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COE, Visa, and Residence Status
A: If you’re a prospective international student or researcher joining our university, or a family member traveling with them, you’ll need to obtain “Form1” and “Form2” from your host faculty or department. These forms contain the necessary information for the COE application process through the university’s COE web application system. Once you have compiled the required documents, you can complete the application by accessing the URL provided in “Form1.”
For university staff, further details are available on the following webpage (accessible within the university network only):
Q2: When should I begin the COE application process?
A: The COE screening process by the Immigration Services Agency typically takes 1-3 months. However, processing times may be longer during peak periods (such as February-March and August-September) or if additional documents are requested. To avoid delays, please start the application as soon as your travel to Japan is confirmed.
Q3: What steps should I take after receiving the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for my trip to Japan?
A: Once you have your COE, please apply for a visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. Be sure to allow enough time for visa issuance to ensure it aligns with your planned travel date.
Visa application forms, along with a list of required documents for each residence status, can be downloaded from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
Note: The COE is valid for three months from the issue date, so you must apply for the visa and enter Japan within this period.
Q4: What should I do if my plans to travel to Japan are canceled after applying for the COE?
A: If your travel plans are canceled, please inform your host contact or the International Support Center (ISC) as soon as possible. The ISC will then withdraw your COE application.
If you have already received the COE in electronic form (by email), please delete it. The ISC will proceed with invalidating the COE.
If you received a paper COE, please return it to us via international mail, and we will forward it to the immigration authorities for cancellation.
Q5: Who should apply for the COE for family members coming to Japan from my home country?
A: If you are an international student or researcher already residing in Japan, you are responsible for preparing the necessary documents and submitting the COE application on behalf of your family members. Please note that in this case, Tohoku University cannot apply for family members’ COEs on your behalf.
If you need assistance with this, please contact the ISC.
Q6: Is it possible to receive a hard copy paper COE with my photo, in addition to the electronic COE (e-COE)?
A: Tohoku University issues all COEs electronically, and we cannot issue a separate paper COE in addition to the e-COE.
Q7: I plan to work at Tohoku University for two months under the “Professor” residence status. What residence status will my accompanying family members need?
A: For stays under 90 days, family members can generally apply for a “Short-Term Stay” visa. However, there have been cases where embassies or consulates have recommended applying for “Dependent” visa instead. In case Dependent visa is required, COE application will be necessary. Please first confirm with the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for the visa.
Q8: I plan to visit Tohoku University to attend a conference. Since my nationality does not qualify for a visa exemption for short-term stays, I need to apply for a short-term visa. Where should I request the necessary documents, such as an invitation letter?
A: Please request the required documents, including the invitation letter, itinerary, organizational overview, or proof of employment from your host department at Tohoku University.
Q9. I am currently residing in Japan as a mid-to-long-term resident. What should I know about the handling of my residence status when temporarily leaving Japan?
A: If you plan to re-enter Japan within one year of your departure date (or by your residence expiration date if it’s less than one year), you should apply for a “Special Re-entry Permit.”
When you complete the departure procedures, make sure to indicate that you are temporarily leaving and intend to return by checking the appropriate box on the “Re-entry Departure Record” (Re-entry ED card). Inform the immigration officer that you wish to leave under the special re-entry permit.
(Special Re-entry permit : https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/immigration/resources/re-ed_index.html?hl=en)
If you have more than a year remaining on your residence status and plan to re-enter Japan more than a year after your departure, you will need to obtain a “re-entry permit” in advance.
Q10: I want to change my residence status from “Professor” to “Highly Skilled Professional” using the points-based system. What is the process for this?
A: First, calculate the points you can earn using the points calculation table for highly skilled professionals. If you meet or exceed the required points, you’ll need to prepare and submit the following documents to the Sendai Immigration Services Agency:
- the application form for change of residence status
- the points calculation table
- supporting documents that verify your points
If you need assistance to submit the application to the immigration bureau, please contact the ISC.
On-arrival Support
Q1: What kind of support is available for traveling to Sendai from the airport upon arrival in Japan?
