Official Japanese test requirements and result timing — October 2026

Japanese test information checked: 8 October 2026. Other sections retain their previously stated review dates.

Since August 2026, JFT-Basic assesses scores of 145–174 as A1, 175–199 as A2.1, and 200–250 as A2.2 (A2). Scores below 145 do not establish any of these levels. A1 is used before starting Employment for Skill Development and for admission to Japanese language institutions; A2.1 is mainly used for transfers at the worker’s initiative under that program; A2.2 (A2) is used for SSW(i). Check additional sector requirements, any prescribed course route, the application type and effective dates separately.

JFT-Basic uses CBT and is offered several times each month at 11 locations in Japan. Results appear on screen immediately after the test, and the official assessment notification is available to view and print through the registration website within five business days. JLPT is held twice a year in Japan, with some overseas locations offering it once a year. Distinguish the online result date from the date when submission-ready result documents are available. ISA’s 5 October notice states that applications for the December 2026 JLPT closed for all levels before the announced deadline. Work backwards from the residence expiry and planned employment date: confirm the required level, find an official test and available seat, reserve, obtain the official result, then apply.

For Student applications involving admission to a Japanese language institution, A1-equivalent or higher ability must be checked using a test certificate or an interview; a history of 150 or more study hours alone is insufficient. This applies to COE applications for students entering from October 2026 and change-of-status or extension applications filed from 1 July 2026. Japanese-language preparatory courses (bekka) are also covered. Applicants holding nationality of a country or region listed by ISA who graduated from a foreign higher education institution and submit graduation evidence are exempt from this particular handling. This is not a universal admission rule for all universities or vocational schools, and it does not make JFT-Basic compulsory for everyone. Keep it separate from the requirements for a current student changing to SSW.

JFT-Basic and JLPT are different assessments; A1 is not completely identical to N5, nor A2.2 to N4. A JFT-Basic score of 200 or higher obtained before August 2026 remains usable as A2.2 (A2) evidence, but older scores below 200 must not be reclassified as A1 or A2.1. Our independent mini mock tests do not establish an official level, immigration eligibility or exemption from prescribed Japanese courses.

Japan Foundation: official JFT-Basic FAQ / ISA: 5 October Japanese-test notice / Student Japanese ability verification / B1 verification start dates (ISA sources in Japanese)

JFT-Basic Mini Mock Test / Japanese Test Mini Mock List / Student-to-SSW preparation