Visa guide · Asia
Instructor Visa for Teaching English in Japan
Japan's visa for K-12 ALT and public school teaching roles. Bachelor's required, native-English speaker preference.
Japan splits its teaching visas into two: the Instructor visa for public elementary, junior high, and senior high school teachers (including ALTs through dispatch companies), and the Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa for private language schools (eikaiwa). Most teachers don't choose — the employer determines which applies.
What you need
- 1Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- 2Letter of sponsorship from the employing school or dispatch company
- 3Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by Japanese immigration
- 4Native-English speaker preference (not strictly required by visa rules but a practical hiring constraint)
- 5Passport-style photo and a clean passport
The process
Step 1
1. Get a job offer
JET program, a dispatch company (Interac, Heart, Borderlink), or a direct-hire school. JET applications open in October for the following August start.
Step 2
2. School applies for your COE
Your employer submits paperwork to Japanese immigration. The COE takes 1-3 months to issue.
Step 3
3. Apply for the visa at a Japanese consulate
Once the COE is in hand, apply at a Japanese consulate in your home country. Visa stamped in 5-10 business days.
Step 4
4. Enter Japan, complete residency
Receive your residence card at the airport. Register at your local ward office within 14 days.
Common questions
JET vs eikaiwa visa — which is better?
JET is the most prestigious entry: government program, public school placement, full benefits. Eikaiwa hires year-round and you can start within 60 days, but the work is evening hours at private language schools.
Can I switch employers within Japan?
Yes. Once you're in Japan with a valid status, switching jobs is easier than in Korea — no Letter of Release needed. You do need to file a change-of-employer notice at the immigration bureau.
Did Japan add a language rule in 2026?
On 15 April 2026 Japan's Immigration Services Agency published guidance that people working mainly in interpersonal jobs that use language ability on the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status are expected to have CEFR B2 in the working language. For a non-Japanese working language, a native or official language of your country meets it, as does a test showing B2 or a documented university study in a country where it is official. We read the agency text on 6 October 2026 and explain it in our B2 rule article. The Instructor status is a separate status.
Do non-native speakers qualify?
Visa-wise, yes. Practically, almost all schools require native-English fluency. CELTA or TESOL plus exceptional English can land you eikaiwa or international school roles.
Japan roles hiring on this visa
See all →Country guide
Teach English in Japan
JET, eikaiwa chains, and ALT positions. Pay is steady, vacation is short.
See the full Japan guide →Other visa guides
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