JLPT N5 Now Required for Japan Student Visa

Japan's Immigration Services Agency has tightened the rules for student visa applications to Japanese language schools. From October 2026, the long-standing "150-hour Japanese study certificate" will no longer be accepted as proof of language ability.

Applicants must now submit a recognized language proficiency exam certificate at A1 level or above.

What changed

For years, students applying for a ryugaku (student) residence status to attend a Japanese language school (日本語教育機関) could satisfy the language requirement by submitting a certificate showing they had completed 150 hours of Japanese study. That option is being phased out.

The change was announced by Japan's Ministry of Justice on April 10, 2026, and takes effect for:

• New Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications filed from October 2026 onward
• Renewal applications filed on or after July 1, 2026

Accepted exam certificates

Applicants must now provide a certificate from one of the recognized proficiency exams at A1 level or higher:

• JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) — N5 or higher
• NAT-TEST — Level 5-Q or higher
• J.TEST — Level F-G or higher

The JLPT is the most widely recognized and the exam we recommend for most Sri Lankan applicants.

Who this affects

This rule applies specifically to applicants entering a Japanese language education institution (日本語教育機関) on a student visa.

It does not apply to:

• University degree applicants on English-taught programs (e.g. Global 30 programs at UTokyo, Waseda SILS, Sophia FLA, Keio PEARL)
• Applicants who already hold a recognized university degree
• Applicants who already have qualifying proficiency

If you're heading to a Japanese-medium university program, check your institution's specific language requirements — those are set separately.

Related change: work visa language requirement

Alongside the student visa update, a Japanese language requirement was added to the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services work visa category on April 15, 2026. This means the language bar has been raised at both the entry point (student visa) and the transition point (student to work visa).

What this means for Sri Lankan applicants

If you're planning to study at a Japanese language school in Japan, you now need to pass JLPT N5 (or equivalent) before submitting your visa application — not after arrival.

For most complete beginners, reaching JLPT N5 level takes approximately 6 months of structured study.

How Momiji Academy can help

Momiji Academy offers structured N5 preparation courses conducted online from Japan, designed to get complete beginners to exam-ready proficiency in 6 months:

• 6-month N5 course with JLPT/NAT exam preparation
• Continuous monthly classes for flexible pacing
• Individual or group sessions — once per week, 3 hours per session
• Guidance on the student visa application process included

If you're planning to apply for a student visa in the October 2026 intake or later, now is the time to start preparing.

Contact us:

• WhatsApp: 0777 14 24 18
• Website: momijiaca.com

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This article is based on the official notification from Japan's Immigration Services Agency dated April 10, 2026. For the full official announcement, refer to the source linked below.