A: If you arrive at either Narita, Haneda, or Sendai Airport, we provide on-arrival assistance at the airport in Tokyo, such as purchasing Shinkansen tickets and guidance for transfers at the airport. Additionally, we offer greet-and-guide support upon your arrival at Sendai Station. Please note however, that we do not provide on-site assistance within Tokyo Station.
Q2: Are participants staying for only a few days, such as conference attendees, eligible for support?
A: Yes, short-term visitors, including conference participants, are eligible for support.
Q3. Can I receive assistance with hotel bookings if I want a room that costs less than the amount specified in Tohoku University’s travel expense regulations?
A: Yes, please inform us of your request when applying for support. However, please note that availability may be affected by hotel occupancy, and we may not always be able to meet your preferences.
Note to Tohoku University Faculty and Staff: If you are hosting a conference and require support for a large number of participants, please consult our center at least one month in advance to facilitate arrangements for accommodation and other logistics.
Q4: How can I purchase tickets and navigate the trains or buses when traveling from Narita/Haneda Airport to Sendai?
A: For information on accessing Sendai from Narita or Haneda Airport, please refer to the following link
Additionally, the ISC provides assistance with transfers and ticket purchases at Narita, Haneda, and Sendai Airports.
Q5. If I arrive in Sendai late at night, will I be able to receive welcome assistance?
A: On-arrival support at Sendai Station and Sendai Airport is available only for those arriving in Sendai by 8:00 PM.
Accompanying Family Members
Q1. Are accompanying family members eligible for support?
A: Yes, they are eligible for support.
Q2. Can you assist with the enrollment of children in nursery schools or elementary schools?
A: Yes, we provide support for finding schools and childcare facilities, enrollment procedures, and interpretation assistance during interviews.
Q3. Is it possible to enroll children with foreign nationals in schools in Sendai?
A: Whether enrollment is possible depends on the child’s residence status and the type of school. The ISC can assist with coordination between schools and local authorities. Therefore, if assistance is needed, please first provide the ISC with further details to get started.
Q4. What steps should I take to enroll my children in a nursery (kindergarten) during our stay?
A: The application process for enrollment varies based on the children’s residence status, the type of facility (nursery/kindergarten) desired, and the parents’ employment situation. The ISC can assist with coordination between schools and local authorities. Therefore, if assistance is needed, please first provide the ISC with further details to get started.
Q5. I would like to enroll my child in the on-campus nursery at Tohoku University. What should I do?
A: The on-campus nursery at Tohoku University accepts healthy children(ages 2 months to pre-school age) from families of students, faculty and staff with employment ties to the university, as well as JSPS foreign researchers who require childcare. Please note that if there is someone at home who can provide childcare, the child will not be eligible for enrollment.
Applications for enrollment are accepted year-round, and selection will take place if there are available spots. To apply, please submit your application documents to the Human Resources Planning Division (Childcare Section) by the 15th of the month two months prior to your desired month of enrollment (or the last business day before the 15th if it falls on a weekend or holiday).
For more details, please refer to the Tohoku University on-campus childcare facility’s website.
Q6. How can I arrange for my child to receive vaccinations in Sendai?
A: You will need the vaccination voucher issued by your local municipality. Please bring documents that outline your child’s vaccination history (translated into Japanese and English) to the Family Health Division at your local ward office to apply for the voucher. Once you have the voucher, your child can receive vaccinations at registered medical facilities in Sendai. If you need assistance with this, please contact the ISC.
Q7. I heard that children can receive medical treatment free of charge in Sendai. Is there any procedure for this?
A:You need to complete the “Child Medical Subsidy Registration” at the Family Benefit Division of your local ward office. This procedure can be done in person at the ward office or by mail. After completion of this procedure, you will receive a “Child Medical Expense Subsidy Certificate.” Please present this certificate along with your health insurance card when visiting a medical facility to receive the subsidy.
