For foreign residents living in Japan, maintaining or changing their status of residence (visa) is the most critical factor for ensuring a stable life. In particular, proving Japanese language proficiency is an essential requirement when preparing for employment, studying abroad, or obtaining permanent residency. While many foreigners have traditionally prepared for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), the most popular option, an increasing number of people are recently facing disruptions to their visa application plans due to unexpected circumstances.
Registration for the JLPT scheduled for December 2026 closed early for all levels from N1 to N5 as the number of applicants surged exponentially, filling all available slots before the official application period even ended. Since the exam is held only twice a year, countless foreign test-takers and visa applicants who missed this opportunity are left in a difficult position. This can be a critical situation, especially for those whose status of residence is nearing expiration or change.
However, there is no need to lose hope and give up on your visa preparation. Government authorities, including the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, have established various alternative official exams that satisfy visa requirements and actively encourage applicants to utilize them.
'JFT-Basic' for Specified Skilled Worker and Training-to-Employment Visa Applicants
To assist test-takers facing difficulties with visa applications due to missing the JLPT registration, the Immigration Services Agency has officially distributed an information leaflet suggesting the "JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)" as an alternative. This exam is considered an ideal solution, particularly for those preparing for the "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" status of residence for on-site labor, as well as the upcoming "Training-to-Employment" (Ikusei Shuryo) visa.
JFT-Basic is a test that measures the basic communication skills required for daily life and work in Japan. The specific reasons why this exam serves as an excellent alternative to the JLPT are as follows:
- Flexible and Frequent Exam Schedule: Unlike the JLPT, which is held only twice a year, the JFT-Basic is, in principle, administered multiple times every month across 11 regions in Japan. This allows you to flexibly select an exam date that aligns with your visa application timeline.
- Official Visa Requirement Fulfillment: Achieving a score of A2.2 or A1 or higher on the JFT-Basic officially satisfies the Japanese language proficiency requirement for "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" and "Training-to-Employment" visa applications.
- Applicable for Student Visas: JFT-Basic scores are also officially recognized as a means to prove the A1-equivalent Japanese language proficiency required when applying for a student visa.
Utilizing 'BJT' for Highly Skilled Professional Points and Permanent Residency
If you are aiming to build a professional career and obtain the "Highly Skilled Professional" status (Highly Skilled Professional Points), apply for permanent residency, or secure a business management-related status of residence, the "BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test)" can be a powerful alternative.
BJT evaluates practical Japanese communication skills in a business environment. Under the Highly Skilled Professional Points System, bonus points are awarded based on BJT scores, equivalent to those given to JLPT N1 or N2 holders. This makes it highly useful for foreign professionals looking to fast-track their permanent residency. Another major advantage is that it is a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) exam, offering frequent testing opportunities and quick result confirmation.
Various CEFR-Compliant Exams Approved by the Government
According to surveys conducted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan between 2020 and 2021, there are various official exams that align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to objectively prove Japanese language proficiency. The representative list of alternative exams includes:
- JPT, NAT-TEST, J.TEST, STBJ
- J-CAT, TOPJ, J-cert, PJC, OPIc, JLCT, ONiT, S-JEP, JLCAT
These exams have different purposes and evaluation methods, and their scope of recognition may vary depending on the specific status of residence requirements. Therefore, it is important to carefully check the detailed guidelines for the visa you wish to obtain and choose an exam that fits your schedule.
While the early closure of JLPT registration is challenging, you can still successfully complete your visa application or status change plans by taking advantage of the alternative exam systems officially recognized by the Japanese government. We encourage you to check the schedules and requirements for each exam in advance to prepare wisely.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: The Japan Times