I am currently trying to apply for a transfer to a Japanese university this June. Assuming my application paperwork is accepted, I would need to take an entrance exam in early/mid-July. I was looking at the Japanese embassy in America’s website and noticed they only accept new foreigners who are registered in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS), but registering is something done from the company’s side. It seems like it doesn’t take much time to register someone on it, but will the university I’m applying to accommodate an overseas foreigner to come take their exam (they allow foreigners, the question is overseas)? Or is there a better visa entry method so I can take this test?
3 comments
This sounds like a question that only your university can answer, tbh. If their admissions and student support is at all competent then they should be able to give you guidance.
>I am currently trying to apply for a transfer to a Japanese university this June.
A ***transfer***? Are you sure? Because the vast majority of Japanese universities don’t accept transfers. They accept starting-over-ers.
>It seems like it doesn’t take much time to register someone on it, but will the university I’m applying to accommodate an overseas foreigner to come take their exam
Almost certainly not.
Registration in the ERFS system is only part of the “getting into Japan” problem. You still need a valid ***visa***. Most people who took the entrance exams did so on a tourist visa/visa exemption. Which are not currently allowed. So it’s not just a case of “get ERFS, get in”. They would need to apply for a short-term visa of some sort on your behalf.
>Or is there a better visa entry method so I can take this test?
No.
You need to contact the university. Most schools have developed alternate testing setups for foreign students during the pandemic.
Your university would need to apply for an ERFS certificate for you on your behalf. You cannot apply for it yourself. Anyone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident must obtain a valid visa in order to enter Japan, and visas are only being issued to those who have ERFS certificates through a sponsor (in this case, a university). There is no other way to enter Japan at this time. Please reach out to your university to inquire about this process. Personally, I haven’t heard of ERFS certificates being issued to those who aren’t already admitted as either degree-seeking students or non-degree research students, so please do clarify with your university that they are willing/able to apply for an ERFS certificate for you based on your case with the purpose of taking an entrance examination.
Please understand that there is still a massive backlog of students from all over the world who have already been admitted to universities and have still not been allowed to enter Japan. Although the ministry of education has stated its goal of clearing that backlog “by the end of May”, that remains to be seen. It would behoove you to ask your university about what would happen or what to do in the event that you are unable to physically arrive in Japan by July for the entrance examination, what the steps will be, and about any additional information they can provide. It would also be a good idea to ask if there are any alternative options offered by your university for foreigners who are currently outside of Japan. Some universities have options, others don’t. You’ll never know if you don’t ask. Good luck!