For more details on the procedures, please check the Sendai City website.
https://www.city.sendai.jp/kate/kurashi/kenkotofukushi/kosodate/teate/jose.html
The ISC can also provide assistance for this process.
Q8. When and how should I proceed with the withdrawal process for my child from daycare or school?
A: Once you have decided to withdraw your child, please inform the school that your child is currently enrolled in. Follow the school’s instructions and submit any necessary documents as required. The ISC is available to assist with communication with the school and preparation of the required paperwork.
Bureaucratic Matters
Q1. As a mid- to long-term resident holding a residence card (student/cultural activities), if I have overseas travel insurance, am I exempt from enrolling in the National Health Insurance?
A: If you are registered as a resident in Japan and are not covered by the MEXT’s mutual aid insurance or any insurance through a dependent, you are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance, regardless of having overseas travel insurance. (This excludes those exempt due to age and those covered by international social security agreements.)
Q2. I hold a residence card (student/cultural activities) as a mid- to long-term resident but plan to stay in Japan for a short period. Am I exempt from enrolling in the National Pension?
A: All individuals aged 20 to 59 residing in Japan, including foreign nationals, are legally required to enroll in the National Pension and pay the contributions (excluding those covered by social security agreements).
However, foreign nationals who lose their qualification as insured persons under the National Pension upon leaving Japan (only applicable to those with at least six months of contribution periods) can apply for a lump-sum withdrawal payment.
Q3. Why has my National Health Insurance premium increased this fiscal year, even though my situation has not changed since I entered Japan, and I still have no income?
A: Enrollment in National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory for individuals categorized as international students and foreign researchers on mid- to long-term stays who do not have coverage under the MEXT mutual aid program and are aged between 20 and 60, excluding those covered by international social security agreements.
The National Health Insurance reduction system allows for premium reductions based on the total income reported from the previous year. In the initial year of entry into Japan, since there is no income from the previous year, applicants can receive a reduction upon declaration. However, a reduction application must be submitted annually, so if you wish to continue receiving this reduction in subsequent years, you need to complete the application process each year.
Typically, a declaration form will be sent to your registered address around mid-May. Please fill it out and return it by the deadline to apply for the reduction. The ISC provides support for this process.
Q4. I am planning to move within Sendai. If I am relocating from Taihaku Ward to Aoba Ward, what procedures do I need to follow at the ward office?
A: When you move within Sendai city, please submit a change of address notification (moving notice) at the ward office or the general branch office for your new residence area after completing your move. If you need assistance with this, please contact the ISC.
Q5. How can I apply for a My Number card?
A: After you register as a resident, you will receive a “Notification of Individual Number” and a “My Number Card Application Form” at your registered address via registered mail. Once you verify the information on the application form and fill out the required details, place it in the enclosed envelope and drop it in a mailbox. Additionally, you can apply online using a computer or smartphone, or you can use a photo booth located in the city.
For more details, please refer to the My Number Card comprehensive website:
Life in Sendai
Q1. Can you provide an estimate of the living expenses in Sendai?
A: For an estimate of living expenses, please refer to this page:
https://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/en/pre-arrival-e/expenses-e/
Q2. I would like to renew my driver’s license. What should I do?
A: Please refer to this website for more information.
Q3. How can I find clinics or hospitals that can offer consultations or treatments in English language?
A: Please refer to the following link for matters related to visiting healthcare providers:
Additionally, an inbound emergency support service, currently available on a trial basis through an external contractor, can assist with locating hospitals that offer consultations in English. For further details, please refer to the following website:
Kindly note that this service is only available for those who are covered by insurance during their stay in Japan, which includes coverage for treatment and rescue costs. (eg: National Health Insurance/MEXT insurance/travel insurance etc).
Q4. Can I get assistance with making an appointment or having someone accompany me to a hospital?
A: Please first consider visiting healthcare providers that offer services in English, which are listed here:
For researchers, ISC can assist with making appointments and providing support for check-in procedures during working hours at hospitals that do not offer English support. However, due to legal and safety reasons, ISC does not provide medical interpretation during consultations.
