Guide for hosting international researchers

FAQ for host researchers

Accepting international researchers

Q1 How do I obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for the researcher and how do they get a visa?

A1

Science Tokyo provides Immigration and Visa Consulting Services on campus to support international researchers with procedures concerning residence. A professional staff member of a law firm will be waiting to answer your questions. We encourage you to make use of this service.
You may also consult with them by telephone or email.
For more information, see the Visa Consulting Service webpage.

References:　

Q2 How are international researchers accepted, and what status will be assigned to each?

A2

Science Tokyo hosts international researchers of the following statuses: visiting scholars, visiting fellows, visiting junior fellows, and Science Tokyo research fellows.
The abovementioned researchers must be accepted/approved by the department with which he or she will be affiliated. Host researchers must contact the administration group of relevant department to find out about procedures to accept international researchers.

References

Q3 What is Science Tokyo access card ?

A3

The access card is an ID card that enables you to enter campus buildings, create an email account, and use the libraries and other facilities.
The departmental administrative groups are in charge of procedures for the issuance of access card. (A signature and seal of a dean or director in charge of the administrative group are required for the issuance of access card.)

For details on procedures, contact the departmental administrative group with which the international researcher is affiliated.

Q4 What kind of housing is available for international researchers?

A4

The following accommodations are available for international researchers. Consult with the administration group in charge.

Science Tokyo housing

Science Tokyo International House (Ookayama Campus)
→ International House Office, International Division (Ext. 3361)
Science Tokyo 80th Anniversary Hall Housing (Ookayama Campus)
→ International Affairs Office, International Division (Ext. 7692)
Dormitories (available for researchers)
Midorigaoka House (Ookayama Campus)
Minamishinagawa House (Ooimachi)
Science Tokyo Aobadai House (Aobadai)
Science Tokyo Nagatsuta House (Nagatsuta)
Ookayama House (Ookayama, women-only)
Senzokuike House (Kitasenzoku, women-only)
→ Student Support Division (Ext. 3013)
Suzukakedai House (Suzukakedai)
Minami-Tsukushino House (Suzukakedai)
→ Administrative office of Suzukakedai House and Minami-Tsukushino House (Ext. 7722)

Other housing

Tokyo International Exchange Center (residence hall in Odaiba district, managed by the Japan Student Services Organization)
→ International Affairs Office, International Division (Ext. 2014)

After arriving

Q5 How do international researchers obtain a residence card?

A5

Residence Card

  • Foreign nationals legally staying in Japan for more than 3 months (mid- to long-term residents) will receive a residence card upon arrival in Japan. Those who have received a residence card at the port of entry must visit their local municipal office (e.g., ward office) with their residence card and notify the Ministry of Justice of their residential address within 14 days after moving into a place.
  • Foreign nationals changing their place of residence must take their residence card to the municipal office of the new residence and notify them of the move. If moving to a different city in Japan, a Moving-Out Certificate from the current municipal office must also be obtained before moving and presented with the person’s residence card to the municipal office of the new residence.

References:

Q6 Will foreign researchers have to join the National Health Insurance?

A6

Depending on whether they are employed by Science Tokyo and other employment conditions, they may be required to join the NHI. For more information, contact the following.

Researchers employed by Science Tokyo:
Contact the Human Resources Division

Others (e.g., visiting scholars, JSPS fellows):
Those with a residence status, which allows them to stay in Japan for more than three months, must join the National Health Insurance.
Contact the ward office in the area of the international researcher’s residence.

References:　 Ota City official website / Meguro City official website / City of Yokohama official website

Q7 How does one open a bank account in Japan?

A7

As procedures differ depending on the bank, please ask a person in charge at a relevant banking institution for details.
In general, required documents include a seal (signatures are usually not accepted), passport, residence card, and a certificate issued by Science Tokyo showing the researcher’s affiliation, such as a certificate of employment .

When opening a bank account, make arrangements for smooth communication such as a translator to accompany the researcher.

Q8 How can I apply for a certificate of employment?

A8

Certificates can be obtained from the following administrative group.

Visiting scholar or Science Tokyo research fellow
Contact the departmental administrative group with which he or she is affiliated.

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan (Standard Program)
Handled by the Research Fund Promotion Group of the Research Fund Support Division. Submit an Application for Certificate to the Box submission page.

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan (Short-term Program) or Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan
Handled by the International Affairs Group of the International Affairs Office. Submit an Application for Certificate to the Box submission page.

Specially Appointed Professor, research staff
Contact the Human Resources Division.

Other