Introduction

Foreign nationals working in Japan under the “Specified Skilled Worker” residence status must periodically renew their status, and proof of Japanese language ability is usually required. Many are concerned about what happens if their Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) certificate or JFT-Basic certificate is “expired” when applying for renewal. This article explains, based on official government and immigration office sources, how “expired” certificates are handled during renewal.

Basic rules for renewing Specified Skilled Worker status

Renewal can be done from 3 months before the expiry of your current status, by the applicant or an authorized agent, at the local Immigration Bureau. Required documents include the residence card, passport, and employment contracts. Note that some documents (like resident certificates) must be issued within 3 months of application.

Is there an expiration date for JLPT/JFT-Basic?

According to official sites and the Immigration Bureau, there is no expiration date for JLPT or JFT-Basic certificates: once you pass the test, the certificate remains valid, regardless of how much time has passed. However, some companies or schools may specify their own period of validity, but under the Specified Skilled Worker system, “no expiration date” is the rule.

The difference from “documents issued within 3 months”

Documents like resident certificates must be issued within 3 months of application, but this does not apply to JLPT/JFT-Basic certificates. As a result, even older certificates are accepted.

What happens if you try to renew with an expired certificate?

Renewal is possible

If you only have an old JLPT certificate, you can still renew your Specified Skilled Worker status—the certificate will be accepted under the “no expiration” rule. There is no penalty or refusal due to expiration. However, if you have lost your certificate or your employer wants a more recent one, you may need to ask the Immigration Bureau to confirm the policy or request a reissue.

Points to note

• Beware of lost certificates. JLPT certificates cannot be reissued if lost, but you can request a “Score Certificate” for a fee.
• If your documents are incomplete, your application may be delayed.

Example scenario

Suppose Mr. A from Vietnam passed JLPT N4 in December 2020 and is applying to renew his Specified Skilled Worker status in 2025, submitting a certificate from 2020. In this case, the “no expiration” rule applies, and renewal is possible without issue.

If the certificate is lost, applying for a replacement “Score Certificate” via the JLPT official site is recommended (may require a fee).

Summary

• There is no expiration date for JLPT or JFT-Basic certificates.
• You can renew with an old certificate; it remains valid under immigration rules.
• Other documents (like a resident certificate) must be issued within 3 months.
• Lost certificates can be replaced by requesting a Score Certificate from the official JLPT site.
• Incomplete documentation can delay renewal, so always confirm the latest requirements.