Q5. I would like to enroll in bicycle insurance.
A: Under the “Sendai City Ordinance for Safe Bicycle Use,” residents are required to have bicycle liability insurance. You can complete the enrollment process at the store where you purchased your bicycle, online, or at a multi-function copier at convenience stores. (Note that these options are available in Japanese only, so please contact us if you need assistance. As of spring 2024, no insurance companies offering bicycle insurance in foreign languages have been confirmed.)
If you already have personal liability insurance, separate bicycle insurance may not be necessary. Please check your current insurance, as it may be included with automobile, fire, accident insurance, or as a credit card benefit. Additionally, if your bicycle has a “TS Mark” sticker, liability coverage for injury or fatal incidents may be included for one year from the inspection date. Please check your coverage options accordingly.
Q6. Could you provide a list of hospitals covered by overseas travel insurance (such as JISTEC) for foreign researchers with employment periods of less than three months?
A: Due to the difficulty of constantly maintaining up-to-date information on covered medical facilities, we do not provide this information in list form.
Q7. I’ll be staying in Japan for just one year, so I’m not sure if I should buy new furnitures. What are some options for getting furniture at a lower cost?
A: We recommend considering secondhand furniture or rental options. ISC can assist with locating furniture for purchase or rental.
University Life
Q1. Are there fitness gyms or pools on campus that international students and foreign researchers can use?
A: Yes, there is a gym available for individual use on the second floor of Kawauchi Gymnasium on the Kawauchi Campus (phone: 022-795-4721). Faculty and staff can use the gym on weekdays from 12:00 to 13:00.
There is also a pool located on the fourth floor of Kawauchi Hall; however, it is not available for individual use outside the summer vacation period. For more details, please contact the Student Support Division, Activity Support Section (phone: 022-795-3983).
Q2. How do I apply for support with the pre-employment medical examination?
A: Please contact us through the Support Request page, the inquiry form, or by email.
Note: Starting from fiscal year 2024, the designated contractor for pre-employment medical examinations has implemented a restriction requiring that accompanying personnel be of the same gender as the examinee as the examination floor is segregated by gender. Kindly be advised that, due to ISC staff composition, if the gender of the person undergoing the medical examination is male, support may be limited to assistance up to the reception area.
Q3. Can I receive support for domestic or international business trips?
A: The ISC does not provide support for business trips.
Q4. Are there any Japanese language courses offered on campus?
A: Please refer to this website for details:
https://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/university-life/jlprogram/
University Housing (Staff Housing, University House, International House)
Q1. What types of university accommodations are available for international residents?
A: The university offers various accommodations for its members, including staff housing, the International House, and University House. Available facilities vary depending on your affiliation/acceptance status with the university. Please note that external visitors without official university acceptance status (such as those on business trips) cannot reside in these facilities.
Note: External visitors who come for joint research with the university (without any official acceptance status at the university) may use Katahira Kaikan. For more details about staying at the Katahira Kaikan, please consult a university faculty or staff member.
Q2. I will be joining Tohoku University as a Special Visiting Trainee. Can I stay at University House or the International House?
A: From October 2023 up to now, Special Visiting Trainees are eligible to apply for accommodation at University House and the International House. For information on the application process, please contact the Student Support Division, Student Life Support Section. Please first confirm details with the departmental contact in charge of your admission, as with international students.
Q3. I will be visiting the university as a guest for an extended stay without any official affiliation. Am I eligible to reside in University House or the International House?
A: University House Katahira and the International House are designated for individuals with an official affiliation at the university. As a guest without any official affiliation, you are not eligible to stay in these accommodations. However, you may reside at Katahira Kaikan during your visit (Contact: Financial Affairs Department, Asset Management Division, Asset Management Section 2).
Q4. I am a student at my home institution but will be accepted as a researcher at Tohoku University. Am I eligible to reside in University House Katahira or the International House?
A: You would be eligible to stay in these accommodations if you are accepted with any official acceptance status at the university. However, please note that Special Visiting Trainees are classified as international students. If your acceptance status at TU falls under this category, please contact the Student Support Division, Student Life Support Section, or the departmental contact responsible for your admission.
