A student visa in Japan is a visa accepted by educational institutions in Japan; Japanese language schools, Japanese universities, vocational schools, etc.
International students who wish to study abroad in Japan are required to process their visas after they have gotten admission to a Japanese university.
The government of Japan is also keen to bring in more foreigners to the country, therefore, Colleges in Japan for international students are focusing on making life easier in the application stages all the way through to finding a job after graduation.
You can now easily apply for your student visa in Japan and visit after reading this article.
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Requirements for Student Visa in Japan
The documents you need for a Japan Student Visa application include:
- Student Visa in Japan Application Form
- A valid passport with photocopies
- Certificates showing that you completed 12 years of school in your home country or an International Baccalaureate diploma
- A financial statement that proves that you can pay all of your expenses while studying
- Certificate of eligibility issued from your school
- Posses all academic transcripts
- Passport-sized photograph
- Attestation letter
- Study plan and letters of recommendation
- Passport or a valid ID
- Personal statement
Also, know that you also have to send several of these documents to your school so they can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
How to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
To get your COE, you have to choose a school of your choice from a list of Japanese colleges or institutions and apply based on the programs they offer and your area of interest.
After the school has admitted you, you can begin the application for your certificate of eligibility.
The purpose of the Japan Certificate of Eligibility is to show that you have the approval of the Japanese Immigration Services and that you meet the entry requirements set by the Japanese government for international students.
The application process takes between one to three months before your school sends it to you, with this you can apply for your visa.
How to get a student Visa in Japan
Now that you have the requirements, follow these four steps to apply for your visa.
- Contact a Japanese Embassy or Consulate near you.
- Download and collect the required documents.
- Submit the Visa applications
- Collect the visa.
1. Contact a Japanese Embassy or Consulate near you.
Click here to see the list, Some Embassies/Consulate don’t accept direct visa applications, in which case you need to apply through an accredited travel agency or visa application agency.
2. Download and collect the required documents for a Japan Student Visa.
While at the Japanese Embassy portal, download the required documents for your application.
3. Submit the Japan Student Visa application
After downloading the application letter, you can now submit it either directly at the Embassy/Consulate or at the travel agency or visa application agency.
If the Consulate or Embassy considers it necessary, you may also have to go back for an interview or to submit additional documents.
4. Proceed to collect your Student Visa
Once your Japan Student Visa application has been processed, you have to go back to receive your passport. If the application was approved, you may enter Japan. Congratulations!
How Long Does It Take To Process A Japan Student Visa?
When you apply for the Student Visa itself, the application process can take between 5-10 working days. However, the application to receive the Certificate of Eligibility can take up to three months.
What is a landing permit?
After you have entered the country with a student visa in Japan, the immigration officers will offer you a landing permit that replaces your visa and allows you to stay in the country legally.
In addition to the Landing Permit, you also have to get the following:
Japanese Residence Card
If you enter Japan through certain airports like;
You will automatically receive a Japanese Residence Card upon entry. If you enter through any other port, you can get the Residence Card at one of the local municipal offices in Japan.
Then, regardless of whether you have gotten the Residence Card on entry or later, within 14 days of setting up residence in Japan, you have to report your stay at one of the local municipal offices.
Your address will be printed on the Residence Card.
Japanese Re-Entry Permit
During your time in Japan, if you ever feel the need to travel and return, maybe for an emergency or a real need that makes you want to leave and re-enter, you can apply for a Japan Re-entry Permit at your local Japanese Immigration Office.
Extending a student visa in Japan
Now that you are in Japan, you can apply for an Extension of Stay up to 90 days before your student visa in Japan is set to expire at the local Immigration Office. You need the following documents when you apply:
- Application Form for Japan Visa Extension
- Your valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Your Residence Card
- A copy of your Registration Certificate issued by your educational institution
- A copy of your Results Certificate issued by your educational institution
- Proof you can meet the financial requirements related to your stay
The application for Visa Extension is issued within two weeks to a month.
How to Change a Student Visa to a Work Visa in Japan?
As a foreign student in the country, if you were able to find work or job employment while you are on a Student Visa in Japan or after you graduate, you have to apply to change the category into a Work Visa.
You and your new employer can apply for a Japan Work Visa at one of the local Immigration Offices in Japan by submitting the following documents:
- Application Form for permission to change the status of residence
- Your passport and a copy of your passport
- Your Residence Card
- Your CV
- Proof of Graduation (diploma)
- Proof of the previous academic and/or professional history
- Your school Transcripts
- A copy of the Employment Contract, stating the details of your employment
- Your employing company’s documents, such as Registration Documents, Financial statements of the latest Fiscal Year and Income statements
FAQs on Student Visa In Japan.
How much is the Japan Student Visa Fee?
If you are now wondering, how much does a student visa in Japan cost? Well, the student visa fees vary with time, and also the price changes depending on the country you are applying from, the purpose of your visit, as well as your local currency. But you are advised to only pay the visa fee if the application is approved.
There are three types of Japanese student visas, with estimated costs are as follows:
- Single-entry visa: 3,000 Yen
- Double-entry or multiple-entry visa: 6,000 Yen
- Transit Visa: 700 Yen
What is the age limit for a student visa in Japan?
The persons applying for the student visa should be 20 years of age or younger. The Applicant must have spent at least one year studying the Japanese language (unless he or she is coming to Japan as part of an official international student exchange program.)
How much bank balance is required for a student visa in Japan?
In order to get a student visa for Japan, the person sponsoring should have an estimated budget bank balance of 1600000 YEN. This is the ideal amount that should be reflected in the bank statement.
Can you work with a student visa in Japan?
International students coming with a student visa in Japan are not supposed to work.
However, except for certain jobs such as special adult entertainment services, they may engage in part-time work as long as the work does not interfere with their studies.
A student visa in Japan on its own does not authorize you to work, and if you must work, you have to get a Work Permit from the local Immigration Office in Japan.
Additionally, as a Student Visa holder, you cannot work more than 28 hours a week and yet, there are some restricted occupations, such as working in a bar, club, adult stores or hotels, massage parlors, etc.
What is the duration of the Student Visa In Japan?
Japan Student Visas are issued for the following durations:
- Six months
- One year
- One year and three months
- Two years
- Two years and three months
The duration that you are allowed to stay in Japan is stated on your Landing Permission as well as on your Residence Card. However, regardless of the duration of your issued visa, you can always apply for an extension of your stay before your current visa expires.
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