How International Students Can Get a Business Manager Visa: 2 Key Challenges and Solutions

Video Guide: From Student Visa to Business Manager Visa

If You Are an International Student Thinking Like This

Some of you reading this article may share the thoughts above. This article is designed for you. We will focus on common concerns and questions many people have.

Model Case

The visa system is not simple. You may encounter confusing structures and complex terminology. To make things easier to understand, we will explain using the following model case.

Model Case

A is 20 years old and an international student studying at a Japanese school (referred to here as “Touch University”). A holds a “Student” residence status. To reduce the financial burden on their parents, A works part-time as a translator, with proper permission for activities outside their visa status.

A is planning to start a business in Japan after graduating from university. Therefore, A has already begun preparing while still enrolled.

What You Will Learn in This Article

This article explains the Business Manager Visa from the perspective of international students and covers:

Can You Obtain a Business Manager Visa After Dropping Out or Being Expelled?

(1) Case: Obtaining a Business Manager Visa After Graduation

Let’s start with the typical case of obtaining a Business Manager Visa after graduation, like A in the model case.

However, concerns may arise: what if you drop out, or fail to graduate after enrolling? Below, we explain whether a visa can still be obtained and what these situations mean for your application.

(2) Can You Get a Business Manager Visa After Dropping Out?

Dropping Out Is Acceptable

Even if A drops out of Touch University, can they still obtain a Business Manager Visa? The answer is yes. This is because graduation is not a requirement for this visa. In fact, no academic background is required to obtain a Business Manager Visa.

Risks and Countermeasures When Dropping Out

However, caution is needed. Immigration authorities may question why someone who came to Japan to study decides to drop out and start a business. Since each case differs, you should be able to explain your reasons clearly and logically.

If it appears that you simply want to avoid school and stay in Japan, obtaining the visa will likely become difficult. A well-prepared business plan is essential to address this concern.

(3) Can You Get a Business Manager Visa After Expulsion?

Poor Attendance or Academic Performance

Not everyone enjoys attending classes or taking exams. Some may struggle with attendance or academic results due to lack of motivation, health issues, or personal matters. Even motivated students may face difficulties due to illness or personal obligations.

In such cases, schools—especially language schools and vocational schools—may expel students due to strict attendance requirements.

The Impact of Expulsion

If A is expelled, this may negatively affect their immigration record. As a result, the risk of visa denial increases.

Plan B After Expulsion

If you are expelled, changing from a student visa to a Business Manager Visa may become difficult. However, there is still an alternative: returning to your home country and applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for a Business Manager Visa. This approach may increase your chances of approval.

Unique Challenges for International Students and How to Address Them

(1) Challenges Specific to International Students

International students like A face unique challenges when starting a business. Two key issues are: ① Business stability and continuity ② Actual involvement in management

(2) Business Stability and Continuity

Requirement for Stability and Continuity

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, your business must be stable and sustainable. This means your business should not be at risk of failing shortly after starting.

Immigration authorities evaluate whether the business can operate continuously based on various factors.

Concerns About Student Businesses

Running a business is not easy. It requires effort, talent, and experience. In A’s case, as a 20-year-old student with little experience, there may be concerns about their ability to sustain a business.

Therefore, international students may be viewed as lacking sufficient business stability and continuity. This can lead to visa denial.

Possible Solutions

You may feel it is unfair to be judged this way. To counter this, you must demonstrate with evidence that your business is viable.

Useful examples include contracts with clients and a detailed, well-prepared business plan.

(3) Actual Participation in Management

Financial Requirements

One requirement for the Business Manager Visa is a minimum capital investment of 5 million yen.

Requirement of Active Involvement

Applicants must be actively involved in running the business. Immigration authorities assess whether you are truly managing the company.

One key factor is your personal investment amount, and the source of funds will also be examined.

Concerns Specific to International Students

Two main concerns arise:

Q1. Since students are generally restricted from working, where did the investment funds come from?

Q2. Even with permission to work part-time, students are limited to 28 hours per week. Did the applicant comply with this rule?

Risks and Countermeasures

For Q1, you must clearly explain the source of funds, such as financial support from parents. Bank transfers are preferable for proof.

For Q2, if illegal overwork is discovered, your application is likely to be rejected. Funds earned through illegal work are considered invalid. In severe cases, you may even be asked to leave Japan.

The best solution is prevention—strictly manage your working hours and comply with regulations.

Summary and Future Strategy for International Students

(1) Key Takeaways

(2) Advice for International Students

Have a Long-Term Vision

It’s important to plan ahead, as some issues are difficult to fix later. For example, avoiding illegal overwork requires consistent attention from the beginning.

Act Strategically

Most students graduate in March, and their student visa typically expires in April or May. With this limited timeframe, delaying decisions or preparation can be risky.

Stay Focused During Your Studies

As explained, your behavior during your student period can significantly impact your visa outcome. Regular attendance and good academic performance are important.

Consult Professionals

There are limits to what you can handle alone, especially while studying and working part-time in a foreign country. Many successful applicants have worked with immigration professionals.

At TOUCH Law Firm, we specialize in Business Manager Visas and have extensive experience. Studying abroad is already challenging, and starting a business in a foreign country requires determination. We are committed to fully supporting your journey.