Q5. I am currently residing in University House as a student. After graduation, I am scheduled to be employed as a research associate at Tohoku University. Can I continue living in my current room?
A: Generally, you cannot continue to reside in your current room. You will need to make a new reservation and application for accommodation as a researcher.
Q6. I am currently residing in the University House/International House as a visiting researcher. However, my status at the university will change to a full-time faculty member (e.g., Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, or Research Fellow). Can I continue to stay in my current accommodation?
A: Full-time faculty members are eligible for staff housing rather than University House or International House accommodations (with the exception of foreign researchers specified under Article 6, Paragraph 2 of the 2009 Special Fixed-term Employment Regulations). As such, you will need to vacate your current accommodation. Please inform the ISC as soon as possible and complete the move-out procedures.
Q7. I am currently staying in a single room at University House/International House, but my family will visit Japan only for the summer. Can I reserve the Couple or Family Room?
A: The Couple and Family rooms can only be reserved for the actual duration of your family’s stay, which must be at least one month. Please be aware that demand for these rooms tends to be very high during the summer months, so plan accordingly when making your reservation.
Q8. Can I move into University House/International House with my pet (dog or cat)?
A: No, pets (dogs and cats) are not allowed in University House or International House.
Q9. I will be joining Tohoku University as a foreign researcher. However, my official acceptance has not yet been confirmed and is still pending formal approval at the faculty meeting, which is some time away. Can I still make a reservation for University House/International House?
A: Yes, you can still reserve a room. When your application for University House or International House is received, the administrative office of your accepting department will be contacted to verify your status at the university. Even if they indicate that your status is not yet confirmed at the reservation stage, the reservation process will still proceed. However, please note that a second verification of your status will take place before the residence permit is issued (approximately 2-3 weeks before your planned move-in date). If your status still cannot be confirmed at that time, your reservation may be subject to change or cancellation.
Q10. I would like to stay at the family room at University House/International House, but it is currently fully booked. For that reason, I am considering temporarily staying in a couple’s room before eventually moving into the family room once a room becomes available. Can I register to be on the waiting list for the family room while residing in the couple’s room?
A: Yes, you can register on the waiting list for the family room while staying in the couple’s room. If your turn comes up on the waiting list, we will notify you. Please note that when moving between rooms, cleaning fees will apply at the time of checkout for each room.
Q11. What should an international student do if they want to apply for University House/International House?
A: Applications for University House and other student accommodations by international students are handled by the Student Support Division, as both international and Japanese students are eligible for these facilities. To apply for accommodation in University House or International House, please submit your application through your host department.
Q12. Is it possible to submit a reservation application more than six months in advance?
A: We do not accept reservation applications for accommodation that are submitted more than six months before the intended move-in date.
Q13. I submitted a reservation application, but I haven’t received a confirmation email. Is my reservation confirmed?
A: Please note that a confirmation email is not sent immediately after submitting your reservation application. You will receive an email regarding your reservation status approximately one week after your application, following the verification of your status by the accepting department. If you have not received an email within two weeks of your application, please feel free to contact the ISC for assistance.
Q14. I submitted my move-in application, but I did not receive a confirmation email. Can you confirm whether my application was received? Additionally, when will I receive my residence permit?
A: A confirmation email is not sent upon submitting your move-in application. As stated in the notification displayed after submission, your residence permit will be issued and sent to you approximately 2-3 weeks before your scheduled move-in date.
Q15. I submitted my move-in application, but my move-in date has changed. Do I need to submit the application again?
A: If your move-in date changes to a different month, you will need to submit a new move-in application. If the change is within the same month as your original date, a reapplication is not necessary; however, please make sure to contact ISC to inform them of the change. Additionally, any adjustments to your move-in period must fall within the originally reserved timeframe.
Q16. The university will be covering the accommodation fees at UH/I. What procedures should I follow?
