Japan Student Visa Process

Japan, or ‘’Nippon’’ ‘’Nihon’’ or more widely called ‘’The Land of the Rising Sun’’, is an island country in East Asia, northwest of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of five main islands and spans around 7,000-island archipelago. More than 300,000 international students have chosen Japan as their study destination for multiple reasons. No matter which majors you are interested in studying, if you study abroad in Japan, you will experience living in the world’s third-largest economy since Japan is a great financial power. 

A Japanese student visa is for exceptionally qualified students. The status of the Visa will be a student. The duration of a student Visa is at least six months to two years, depending on the duration of the study period. It is a long-term visa. It facilitates international students to pursue education in the country. All the higher-educational institutions in Japan, like schools, universities, and vocational institutions, accept the visa. Anyone who wants to study in an educational institution in Japan has to have a Student Visa.

Benefits of a Japanese Student Visa

- The Japan Student Visa is aimed at international individuals who want to study and stay in Japan for six months or more.

- The student visa of Japan allows international students in language schools to stay in the country for two years.

- They can stay in Japan longer if accepted in any educational institution.

- International students can work in Japan for 28 hours weekly with a valid student visa.

- They can also work for 8 hours a day during holidays

- International individuals who want to study while working part-time are also eligible for the Japanese student visa.

- International students can convert their student visa into a full-time work visa in 3 months.

- They can access healthcare and financial services in Japan.

Eligibility Criteria for Japan Student Visa

The eligibility criteria for the Student Visa in Japan are given below:

- Letter of Admission from the educational institution in Japan, stating the duration and other details of the study program.

- Valid proof of academic or professional qualifications.

- Proof of adequate funds to study in Japan.

- Valid Letter of Sponsorship

- Letter of Guarantee and Letter of Invitation issued from the educational institution.

- A Cover Letter or Motivational Letter written by the candidate stating the reason for their travel.

What are the requirements for a Japanese student Visa?

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world and provides multiple opportunities to foreign students. You must submit different required documents to apply for a Japanese visa. Following are the documents you need to apply for a Japanese student Visa:

1. Download the student visa application form from the official website of your country's embassy in Japan.

2. A valid passport with copies.

3. A passport-size picture with a white background, not older than three months, picture quality must be good, and a face must be very clear with dimensions 4cm x 3cm.

4. Eligibility Certificate.

5. Admission letter from a Japanese institution.

6. Transcripts/ Certificate of previous Academic records.

7. A bank statement is required as proof of scholarship. If someone is sponsoring you, then a sponsor letter along with Peron’s bank statement, proof of source of income, and proof of receiving Financial Aid to fulfill the financial requirements during the study in Japan. The financial requirement for a Japanese student Visa is at least 2 million yen for one year

8. Motivational letter for the reason for your travel.

9. Also, send these documents to the school for the Eligibility certificate.

Please keep in mind that:

a. The paper for printing documents is A4.

b. Ask the consultant or Embassy whether you submit copies or originals before sending documents.

c. As per your Embassy or Consultant choice, they tell you more if they need any other document except those listed above.

How to apply for a Japan Student Visa?

There are two parts to completing the Japanese student visa application process. The first is submitting the Japanese student visa application form and Certificate of Eligibility. 

a) How to obtain an eligibility certificate in Japan?

Foreigners who enter Japan for a short-term reason need an Eligibility Certificate from the immigration department of Japan. It supports the actual Visa application. It’s not the same as a visa application form you still need to apply for a Visa from your hometown. This certificate takes two to three months.

b) How to Apply for a Japanese student visa after the eligibility certificate?

1. When you have received an Eligibility Certificate, you can use it to apply to the embassy for a Japanese student Visa.

2. You should contact a consultant or Embassy. Sometimes, you can apply through a travel or Visa agency.

3. Gather the required documents for a Japanese student Visa.

4. Submit the application form to the Embassy or travel agency.

5. If your Visa application has been processed, you must return to receive your passport. If this application is approved you are welcome to enter Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do student visas take to process in Japan?
5-10 working days

2. How much bank balance is required for a Japan student visa?
A minimum of 2,000,000 Yen ($18,546) in your or your sponsor's bank account.

3. How do I know if my Japan visa is approved?
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Japan Visa Application Centre. If you can't access email easily or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone.

4. How many intakes does Japan have?
The academic year in Japan begins from April to March of the following year. Institutions with semester systems start their academic year in April and sometimes in autumn. Japanese Universities offer two intakes in April and September.

5. What is the salary of a student visa in Japan?
The minimum wage in Japan is 1000 Yen or USD 7 per hour

6. How much study gap is acceptable in Japan?
Up to four years

7. How Much is the Japan Student Visa Fee?
Single-entry visa: 3,000 Yen. Double-entry or multiple-entry visa: 6,000 Yen.

Conclusion

Japan is a highly sought-after destination for international students, offering a range of benefits, including the opportunity to work part-time, access to financial services and healthcare, and the potential to convert a student visa into a full-time work visa. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria to obtain a Japanese student visa, including securing admission to a Japanese educational institution and demonstrating sufficient funds. The application process involves obtaining an Eligibility Certificate supporting the visa application and submitting the necessary documents to the embassy or a designated agency. Applicants should be prepared for a thorough and time-consuming process, but the rewards of studying in Japan, one of the world's most developed countries, can be significant.