JPSS, for information about studying in Japan's universities and graduate schools. > News/Useful information for studying abroad > Guide for Studying Abroad in Japan > Living Guide for International Students in Japan > Immigration
According to Immigration and Refugee Act (shorten here as Immigration Law), there are descriptions in detail concerning documents proceedings and extent of activities for each status for all foreigners who enter and stay in Japan.
No matter your study-life you are leading is going without trouble you should not ignore to fulfill the requirements set by the Immigration Law or violating its rules. Be alerted that if you fail, there will be a possibility that you will be unable to continue your study.
Foreigners that are permitted to stay in Japan have their "Status of Residence" and "Period of Stay" determined by their purpose of staying in Japan. Each activity and details of each status is strictly set. If you are engaged in an activity other than your original status of residence without permission, such as an activity with which you can get money, or if you are involved in a criminal case, you might get expelled from Japan or your application for the change of the period of stay or of the status of residence might be rejected.
After entering Japan, you should go to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau which has jurisdiction over the address your residence card is registered, and apply for your permit of stay in Japan.
(Immigration Services Agency of Japan website)
https://www.isa.go.jp/en/
If you have a considerably low rate of class attendance without valid reasons, such as being sick, you might be considered to be neglecting your study, and, as a result, an extension of period of stay might not be granted. Even with a good reason, if you do not have proof, the application will not be granted. If there is something you feel uncertain about in relation to getting an extension of period of stay or a change of status, please consult with your school office or foreign student counseling organizations.
Immigrants information center
https://www.isa.go.jp/en/consultation/center/index.html
If you fail to make an application for an extension by the expiry date, you will be labeled as an "illegal resident". Status renewal applications can be made 3 months before your status of residence expires, and such applications should be made as early as possible.
Immigration Services Bureaus will first receive your application for extension of period of stay, and then send you the result of your request by post. You will then need to go to the Immigration Services Bureau again to receive your extension of period of stay. When you submit an application, you will have "under application" stamped on your residence card, and that way you can wait to hear back from the Immigration Services Bureau. If you are in possession of this "under application" stamp, you will not be classed as an "illegal resident" even if your permission of stay expires while you are waiting.
When you leave Japan, if you do not have permission to re-enter (that is, a valid visa at the time of re-entry), you will have to re-apply for a certificate of eligibility and acquire a new visa.
However, your residence card is considered valid re-entry permission. If you leave Japan and return within one year, you will be granted re-entry to Japan if you show your valid residence card and passport when you arrive.
If you plan on leaving Japan and will not return for over 1 year, you will need to apply for and receive re-entry permission at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau before you leave Japan. The fee for this re-entry permit is 3,000 yen for a single re-entry, or 6,000 yen for multiple re-entries. You will receive a re-entry permit label that will be affixed to your passport.