equivalent to (1) above - 1 copy
  • (3) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy

Application for Change of Status of Residence

This application is for those already residing in Japan with a different status of residence who wish to change their activities to those under this status.

1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.

3. Passport and Residence Card

Present at the counter.

4. Documents proving the content of activities - 1

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • (1) Copy of employment contract and documents specifying working conditions (including details of activities, employment period, remuneration, etc.)
  • (2) If entering into a contract other than employment, a copy of the relevant contract

5. Documents proving ski instruction qualifications

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • (1) Documents proving possession of one of the following qualifications recognized by the Japan Professional Ski Instructors Association (SIA):
    • Alpine Ski Stage I
    • Alpine Ski Stage II
    • Alpine Ski Stage III
    • Alpine Ski Stage IV
  • (2) Documents proving possession of a ski instruction-related qualification recognized by SIA as equivalent to or higher than those listed in (1) above

6. Documents proving the outline of the workplace organization

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • (1) Brochure (pamphlet, etc.) with detailed information about the workplace’s history, officers, business content, etc. - 1 copy
  • (2) Other documents prepared by the workplace equivalent to (1) above - 1 copy
  • (3) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy

Need to apply for or change your status of residence in Japan?

Easily create your Japanese status of residence application.