student visas

[ki_ga_kawaru]

Hi, I'm new here & although ive done a quick search, I cant find what i'm looking for.

Basically I'm a British female looking to study Japanese in Tokyo. Firstly, I'm completely in the dark about how I start off, whether it can be done, what i might need in order to obtain a student visa, whether i can still work on a student visa (parttime) etc...
can anyone shove me in the right direction in terms of a website, or if you yourself are studying in Japan on a student visa, let me know your feelings.

Also, where is a good place to study Japanese in Japan? Ive studied Japanese before, for 3-4 years in the UK. But as I've never taken any exmas, I cant proove I can speak it in terms of qualifications.

Also, how strict are they in Japan on student visas? In London I know several people who are here on a student visa but dont really study there - i.e, turn up every know and then, but they are mainly working. They only get the visa as a way into England. I know that is just England, but how strict is Japan. (For example, if I do get a visa, go to Japan, start studying but hate it, can I look for work?)

[GomiGirl]

How old are you? If you are under 25, come on a working holiday visa, work part time and enrol in a japanese school. You are not supposed to work on a student visa AFAIK.

[ki_ga_kawaru]

I am over 25. Ive heard there is a small chance if you are under 30 that you can still get a working-holiday visa, but, its only small. Seeing as I dont have any strong skills that I feel I could offer Japan, I think my best bet is a student visa.

Am I not even allowed to get a part-time job? Not many students can survive without a part-time job, and in my case, if I was to go to Tokyo on a student visa & study, I'd definately need something to keep me afloat..

[Taro Toporific]

[yellowlightman]

Figured it would be easier to ask in this thread than start a new one...

Im currently applying for a student visa through a language school in Japan, I've already got a guarantor and the school will be handing in my application forms and everything. What are my chances of getting a student visa? Are they hard to get?

[Taro Toporific]

Im currently applying for a student visa through a language school in Japan, I've already got a guarantor and the school will be handing in my application forms and everything. What are my chances of getting a student visa? Are they hard to get?

If it is a legit school and you are not a serial killer, there's 99% "chance" you'll get the visa.
(Some schools are geared for scamming gaijin looking to only work in Japan and not study.)