2026 Guide to Renewing Your Japan Residence Status (Student Visa) in Hiroshima

Renewing your status of residence—often called a “visa renewal”—is a procedure every long-term foreign resident in Japan must go through. This guide walks you through the entire process, the documents you’ll need, and the common pitfalls to avoid in 2026.

1. When Should You Apply?

You can apply for renewal as early as three months before your current period of stay expires.

Immigration officials recommend submitting your application two to three months before your expiration date. Don’t wait until the final month—if your application is sent back for missing documents, you’ll be left scrambling for time. You must submit your application before your current period of stay expires. Staying even one day past your expiration date without authorization counts as illegal overstay and can seriously affect future visa applications.

Processing typically takes two weeks to one month, though during peak seasons (March–April and September–October) it can take one to two months, so plan ahead.

2. Where to Apply in Hiroshima

The application office for the Hiroshima area is:

Hiroshima Regional Immigration Services Bureau
Address: 2-31 Kami-Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City (inside the Hiroshima Legal Affairs Complex)
Phone: 082-221-4412
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on weekends and national holidays)

Online applications are also available through the Immigration Online System. As of January 2026, the system has been significantly upgraded, with the maximum file attachment size increased to 25 MB and support for uploading multiple documents at once. However, you cannot submit an online application on the exact day your status expires—so don’t wait until the last minute. If you’re unsure which method to use, check with your school’s international student office; some schools can submit applications on your behalf.

3. Required Documents for Renewal (Student Visa)

Here’s what you typically need when renewing a “Student” (留学) status of residence:

Documents you prepare yourself:

1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請書) — available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website or for pickup at the Hiroshima Immigration Bureau

2. Passport (original — presented for verification at the counter)

3. Residence Card (在留カード — original)

4. Photo — 4 cm tall × 3 cm wide, taken within three months, front-facing, no hat, plain background

5. Certificate of Enrollment (在学証明書) — issued by your school, confirming you are currently enrolled. Must have been issued within three months before the application date

6. Academic Transcript (成績証明書) — issued by your school

7. Proof of financial support — any of the following: remittance records from overseas, bank passbook copies, pay stubs from part-time work, scholarship award letters, or a statement from a financial sponsor

8. Application fee: ¥4,000 (paid via revenue stamp, available at convenience stores; required when you pick up your new residence card)

Documents your school prepares:

9. Application for Extension of Period of Stay (Organization Section) — this part is filled out by your school. Request it from your school’s International Center or Student Affairs Office well in advance.

If you attend Hiroshima University, the university handles group proxy applications in April, June, October, and November each year. Watch for announcements from the International Center—this is often more convenient than visiting the Immigration Bureau yourself.

Additional documents may be required if:

• Your attendance rate is below 80% → you will need to submit a written explanation

• You have transferred schools or changed programs → submit a withdrawal certificate from your previous school plus an enrollment certificate from your new school

• You have a record of exceeding part-time work hours → you must submit an additional statement of explanation

4. The Application Process (Step by Step)

Step 1 — Two to three months before your expiration date: Go to your school’s International Center or Student Affairs Office and request the “Organization Section” portion of the application form.

Step 2 — Prepare your documents: Gather all the documents listed above, one by one. Download and complete the “Applicant Section” of the application form.

Step 3 — Submit your application at the Immigration Bureau: Bring all your documents to the Hiroshima Regional Immigration Services Bureau. The Bureau is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Step 4 — Wait for processing: The Bureau will review your residence status, attendance record, financial situation, and other factors. Processing usually takes about two weeks to one month.

Step 5 — Receive a notification postcard: Once your application is approved, the Bureau will mail a postcard notifying you to come and pick up your new residence card.

Step 6 — Collect your new Residence Card: Bring your passport, your current residence card, the notification postcard, and a ¥4,000 revenue stamp to the Immigration Bureau. Your new card will be issued on the spot.

5. Common Reasons for Renewal Rejection

Immigration screening has become noticeably stricter in 2026. Here are the most frequent reasons applications are denied:

1. Low attendance rate: An attendance rate below 80% is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Language schools generally expect 90% or above, while universities and graduate schools have their own thresholds. In 2026, attendance data may be directly linked to the immigration system, making this an even more critical factor.

2. Exceeding part-time work limits: Working more than 28 hours per week (or more than 8 hours per day during holidays) will be flagged during the immigration review process.

3. Incomplete or falsified documents: Any discrepancy between what you submit and what immigration verifies independently can lead to rejection.

4. Unpaid social insurance or taxes: As of 2026, non-payment of social insurance premiums (health insurance and pension) and unpaid resident taxes are increasingly common red flags in renewal screening—even if the amounts are later paid. This is a significant change from previous years, so make sure your payments are up to date.

6. Practical Tips

• Make photocopies of every document you submit and keep them for your own records.

• If your Japanese isn’t strong, consider bringing a friend who can help with communication.

• The Hiroshima City International Consultation Desk for Foreign Residents can also assist: 082-241-5010 (located inside the Hiroshima International Conference Center).

• The Hiroshima Immigration Bureau holds consultation sessions on the second Friday of each month, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM. Reservation is required by the day before.

• The Higashi-Hiroshima City “Communication Corner” offers consultations in English, Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Japanese.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies and procedures may change. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Immigration Services Agency website (moj.go.jp) or consult your school’s international student office before submitting your application.