Issues Concerning Family Accompanying of International Students in Japanese Language Schools

1. Introduction: The Increase in the Number of International Students and the "Family" Perspective

In recent years, the number of foreign students studying at Japanese language schools in Japan has continued to increase. People from diverse backgrounds, ranging from young people to working adults, are working hard to learn Japanese as a first step toward entering Japanese universities and vocational schools or finding employment.

But on the other side of this great challenge,For international students with families, "living away from family" is a major barrier that cannot be overlookedexists.

In this column, we will discuss the status of "College Student" in Japan.Principles of Family Visa (Family Resident Visa)and especiallyThe Reality of Severe Restrictions on International Students at Japanese Language Schoolsand discusses the issues behind it.

2. "College Student" Status and Principles of Family Residence Visa

In principle, "Family Visa" status is required for spouses and children of foreign nationals studying in Japan to stay in Japan with them for the purpose of receiving support.

• Subject: International students (dependents)Spouse and Child(Parents and siblings are not eligible. (Parents and siblings are not eligible.)
• The biggest review point: A foreign student who is a dependent,Do you have sufficient financial resources to support your family?are strictly scrutinized. As a rule, international students are limited to 28 hours of work per week,Sufficient remittances and savings from home countryis required.
• Other review points: The enrollment status (attendance rate, grades) of the international student himself/herself, andCompliance with activities outside the scope of qualification (part-time work)is also a factor in determining whether the student is conducting appropriate study abroad activities.

It is important to note that the "family stay" visa is onlyAllows international students to support their families without interfering with their main objective, their studies.This is only allowed in the case of

3. why can't international students at Japanese language schools invite their families?

In principle, even those with "College Student" status are not allowed to apply for "Family Residency" depending on the educational institution where they are enrolled.

Specify definitive limitations

Educational institutions where family residency is permitted are under Japanese law (notice),Universities, graduate schools, professional training colleges (specialized courses), and other schools recognized by the Minister of JusticeIt is limited to

Unfortunately,Japanese language schools (with a few exceptions) are not included in this list in principle.

The State's Approach Behind the Restrictions

Why are restrictions imposed on foreign students at Japanese language schools? Therein lies the following concept of Japan's Immigration and Immigration Control Agency.

1. Positioned as a "preparatory period." A stay at a Japanese language school is considered a "preparatory period for entering a Japanese institution of higher education" such as a university or vocational school. The main activity is academic, and maintaining and managing one's life with one's family members tends to be judged as an obstacle to the fulfillment of one's original purpose.
2. Curbing illegal employment: The reality is that international students in Japanese language schools are more likely to be regarded as having weaker economic power than students in universities and graduate schools. They have to bring their families with them to earn their living expenses.Risk of international students themselves or their family members engaging in illegal employment beyond the limit of activities outside of their status (28 hours per week).The strict operation of the system is due to concerns about the

Therefore, even if you have sufficient savings in your home country, it will be difficult in principle to accompany your family while you are attending Japanese language school on a "family stay" visa.

4. the reality and challenges of international students living away from their families

The system of not being allowed to bring family members with them has a significant impact on the lives of international students.

• Mental and financial burdens: Living away from young children and spouses for extended periods of time is,Mental loneliness and stressThis can cause the
• Impact on academics: It is not easy to concentrate on your studies in an unfamiliar foreign country without support from your family. Especially for international students who are responsible for raising their children, it is not easy to concentrate on their studies in a foreign country to which they are not accustomed.The difficulty level increases markedly.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
• Limitations of temporary measures: The only way to see family members is through a "Temporary Visitor Visa" for tourism and other purposes. However, a short-term stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days and does not allow work, making it inadequate for maintaining long-term family ties.

5. summary and recommendations: questioning the system

While the restrictions on family accompaniment for foreign students at Japanese language schools show the rigor of the system,Weighing "Study" and "Family" in the BalanceThis creates a reality that forces the