ALT RECRUITMENT AND IMMIGRATION
ALT Instructor Visa Japan | Recruitment, Dispatch & Renewal
Immigration support for ALT agencies, boards of education, schools and foreign teaching assistants. We review the employer, assignment schools and actual teaching activities before preparing applications.
Standard extension: ¥44,000 (tax incl.) and up. Government fees and expenses are additional where applicable.
Phone: 9:00–18:00 Japan time. Online inquiries are accepted nationwide and from abroad.
The ALT job title alone is not enough
Foreign Assistant Language Teachers working in eligible schools may undertake activities under Instructor status. Actual duties, employer arrangements and the schools where lessons are delivered must be reviewed.
Private language school duties, sales tasks or other work outside the permitted educational activity require separate immigration consideration.
Documents and facts to prepare
Common ALT employment patterns
| Arrangement | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Single school assignment | School type, duties and employment relationship |
| Several schools | Assignments, schedules and activity across all schools |
| Private English lessons | Whether a different residence status is needed |
| Teaching mixed with non-teaching tasks | Nature and proportion of the proposed activities |
Important points for employers and teachers
Overseas recruitment for multiple teachers
Individual eligibility, education records, intended start dates and required documents should be tracked for each applicant, even when a company recruits a large intake.
Agency employer versus school of instruction
A clear explanation of the employing company, receiving schools, contracts, supervision and teaching locations helps align the application with the actual work.
Changes in assignment
Changes in affiliated activity institutions may give rise to notification obligations. Certain notifications must generally be filed within 14 days of the relevant event.
Year-to-year renewals
We review new contracts, continuing educational activity, status expiry and whether a change in work arrangements affects visa eligibility.
Application process
Review eligibility
Check school status, duties, immigration status and credentials.
Prepare documentation
Confirm contracts, applicant records and school materials.
Apply and follow up
Prepare the relevant application and respond to requests for further documents.
Professional fees
| Service | Fee (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | ¥110,000 and up |
| Change to Instructor status | ¥110,000 and up |
| Standard extension (without major changes) | ¥44,000 and up |
| Extension after changing employer | Quoted individually; standard site price from ¥110,000 |
Frequently asked questions
Can an ALT employed by a dispatch company use Instructor status?
It may be possible, depending on the actual school, teaching duties and contractual arrangements.
Can an ALT teach at several schools?
The assignments and educational activities at each school must be considered together.
Can the same ALT teach at private conversation schools?
The legal scope of permitted work must be checked; another residence status or permission may be required.
Does changing agencies always require a change of status?
Not necessarily. Notification duties and eligibility for the new activities still require review.
Related information
NATIONWIDE IMMIGRATION SUPPORT
Planning to hire or work as a teacher in Japan?
Masunobu Kawagoe Administrative Scrivener Office can review the proposed role, school classification and application materials. Contact us before setting a firm work start date.