official sources
Official Sources and Links
The official sites I point people to, all in one place. Check these before you act on anything, including what I say.
Last checked: September 2026. Official sites move pages around, so if a link breaks, contact@notyoursensei.com and I'll fix it.
Visas and residence status
- Immigration Services Agency of JapanThe official source for every visa and status. Start here.
- Engineer / Humanities / International Services visa (技人国 (gijinkoku))The status most office jobs use, plus the employer document lists.
- Change of status of residenceFor switching status from inside Japan, like student to work.
- Average processing timesOfficial averages by status. Japanese only.
- Digital nomad statusRequirements for the six-month remote work status.
Getting help with your application
- Find a licensed 行政書士 (visa specialist)The national association's member search. Japanese only.
- Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC)Government help desk for foreign residents, with a multilingual helpline.
Working holiday
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working holidayWhich countries qualify, and the rules for each.
Study, scholarships and Japanese
- Study in Japan, scholarshipsGovernment overview of scholarships, including MEXT.
- JASSO scholarshipsJapan Student Services Organization funding.
- JLPT official siteTest dates, levels and registration.
Teaching
- JET ProgrammeThe official site for applying as an ALT or CIR.
Support organizations
- Solidarity Network with Migrants JapanNon-profit support for migrants, including people in a difficult status situation.
- Japan Association for RefugeesNon-profit legal and living support in several languages.