Professor - Required Documents
The Professor visa status is for activities involving research, research guidance, or education at universities or equivalent institutions in Japan.
| Applicable Activities | Research, research guidance, or education at universities or equivalent institutions or colleges of technology in Japan |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months |
Category Classification of Affiliated Institution
The required documents differ depending on the type of employment at your affiliated institution. Please first check which category applies to you.
Category 1: Full-time employee (常勤職員)
Category 2: Part-time employee (非常勤職員)
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Important Notes Before Applying
- The required documents differ depending on your institution’s category (full-time/part-time). Please first check the Category Classification of Affiliated Institution above.
- 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 processing delays 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.
- Submitted documents will not be returned in principle. If you wish to have them returned, please notify the office at the time of application.
- You may be asked to submit additional documents during the review process.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This application is for those who wish to newly enter Japan under the Professor visa status.
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, no hat, plain background. Write the applicant’s name on the back of the photo and attach it to the photo section of the application form.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and affix stamps for registered mail (404 yen).
Additional Documents for Category 2 (Part-time Employee)
Category 1 (full-time employee) applicants only need to submit the common documents above. Additional documents are not required in principle.
4. Document certifying the details of activities
A document prepared by the university or other institution certifying the applicant’s activities at the university, including the nature of activities, duration, position, and compensation.
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This application is for those already residing in Japan under a different visa status who wish to change to the Professor visa status.
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months, front-facing, no hat, plain background. Not required for applicants under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
For presentation (if unable to present a passport, a written statement explaining the reason is required).
Additional Documents for Category 2 (Part-time Employee)
Category 1 (full-time employee) applicants only need to submit the common documents above. Additional documents are not required in principle.
4. Document certifying the details of activities
A document prepared by the university or other institution certifying the applicant’s activities at the university, including the nature of activities, duration, position, and compensation.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This application is for those already residing in Japan under the Professor visa status who wish to extend their period of stay.
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months, front-facing, no hat, plain background. Not required for applicants under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Additional Documents for Category 2 (Part-time Employee)
Category 1 (full-time employee) applicants only need to submit the common documents above. Additional documents are not required in principle.
4. Certificate of Residence Tax (or Tax-Exempt) and Tax Payment Certificate
Must show total annual income and tax payment status. Issued by the ward/city/town office where you reside as of January 1. If a single certificate includes both total annual income and tax payment status (whether taxes have been paid), submitting either one alone is sufficient.
Additional Documents When Switching from Full-time to Part-time
If you were residing under the “Professor” visa status as a full-time employee and have become a part-time employee due to a job change at the time of the extension application, the following documents must also be submitted in addition to the above.
5. Document certifying the details of activities
A document prepared by the university or other institution certifying the applicant’s activities at the university, including the nature of activities, duration, position, and compensation.
Reference Links
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