are you planning to study in Japan?
here is everything you need to know about securing a Japan student visa!
summary
1. Before you apply for a Japan Student Visa, you must first receive a Certificate of Eligibility that is obtained by your school in Japan.
2. The processing time for a Student Visa takes 5 to 10 working days, and up to 3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility.
3. You are advised to apply for your visa 2 months before your travel date.
4. To work as a student, you must obtain a Work Permit from the local Immigration Office in Japan.
Japan Student Visa
You will need a Japan Student Visa, a long-term visa that allows you study in a Japanese educational institution. The visa is accepted by Japanese universities, schools, and vocational institutions. You must apply for this visa if you are studying in Japan for more than three months.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
This certificate serves as a pre-requisite for your Japan Student Visa. It shows that you have the approval of the Japanese Immigration Services, and that you have met the entry requirements for international students. Your school in Japan will help you obtain this certificate. Keep in mind that you must still apply for a Japan Student Visa from your home country.
Exemptions
Certain countries are granted with a visa exemption policy for short-term purposes (tourism, business trips, attending a conference). If you intend to enter Japan for longer than 90 days, you still need to apply for a visa. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
What You Need
01.
A completed Student Visa Application Form
02.
A valid passport
03.
Photocopies of your passport
04.
Passport-size pictures (Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm, Plain white background)
05.
Certificate of Eligibility
06.
Letter of admission
07.
Academic transcripts
08.
Financial proof that you are able to cover the costs of your living, accommodation, transport, and course
09.
A motivation letter describing the reason for your travel
Note: You are also required to submit several of these documents to your school for the Certificate of Eligibility. Contact [email protected] for more information.
When To Apply
- It is advisable to apply for your Student Visa about 2 months before your intended travel date.
Visa Application Procedure
- Send the requirements to your school in Japan for them to help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Use the Certificate of Eligibility to apply for your Student Visa from a Japanese Embassy in your country.
- Submit the required documents along with your COE to apply for your Student Visa.
- Collect your Student Visa. You may also collect your passport once the application has been processed.
Fees
- Single-entry visa: 3,000 Yen
- Double-entry/Multiple-entry Visa: 6,000 Yen
- Transit Visa: 700 Yen
- * You are only required to pay the fees if your application is approved.
Health Insurance
- The National Health Insurance can help you to reduce medical costs.
- International students living in Japan for more than three months are advised to subscribe to the National Health Insurance program by registering at the municipal office.
- Contact [email protected] for more information.
Processing Time
- Student Visa: 5 – 10 working days
- Certificate of Eligibility: Up to 3 months
- Visa Extension: 2 weeks – a month
Extended Stay
- You must apply for an extension at the local immigration office 90 days before your Student Visa expires.
Duration of Stay
- The duration of your stay will be stated on your Residence Card and Landing Permission (Refer ‘Your Arrival’).
- The general duration of a Japan Student Visa is from six months to two years and three months, depending on the length of your course.
Residence Card
- You must report your stay at the local municipal office within 14 days of setting up in a Japanese residence. Your address will be printed on the Residence Card.
- You will receive a Japanese Residence Card upon entry if you enter through Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu Airports. You will still receive a Residence Card from the local municipal office if you enter through other ports.
Your Arrival
- You will receive a Landing Permission at the port of entry by the Immigration Officers.
Working With a Visa
- You must request a Work Permit from the local Immigration Office in Japan.
- Your Student Visa itself does not authorize you to work. You cannot work more than 28 hours a week.
- Working in bars, clubs, adult stores, adult hotels, and massage parlors is strictly prohibited.
- You can change to a Work Visa once you graduate as long as you have a work contract in Japan.
