Recently crimes committed by foreigners, especially by foreign students and pre-college students have been on the increase. Among them a murder case in Fukuoka city involving a family of four was a big shock to Japanese society. There are certain foreigners who come to Japan with criminal intent. Many of them commit crimes because of the often-severe living conditions in Japan. That is why the restrictions for entry permission have become stricter.

The important aspects for determining whether to issue a visa are: the financial ability to live in Japan, language ability and personal history. You are required to provide a certificate of your bank balance, a copy of your bank book and documents showing your past three years' income or documents about the occupation(s) and income of the persons who will bear your expenses (usually one?s parents).

Furthermore, whether the documents showing your family lineage goes with your ,0,personal history or not will also be considered. Applicants for whom five years have elapsed since their graduation will also be checked to see whether they have the will to study in Japan. Schools in which students who entered Japan with the purpose of studying but were caught working illegally (part time work without permission) by the Immigration Department will 'eceive supervision.' Schools will need to be more careful.