Extension of period of stay
In Japanese: 在留期間更新 (zairyu kikan koshin)
Definition
Extending the period of stay (zairyu kikan koshin) means applying, before your period of stay ends, to stay longer for the same activity.
In more detail
Apply by the day the period of stay ends; those with six months or more may apply from three months before.
Standard processing takes two weeks to a month, the fee depends on the period granted, and online applications are possible.
For international students, a low attendance rate is noted as a risk to approval, which ties the extension to the school’s enrollment management.
In Classio
In Classio’s international-student screens, residence card expiry dates are tracked: students within 90 days of expiry show as expiring soon, and those who applied for renewal before expiry as renewal pending.
See also
Related terms
- Residence card
A residence card (zairyu kado) is issued to mid- to long-term residents staying in Japan for more than three months and shows their status and period of stay.
- Residence status
Residence status is the legal status that lets a foreign national stay and act in Japan; there are types such as "Student", each with a period of stay.
- Enrollment management for international students
Enrollment management for international students means the accepting school tracking students’ enrollment and attendance and making the required notifications and reports.
Sources
- Immigration Services Agency: Application for extension of period of stay — When to apply and standard processing time
- MEXT: Operating guideline for the policy on institutions that do not manage international students’ enrollment properly — Attendance-rate guide, notifications on withdrawal or dismissal, periodic reports
Sources checked: October 24, 2026