question regarding studying in japan

[charlosian]

Hi, I had a question that has been bothering me for a few days. I'm planning to study abroad at a japanese language institute in tokyo next year, their term last three months so its possible to study without a student visa. However I'd like to study longer, when I asked about this, I got the annswer that i could just leave japan and come back.Now, I have heard this many times, most people say go to korea for a few days. I think it's a neat idea also, but how is it accomplished. I was mainly thinking what tickets to buy, because I know if you enter japan on a tourist visa you need to have a return ticket or they may not let you in. and upon coming back into japan from korea for example with a tourist visa again,you would need another return ticket, right? has anyone done this before? any information is greatly appreciated.

[bolt_krank]

If you enter with a one-way ticket, you may get hasseled. But you can make up an excuse such as "I'm buying a ticket to got elsewhere (not home country), in Japan."

As for going to Korea, it's just that - as long as you leave Japan before the tourist visa expires, when you come back in you'll get a new one.

[charlosian]

yeah, but what if they dont buy? I mean it's a good idea, have you tried this? and when?

[GomiGirl]

If you are studying at a repuatable institution, it is possible to get a student visa as long as you are enrolled for at least 6 months (and paid up).

It is an easy visa to get. Don't risk the Korea runs. It did work a while back, but really with the crack down on immigration, who wants to risk it?

Speak to the institution directly and get the correct answer. Free advice on the internet is only as good as what you pay for.

[Charles]

If you are studying at a repuatable institution, it is possible to get a student visa as long as you are enrolled for at least 6 months (and paid up).

To which I will emphasize:

If they're a reputable institution, they know it's their job to assist you with your student visa.

[charlosian]

thats a good point, the school does have a visa for long term students, but i think you have to study for a year, otherwise leave the country and return.
Im not doubting the korea run just rying to get into japan on a one way ticket sounds dangerous.

[GomiGirl]

thats a good point, the school does have a visa for long term students, but i think you have to study for a year, otherwise leave the country and return.
Im not doubting the korea run just rying to get into japan on a one way ticket sounds dangerous.

Best talk directly to them. They are the ones that are there to help you. Usually it is just 6 months that you are required to be enrolled.

[pheyton]

I think you should:

A. Give us a link to that institute

and

B. Don't trust an institute that tells you, "Ah, just leave the country and come back. Everything will be fine."

I did it for about 1 and a half years. I only got hassled 1 time, to which I told the immigration officer I was meeting my fiance to plan our wedding. He smiled and wished me good luck. It was true though so I had nothing to fear.

[Charles]

I did it for about 1 and a half years. I only got hassled 1 time, to which I told the immigration officer I was meeting my fiance to plan our wedding. He smiled and wished me good luck. It was true though so I had nothing to fear.

Well, at least nothing to fear that compared to marriage itself.

[charlosian]

heres the link http://arc-eg.com/ryugaku/index.html

[GomiGirl]

Looking briefly at the school website, it seems they will only issue visas if you are enrolled in a long term course and that is from 6 months to 2 years. So you don't need to be enrolled for a year just tell them you are planning to study for 6 months or more - ie the pre-college and then an intensive which is equivalent to a 6 months course.

So you can get a visa and to be honest, a student visa is the easiest one to get. If you have the tuition money for a six month course I would say to go with this one.

Then you can get special permission to work for up to 20 hours a week to suppliment your income, but that is best to do after you have the visa in your hand.