The processes involved in obtaining a student visa and going to Japan for studies can be challenging. This complete guide explains what you need to know regarding Japanese student visa requirements in 2025, including document preparation and what to do when you get to Japan.
Quick Facts: Japanese Student Visa at a Glance
- Category: Student Visa (Ryugaku)
- Application Costs: 3,000 JPY (single entry), 6,000 JPY for multiple entry.
- Turnaround Duration: Minimal of 5 working days after submission.
- Employment Opportunities: 28 hours per week.
- Membership: Time duration of your study program.
Do You Need a Student Visa For Japan?
Our visa category is determined by the length of your studies.
For Short-Term Courses (Up to 90 Days)
Visitors from majority of the countries are entitled to enter Japan for 90 days under a waiver program. You will be issued a sticker upon entry which will permit you to stay for 90 days. Important requirements:
- Valid passport
- Return ticket dated within the 90-day period.
- Proof of enrollment into the short course.
For Long-Term Courses (More Than 90 Days)
Obtaining a student visa is a requirement if the program duration exceeds 90 days or is 2 quarters (20 weeks). These include:
- Degree offerings at tertiary institutions.
- Language institute courses.
- Vocational training programs.
- Exchange programs exceeding three months.
Step-by-Step Process to Follow When Applying For A Japanese Student Visa
The application for a Japanese student visa involves several steps which include your educational institution and the immigration office in Japan.
This is how it all works out:
Step 1: Choose and Apply to a School in Japan
Understand that every language school and university has its unique vibe and organization of courses. Do some research and look for a school that aligns with:
- Your academic objectives and preferences in your learning techniques.
- Desired region within Japan.
- Financial limitations.
- The level of language proficiency you currently have.
Professional Insight: Services such as the GaijinPot Student Placement Program can connect you to suitable schools and aid you through the application process.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Documents to Your School
After gaining admission to a Japanese institution, you are required to collect the following documents:
- Student Application Form - Be extra careful while filling the form. Particularly in the motivation section detailing why you wish to study Japan.
- Personal History Form – Provide a complete account of your education and employment history.
- Application Essay – Give a detailed description on why you want to study in Japan.
- Academic Records
- Latest diploma or degree obtained.
- Officially issued academic transcripts.
- Translations of both documents into English or Japanese certified by a translator.
- Eight Identical ID Photos (4cm × 3cm):
- Frontal photograph that clearly reveals the full face.
- Taken within the last 3 months.
- Plain background.
- No sunglasses or hats.
- Subject’s eyes and ears visibly unobstructed.
- Produced on photograph paper not normal printer paper.
- Passport photocopy:
- Passport photograph or ID page
- Signature page
- Any Japan entry and exit stamps (if previously applicable)
- Evidence of financial capability:
- Bank statement bearing of amount more than ¥ 2,000,000 or equivalent.
- Mentioned income.
- Aid award letters.
- Letters given for sponsored scholarships.
- Letter of sponsorship (if other person supporting you for through means).
- Prior Japanese studies certificate (if applicable)
- Medical History (Optional depending on the school)
Important: All financial documents must be under the name in the passport presented.
If another individual is providing sponsorship for you, include a signed letter from that person.
Step 3: School Submits Your Application to Immigration
Your school will check that your documents are complete prior to submitting your application to the Japanese immigration office. This usually occurs roughly five months ahead of your course commencement date.
Timeline Note: The deadlines set by universities for receiving applications tend to fall approximately five months prior to the start of classes. Submitting applications well in advance is encouraged to facilitate timely processing.
Step 4: Receive Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
If your application receives approval, immigration will process your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) about a month before the commencement of your course. Your school will send this document to you once:
- The CoE has been issued
- You have completed payment for your tuition for the first semester
Step 5: Apply for the Actual Visa at Your Local Japanese Embassy
The last step is to bring the following documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country:
- Your original CoE and one photocopy
- Your valid passport
- One passport photograph taken within the last 3 months
- Visa application form which can be collected from the Japanese embassy
- Admission certificate from the school
Processing Time: The embassy takes approximately 3-7 working days issuing a student visa.
Note: Do not submit any applications more than 90 days before the intended date of travel.
Final Note: Hold onto your CoE after your visa is processed because you will need it to enter Japan.
Common Reasons for Student Visa Rejection
Avoiding such a visa rejection, understand the pitfalls:
- Your Financial Documents are Lacking: Not being able to proving your funding greatly harms your application.
- Application to Multiple Schools: Only one school may apply on your behalf for your CoE. The application through multiple schools will more likely get you rejected.
- Incomplete Documentation: All required documents should be included in a complete set. Any missing documents will result in an automatic refusal.
- Document Formatting Issues: Do not staple your documents—this is explicitly stated in the guidelines.
- Criminal History: A serious criminal background may lead to denial.
Working Part-Time While Studying In Japan:
The visa for students from non-EU countries allows part-time work with the following restrictions:
- Not more than 28 hours a week.
- Must obtain "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted"
- Permission is granted:
- At the airport upon arrival
- Later at a local immigrations office
- There are no extra fees involved.
After Arriving in Japan:
When you arrive in Japan with the student visa, you will need to:
- Present your CoE to the immigration officer.
- Report to the local municipal office within 14 days.
- Apply for a residence card.
- Open a bank account.
- Sign up for National Health Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it possible to convert my tourist visa to a student visa while in Japan?
A. We do not propose this route. Most likely, you'll have to go back home and apply through the designated process.
Q. How long does it take to process the application?
A. You should prepare for 3-4 months from the initial application to receiving the visa. The immigration part alone takes 2-3 months.
Q. Can family members accompany me on a student visa?
A. Yes, dependents should be able to apply for a dependent visa, but adequate proof of funds to support them needs to be shown.
Q. What am I required to do if I would like to change my school in Japan?
A. Your new school will have to issue you a new CoE and you will need to change your residence status.
Q. Is health cover an optional service for international students?
A. Yes, every international student who comes to Japan will have to register for the National Health Insurance upon arrival in Japan.
In Summary
Though applying for a Japanese student visa may seem complicated at first, with proper planning and time management, it's a straightforward process. The most important step is thorough preparation as well as ensuring all documents and details are precise.
If you fulfill all of the requirements while dodging the typical mistakes, you will have an exciting opportunity to study in Japan. The effort put into the application process will be worthwhile when you are fully participating in Japanese culture, language, and education.