A: You will need to send the invoice to the office in charge at your host department in Tohoku University. If you wish for the invoice to be addressed to the host department, please inform ISC or the management office before the move-in date. Once tenants have moved in and an invoice is issued in their name, changes to the invoice recipient cannot be made.
Please note that, unlike hotels, the accommodation fees for UH/IH do not include utility costs, bedding rental (if applicable), or internet fees (if contracted). These charges will be billed separately, with the billing source and payment destination handled by the respective suppliers.
Q17. I am scheduled to move into UH/IH, but I cannot arrive during the management office’s hours of operation (weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). If I stay at a hotel that night, will I need to complete my move-in procedures the following day?
A: You can move into your room on the same day if you can receive your key upon arrival through one of the following options:
- ISC Support: ISC provides assistance for those arriving in Sendai between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. We can collect the key in advance and hand over the keys for University House Katahira or the International House at Sendai Station or other designated locations. If you would like this support, please submit your request at least three days before your scheduled arrival date as this assistance depends on staffing availability.
- Designated Representative: You may arrange for a representative to pick up the key on your behalf from your hosting department or research lab. Please ensure that the proxy presents your residence permit at the management office when collecting the key.
Q18. Can I stay in the University House or International House beyond my designated acceptance period at Tohoku University (either before the start or after the end of my acceptance)?
A: Generally, you may only reside in the accommodations during the period when you hold an official status at Tohoku University. However, if you have compelling reasons, such as needing to move in from a distant location, you may be permitted to stay a few days prior to your acceptance period. If you have such circumstances, please consult with ISC for assistance.
Q19. The TU Support website lists the International House Sanjo 2 as an accommodation option for foreign researchers, but why is there no mention of the International House Sanjo2 in the room vacancy page?
A: The International House Sanjo2 is primarily designated for international students. If you have a specific reason for wishing to stay at this housing, please feel free to consult with us.
Q20: Can the internet fees at UH/IH be billed on a prorated basis?
A: The internet fees at UH/IH are contracted through a service provider, so please reach out to them directly for specific details. However, there have been instances in the past where monthly usage fees (excluding initial costs) were billed on a daily pro-rata basis.
Q21. I would like to pay the internet fees at UH/IH with a credit card.
A: Payment by credit card is possible. If you requested ISC to apply for the internet service on your behalf during your move-in application, the initial setup will be set up for bank transfer. Please follow the instructions provided in the documents sent by the service provider to change your method of payment.
Q22. I would like to settle all accommodation fees in cash upon moving out. Is this possible?
A: If your stay is approximately three months or less, you can settle all fees in cash at the time of moving out. Please be sure to consult with the management office during the move-in process if you wish to do this. However, please note that charges for utilities, bedding, and internet services are billed separately by their respective providers monthly and cannot be included in the lump-sum cash settlement.
Q23. There aren’t enough beds or chairs in the UH/IH room for my family members. Can I add extra furniture like beds?
A: Generally, adding new furniture to UH/IH rooms is prohibited. However, if it’s necessary to accommodate the number of residents, it may be allowed. Please consult the ISC in advance.
Please also keep the following points in mind:
- The purchase, installation, and disposal of furniture are the resident’s responsibility.
- Care must be taken to avoid damaging the room (any damages noted at the time of departure may result in repair costs).
Note: The ISC can assist with the procedures for purchasing or disposing of furniture.
Q24. I am currently residing in UH/IH and would like to extend my stay. What should I do?
A: You can start making reservation requests for an extension from six months before the desired start of extension date from the reservation website. When submitting your request, please include your current room number and the reason for the extension in the remarks section.
Please note that extensions for UH/IH are granted at the discretion of the management and depend on the availability of rooms and other factors. Even if you request an extension, there is a possibility that it may not be approved.
Renting Private Apartments
Q1. What support is available for international students or researchers planning to rent a private apartment?
A: The ISC collaborates with local real estate companies that offer English support to provide a range of services for foreign members who are coming to Japan. This includes property introductions, assistance with the leasing process, and support throughout the contract and move-in stages. To prevent potential issues, we recommend limiting support before arrival to property introductions only and advise signing contracts only after viewing the properties in person after arrival in Japan.
