Student Visa (College/University)
Embassy required
- Fee
- 3,000 JPY
- Validity
- 12 months
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
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Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Japan (university, college, vocational school, or language school).
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of study.
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Health
Must be in good health. Medical examination may be requested.
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Criminal record
Must have no criminal record. Police clearance may be requested.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, scholarship letter, sponsor financial guarantee; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses (approx. 1.5-2 million JPY per year)
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Visa Application Form to Enter Japan; Form url: https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000124525.pdf
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Student; Validity months: 3
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Japanese educational institution. Prepare academic transcripts, financial documents, and other required materials.
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Processing wait
Sponsoring institution applies for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan. Processing takes 1-3 months. Apply 4-6 months before program start.
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Online application
Once COE is received, apply for the student visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
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Document submission
Submit visa application with COE (original), passport, photo, and supporting documents to the Japanese diplomatic mission.
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Fee payment
Pay visa issuance fee of approximately 3,000 JPY (single-entry) upon collection.
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Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of the date designated on the COE.