What is the meaning of a certificate of graduation from a Japanese language school that is useful for visa applications?

September 3, 2025October 12, 2025

In order for a foreigner to work in Japan, he/she must obtain a "status of residence" (work visa). However, work visas are not easily granted to everyone,Education, work experience, and expertise is an important point of review.

Among the questions often asked by companies and applicants are Is a certificate of graduation from a Japanese language school valid for visa application?" This is the point.

This article explains in detail the meaning of a Japanese language school graduation certificate in visa applications, how to use it when applying for a visa, and points to note. It is useful for human resource managers of companies that employ foreign employees and for foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan in the future.

TOC

What is a Japanese Language School Graduation Certificate?

Basic Positioning

A Japanese Language School Graduation Certificate is a document certifying that a foreigner has "completed a Japanese language course of study. Generally, it is issued in the following cases

Upon completion of a regular course at a Japanese language school
When you have completed a certain period of study (usually one year or more) at a designated educational institution

Types of Japanese Language Schools

Ministry of Justice Notification Schools (so-called "Notification Schools")
→ Regular Japanese language education institutions recognized by the Immigration Office
non-designated school
→ Not allowed to enter with a regular student visa, but may be used for short-term study, etc.

Basically, a diploma from a "notified school" is evaluated in the work visa application process.

2. the meaning of a Japanese language school graduation certificate in a work visa application

(1) Proof of Japanese language ability

In a work visa application,Do you have sufficient Japanese language skills to perform work in Japan? are considered important. Especially in sales, office work, customer service, and other occupations where there are many opportunities to use Japanese, a certificate of graduation from a Japanese language school is highly regarded as "proof of formal Japanese language education".

(2) History of residence in Japan and willingness to study

The diploma is not just about language skills,Ability to adapt to life in Japan The fact that you have attended Japanese language school for a long period of time is evidence that you have the necessary foundation for living in Japan. The fact that you have attended Japanese language school for a long period of time is evidence that you have the necessary foundation for life in Japan.

(iii) Supplemental materials for those who do not have a high school or college degree

Normally, a "college degree" or "10 years or more of work experience" is required for a work visa. However, even if you do not meet the academic background requirement, a certificate of graduation from a Japanese language school can be used as "supplementary material to demonstrate your Japanese language ability and aptitude for work.

Can I get a visa only with a certificate of graduation from a Japanese language school?

Conclusions,A certificate of graduation from a Japanese language school is not enough to obtain a work visa.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

reason

Japanese language schools are "language education institutions" and are different from vocational schools and universities.
Not subject to immigration education requirements (e.g., college degree or professional degree)

However, it is significant in the following cases

Prerequisite material for further professional studies at technical schools and universities
Submitted as proof of Japanese language proficiency when applying for a work visa for technical, humanities, or international business.
Supplement your "language study history" with a certificate of JLPT passing along with your application for a Specified Skills Visa.

4. situations in which a Japanese language school graduation certificate is used

(1) Work visa application

Japanese language jobs → Valid as proof of Japanese language proficiency
Attached when employers demonstrate language proficiency of foreign nationals.

(2) Application for permanent residence permit

Evaluated as part of your history of residence and study in Japan.

(3) Application for naturalization

May be required to submit as one of the documents to show Japanese language proficiency.

5. points that companies should know

Avoid misunderstandings during recruitment

You can get a work visa because you graduated from a Japanese language school" → Misunderstanding
The correct answer is, "It proves Japanese language proficiency, but by itself it is not sufficient."

Confirmation during interview

Along with a certificate of graduation, it is preferable to verify the certificate by passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or a conversation test.

Timing of document submission

Original or photocopy + translation may be required for submission to immigration authorities
Translations are generally prepared in Japanese or English and signed

6. frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I get a work visa without a diploma?
A. Yes. There is no problem as long as your educational background and work experience meet the requirements. However, it may be disadvantageous if you lack materials showing your Japanese language ability.

Q2. What is the difference between a certificate of completion and a certificate of graduation?
A. A certificate of completion proves that you have "completed a certain period of study," while a certificate of graduation proves that you have been "officially certified" as a graduate. The Immigration Bureau is more likely to evaluate a diploma.

Q3: Is a certificate of graduation from an overseas Japanese language school valid?
A. Although it can be used as a reference, the evaluation is lower than that of Japanese notified schools.

summary

A certificate of graduation from a Japanese language school is not, by itself, a decisive requirement for obtaining a work visa. However,Reinforcing documents proving Japanese language proficiency and history of residence in Japan It is very important as a It is a positive factor for screening, especially for jobs where Japanese is used on a daily basis, such as customer service and sales.

Human resource personnel at companies should understand that a certificate of graduation does not guarantee a visa, and should use it as a reference material when hiring, and feel comfortable consulting with an administrative scrivener or other specialist when applying.

Our office provides total support for employment of foreign nationals, including visa application support utilizing Japanese language school graduation certificates. Please feel free to contact us.