Q2. What are the average rental prices for private apartments?
A: For information on the average rental prices near Tohoku University, please refer to this website.
Q3. What support is available when moving from university housing to a private apartment?
A: We offer a comprehensive range of support similar to that as explained in (Q1). For international students, the Tohoku University Cooperative will serve as the application window for assistance.
Q4. for an apartment on my own without utilizing the ISC’s housing referral services?
A: Japan has specific customs in relation apartment contracts and leasing process. Additionally there are limited real estate companies that can provide assistance in foreign languages. As a result, many foreigners have encountered issues after entering contracts without fully understanding the terms. Therefore, we highly recommend using ISC’s support when searching for an apartment.
Q5. Will Tohoku University act as a guarantor for my apartment rental contract?
A: The ISC cannot serve as a guarantor. Additionally the student housing guarantee system will stop accepting new applications by the end of this year. Therefore, if you do not have relatives or friends in Japan who can act as a guarantor, please consider renting a property that allows the use of a private guarantee company.
Q6. Can I get support with starting utility services, such as electricity and water, when I move in?
A: Yes, we provide support for these procedures.
Q7. I’ll only be staying for one year, so I’m looking for a furnished rental.
A: ISC can assist with finding and securing furnished rentals. However, please note that furnished rentals are limited in Sendai and often come with higher rent compared to unfurnished properties. Therefore, it may not always be possible to find a property that meets your requirements. In particular, furnished options for families are quite rare. You may want to consider renting an unfurnished property and using rental furniture as an alternative.
Leaving Japan
Q1. I am planning to return to my home country for good. What procedures do I need to complete before I leave?
A: Please refer to the “Departure Checklist” available on the university’s website for guidance.
Q2. I plan to move out of the staff housing. Can I receive assistance with the move-out inspection and the cancellation of utilities?
A: Yes, support is available for move-out procedures, including utility cancellation arrangements, for staff housing. However, please submit your move-out application directly to the Asset Management Office.
Q3. Do I have to close my bank account when I leave?
A: The Japan Financial Services Agency strongly recommends closing your bank account before leaving, as there is a risk that your account could be misused for illegal activities. If you plan to re-enter Japan and expect to continue using your account, please consult with your bank. Additionally, involvement in criminal activities such as the buying or selling of bank accounts may result in legal penalties, deportation, or entry bans.
Q4. When should I cancel my utilities, and how do I pay the final bills?
A: You should apply for cancellation at least one to two weeks before the date you plan to stop using the services. For water and gas, it’s common to settle the final bills on the cancellation date. However, for electricity, it may take several days after the cancellation date to calculate the final amount, and then an additional week to receive the invoice.
Support Services (General)
Q1: I am planning to travel to Tohoku University on a business trip. Am I eligible to to receive assistance with the arrangement of my airline tickets and JR train tickets?
A: A: Yes, the ISC offers support for arranging airline and JR train tickets for individuals traveling on business trips related to the university.
Q2: Is assistance available in languages other than English?
A: In general, we provide support in English or Japanese.
Q3. Does the ISC offer assistance with the procedures for security export control?
A: Assistance with security export control procedures is not covered by ISC support.
Q4. Is the support under “Arrival support” category only available for new arrivals in Japan?
A: They are available not only for new arrivals but also for individuals who are already residing in Japan.
Q5: Will there be any costs involved if I receive assistance?
A: There are no costs for the accepting department or the individuals receiving assistance from the ISC. However, the ISC will not cover expenses related to various tickets, accommodation, or other purchases, so these costs will need to be borne by the department or the individuals receiving support.
Q7: How can I apply for assistance with changing or renewing my residency status as a researcher?
A: Please contact us through the inquiry form at this link or reach out to the International Support Center’s Researcher Support Team at supportoffice-r@*.
*Please replace the asterisk with grp.tohoku.ac.jp.
