I am just wondering how your visa process went. If they really required a lot more information from you in regards to finances and the previous Japanese language study. I have researched a lot and am currently talking to gaijinpot about getting a visa but I just wanted to hear your experiences. Thanks so much!
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You’ll probably need to show proof of 150 hours of study. I heard some schools require it if you’re over thirty, but my school asked it of everyone regardless of age.
Beyond that, as long as you have the money, you’ll be fine. I do recommend working directly with the school of your choice though. They should have English staff and it’s just easier cutting out the middleman.
Me. No issues at all.
My school asked if I had experience learning but never asked beyond that. It may be a visa process concern in regards to visa applications. I am a high skill worker before going to school, so I may be getting an exception to this.
I know people that have done it that are 30+. Your age won’t be an issue as long as there are no other red flags.
I am 34 and currently applying for next April term start through Go Go Nihon, so I can speak a little from experience here.
Main difference is showing evidence of 150+ hours of study. Some schools require this, some don’t, but either way my understanding is that it’s a necessary requirement for 30+ for Japanese Immigration.
From talking with Go Go Nihon I believe it’s easier if you have a bachelor’s degree as immigration really likes this. That way you have shown evidence you can do a college level course and it’s relevant study. So if you have done 150 hours of self study I believe you can simply write a letter detailing this as evidence. Also any courses, lessons or tutors you have had can also be taken as evidence. Part of my application is a course I have done on Udemy – they provide a certificate upon completion which you can use as evidence. I haven’t gone down this path but Gogo Nihon itself also has a 3 months course which can get you the 150 hours. So there are a number of ways you can do this – best to ask your contact at the school or middle man company to confirm if what you have is acceptable.
Another option which can be done instead of showing 150 hours of study evidence (presuming you have done a decent amount of study) is to take the N5 JLPT. You effectively only need to pass this (IE. Like 50%) to be able to get the certificate which counts as evidence. Unfortunately though this is dependent on how often the tests are done and quickly results come through when sitting this in your country. In Australia for example the tests are only done like twice a year (next one in December), spots are very limited, and it will take another month for results to come out.
You also need to show at least 2mil Yen equivalent for 1 year study and have a work history of 2+ years with no large gaps. I have provided my tax returns for the last two years as evidence of this, as well as bank statements.
From one mature age (hopeful) student to another I wish you all the best ! It was a bit hard for me to get over the fear of being a bit older than everyone else, but my strong desire to study and live in Japan won out and I am going all in. It’s never too late to go for your dream! You can do it !
I’m literally in the middle of that process, but I’m doing it through gogonihon. They did ask for some proof of previous study, but all I had was self study (Duolingo, wanikani and others) and they accepted it apparently.
Haven’t received my CoE or visa yet, but I’ve filed all my paperwork.
Turning 31 in a month btw
I will be 33 when I (hopefully) start in April next year. I’m applying to the school directly, and they didn’t need proof of previous language education.
My issue was that I don’t have the full amount of money required for 2 year visa yet, though I should by April. I ended up using my parents as sponsors, even though I’ll actually pay it myself. Apparently some schools don’t like sponsors for students over 30, but mine doesn’t seem to care.
I’m so glad to hear of more over 30’s students going, though I still expect most of the class will be early 20’s.
I’m 30 and currently applying for a visa for January 2023 through Go Go Nihon, like a few other people in the comments, and I didn’t have any problems applying, either. Pretty much had the same experience as everyone else, I didn’t even realise it was because of my age that they asked for proof of attendance for the Japanese classes that I’ve taken so far. I haven’t got the CoE yet (think the embassy issues it quite close to the start of your planned stay) but the school accepted me without any issues and it doesn’t look like anything will get in the way at this point.
i was 39, i have a master’s degree, which perhaps helped though it has nothing to do with japanese, and there were no problems with my visa. my school didn’t require to show 150 hours of studying or whatever, either.