Instructor
Language and other teachers at elementary, junior-high and high schools or similar institutions.
The Instructor is a Japanese work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Instructor is for
Language and other teachers at elementary, junior-high and high schools or similar institutions.
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Instructor - eligibility criteria
- Teaching post at a school below university level
- Bachelor's degree or relevant teaching qualification/experience
- Language teaching usually requires native/near-native ability
- Salary meeting standard levels
- School willing to sponsor
Instructor cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Instructor (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Teaching at the sponsoring school |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Professor · Professor, Engineer / Humanities · Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Student · Student. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Instructor pitfalls we fix
Instructor - frequently asked questions
How much does the Instructor cost?
The Instructor government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Instructor take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Instructor lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Can I work on the Instructor?
Work rights: Teaching at the sponsoring school.
Who can apply for the Instructor?
Language and other teachers at elementary, junior-high and high schools or similar institutions.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority