150 Hour Japanese Language Course
**Important Japan Student Visa Application Update
Previously, a Japanese language certificate of 150 hours could be used as proof of language ability for a student visa.
However, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan will now require one of the following instead:
1.) An official Japanese test certificate (JLPT, NAT, etc.) listed by the immigration bureau,
2.) A language interview conducted by the school you are applying to.
This means that a 150 hour course certificate alone may no longer be enough in some cases. Please be sure to contact the school you plan to apply to for the latest visa requirements.
Effective dates
COE / overseas student visa applications: students entering from October 2026 Visa change / renewal in Japan: applications from July 1, 2026
Exception
if the applicant is a national of a country or region listed in the appendix published on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website, and has graduated from a foreign higher education institution (such as a university) and submits a certificate of graduation or similar documentation.
Thank you for your understanding.
