Japan ranks as one of the best study destinations in Asia, it boasts of the finest institutions and facilities to study in areas like automobiles, AI, electronics, aerospace and green technologies.
Japan is not just popular for its advanced technology courses, it also offers some of the best disaster management training and courses. This Asian tech hub has launched a nationwide project, which would attract over 300,000 foreign students to Japan by 2020.
How Do I Get a Japanese Student Visa?
Ok, let’s break the entire application process for a student visa in Japan. Visas can be obtained in two ways:
- Embassy & Consulate
You can easily obtain a student visa by simply contacting the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. You head to the office, fill in the application form and submit it to begin processing your application.
- Institution & University
This process is an automatic way to get a student visa in Japan. Your university will help you to apply and acquire your travel visa. Applying through the institution or university where you will study is usually the easiest way to get a study visa in Japan. This method is usually used by students who have been awarded scholarships.
Even if you were awarded a Japanese scholarship, make sure to check requirements and instructions. There is a possibility that you could qualify for an automatic student visa.
Cost of Japan Student Visa
The price of a Japanese student visa depends on your home country – it is not fixed. In some cases, you could get a Japanese student visa for free. The best way to know if you are eligible for this offer is to contact a consular or any Japanese embassy near you.
In case you are not eligible, the standard price for a study visa in Japan is:
- 3,000 Yen for single entry;
- 6,000 Yen for multiple-entry.
Then the standard price for a transit visa is about 700 Yen.
There’s no need to go to a Bureau de Change, the visa fee is collected in your local currency in any Japanese embassy. While Japanese visas are easy to obtain, you must make sure that you have a valid visa in order to study in Japan.
You should also make sure that you begin your visa application process immediately after you’ve been admitted into a university in Japan because the process could take up to three months. So don’t wait!
Japan Student Visa Application
Many students are denied to get visas not because they did not qualify but because of typos and errors in their visa application form. In the application form, you will have to fill your name, passport number, the purpose of your visit, and other sensitive information.
Be sure to cross check your details before you submit.
You will also need to get a CoE before you can get your study visa in Japan.
What is a CoE?
CoE or Certificate of eligibility is an issued document from the immigration office to the students at the request of the university.
The university will send the student a letter of acceptance, but the CoE is needed by the visa issuance authority as valid proof of application. This means that if you possess a CoE, your Japanese student visa will be processed faster.
If the documents you are presenting are good, the chances of getting your CoE approved are higher. Obtaining a Certificate of eligibility is not a sure guarantee that the applicant will receive his/her visa for Japan.
Documents Needed For Japan Student Visa Application
Once you’ve applied for a Japanese student visa, there are certain documents required by the school to be submitted before your visa processing can begin. These documents include:
- A passport with more than two blank pages that is valid for the entirety of your stay in Japan;
- A filled and signed Visa Application Form;
- One photograph [2 x 2 inches in the dimension and white background];
- Original Certificate of Eligibility;
- Oath for Payment;
- Experience certificates;
- Proof of sufficient finances;
- Certificate of previous Japanese studies (if applicable);
- School Diploma and transcript translated to English or Japanese (if applicable);
- A letter of remittance;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and other supporting documents;
- some schools ask for your medical history;
- An essay on ”how your studies in Japan will benefit your career”;
- Proof of employment or your sponsor if you have one;
- A certificate of admission.
Applicants can also track their Japanese visa applications by entering their VFS reference number and date of birth on the field provided on the tracking site. The visa processing in Japan takes approximately two and a half months. The whole visa application process is super easy if you have a school agent.
Once your application has been approved, go ahead to book your flight and send all the required details including e-ticket to your school at least two weeks prior to the arrival date. Secure your accommodation and start attending lectures.