HomeStudying Abroad in JapanHow to Apply for a Japan Student Visa?

Japan Student Visa: How to Apply, Requirements and Expert Tips for Studying in Japan

Pursuing your dream of studying in Japan is an exciting endeavor. However, understanding the Japan student visa requirements can be complex. This guide provides essential information on how to obtain a Japan student visa and navigate the application process smoothly.

Japan Student Visa: Apply Guide, Requirements, and Expert Tips for Foreign Students

This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, key deadlines, and information on support options to assist you in your Japanese student visa application and your journey to study abroad in Japan.

To study abroad in Japan, a Japanese student visa is necessary for enrollment in Japanese language schools, vocational schools, and universities.

Also, it is essential to understand the visa application timeline and eligibility requirements to ensure a smooth process.

Key points covered in this article include:

  1. A student visa is required for foreign students planning to study and work part-time in Japan.
  2. Acceptance into a recognized school and proof of sufficient funds are necessary to get a Japanese student visa.
  3. Ensuring all documents are submitted correctly and on time is essential to avoid delays.
  4. Go! Go! Nihon streamlines the visa process by assisting with school selection, document verification, and accommodation. Our guidance ensures compliance with Japanese immigration regulations.
  5. Applying for a Japan student visa is a process that requires a significant amount of time; starting early can help reduce stress and improve your chances of approval. Go! Go! Nihon offers support throughout this process.
  6. A work permit is required to work in Japan after graduation.
Japan student visa Overview

What is a Japanese Student Visa?

To understand the application process, it is crucial to first define what a Japanese Student Visa entails. 

The Japanese Student Visa, officially called “General Visa – Student” (with ‘Student’ being a subcategory), is a legal document issued by the Japanese government that grants the status of residence, “Study Abroad”.

This visa permits you to:

  1. Study at schools in Japan.
  2. Reside in Japan during your studies.
  3. Engage in limited part-time work under specific conditions to support your living expenses.

What are the different types of Japanese Student Visas for Foreign Students?

The duration and purpose of your study abroad program determine the types of Japanese Student Visas available. These include:

  1. Student visas for language schools in Japan, typically offered for up to two years.
  2. Student visas for vocational schools and universities, with a duration that aligns with the length of your studies. Depending on the program, you may be eligible to bring dependents, provided you meet additional financial requirements.

Who needs to obtain a Japanese student visa?

If you are not a Japanese citizen or resident and plan to study in Japan for more than 90 days, a Japanese Student Visa is required. This applies to individuals enrolling in:

For short-term studies under 90 days, individuals from visa-exempt countries do not need a student visa.

Japan student visa requirements

What are the Necessary Requirements for your Japan Student Visa Application?

A photo of a passport which is a requirement to apply for a Japan Student Visa.
A photo of a passport which is a requirement to apply for a Japan Student Visa.

Now that we have established who requires a student visa, let us examine the specific requirements for the application.

To apply for a student visa in Japan, you must provide the following documents. Download our complimentary Japan student visa document checklist for a comprehensive list.

Standard documents:

  1. Copy of your valid passport and all prior Japan entry stamps in it.
  2. Proof JLPT N5 proficiency or 150-hour prior Japanese study (depending on school requirements).
  3. A high-quality photo of yourself in front of a white background, passport style, not older than 3 months.
  4. A copy of your last school degree. If you are still in school, include your graduation letter or proof of enrollment.
  5. Recent bank statement from yourself or your financial sponsor. It should show at least 1,200,000 JPY. Some schools may ask for a higher amount.
  6. Copy of business registration certificate if your sponsor is self-employed.
  7. The most recent tax declaration document from you or your financial sponsor as proof of annual income.

Extra documents (depending on school and applicant):

  1. Birth certificate as proof of relationship to your sponsor
  2. If you had a Japanese visa in the past:
    • Copy of the front and back of the residence card
    • Copy of the visa in passport
    • School graduation/attendance certificate, if held a student visa previously
  3. School-specific application forms and/or health certificates
  4. Copy of JLPT certificate if taken in the past

Why is financial proof required for a Japanese student visa application?

The financial proof is required by Japanese Immigration to ensure that you or your sponsor can cover the living and study costs associated with your chosen study abroad program in Japan.

Who can sponsor your student visa application?

You can sponsor your own application. Alternatively, a direct relative, such as a parent, grandparent, or sibling, can serve as your sponsor.

Ideally, the sponsor should have been employed full-time for at least the past two years.

If a single sponsor cannot meet the financial and sponsorship requirements, the school may accept two sponsors who collectively fulfill the requirements.

What is the required bank balance for a Japanese student visa application?

The key financial requirements include:

  • Bank Statement: You must provide a bank statement that demonstrates a minimum amount of funds, which varies based on the duration of your studies. For example, a minimum of 1,200,000 yen is typically required for six months of study. The specific amount required depends on your chosen school and the length of your study period.
  • Proof of Annual Income: Sponsors, including those who are retired, must demonstrate an annual income of at least 2,000,000 yen. Acceptable documentation includes a tax return, employment contract/certificate, or pension statement.

Why is proof of prior Japanese language study necessary?

A foreign student studying at a Japanese Language school in Japan
A foreign student studying at a Japanese Language school in Japan

Japanese language schools and immigration services often require documentation of prior Japanese language study to ensure that applicants can adapt to the academic environment and have the necessary language skills to succeed in their programs.

What are the valid proofs of Japanese language study?

  1. Transcript from university, language school or private tutor
  2. JLPT exam certificate or equivalent
  3. Certificate from an online course
  4. Some schools may allow self-study declaration

If you are a beginner with no prior Japanese language study, the Akamonkai 12-Week Beginner Course in Japanese provides an excellent starting point for building your Japanese language skills and confidence.

A 12-week online beginner course for foreign students is the perfect starting point to learn Japanese.
A 12-week online beginner course for foreign students is the perfect starting point to learn Japanese.
Steps to apply for a student visa

How to Apply for a Japanese Student Visa with Go! Go! Nihon

Your chances of obtaining a student visa for Japan will be increased by creating and adhering to a strict timeline.
Adhering to a strict timeline significantly enhances your chances of successfully obtaining a student visa for Japan

Having understood the necessary documentation, we can now move on to the steps involved in the Japan student visa application process.

  1. Contact Us: You may contact Go! Go! Nihon through our website’s contact form.
  2. School Selection: Collaborate with our team to select the most suitable school in Japan, based on your preferences and needs
  3. Document Preparation: Gather the required documents for your visa application. Our team will provide guidance on the necessary documents and requirements.
  4. Enhance your Japanese Studies: Japanese immigration authorities require applicants for long-term Japanese language programs to provide evidence of basic Japanese language studies.
  5. Documents Review: Submit your documents for review. We will verify their accuracy and suitability for school acceptance.
  6. Application Submission: We will submit your application to the school on your behalf and assist you in obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  7. Visa Application: Upon issuance of the COE, you can exchange it for your Japanese Student Visa at your nearest Japanese Consulate or embassy.
  8. Pre-Arrival: We can assist you in finding accommodation in Japan and provide advice on pre-departure preparations.
  9. Arrival and Post-Arrival Support: Upon your arrival, we will continue to provide assistance to help you settle in and connect you with a student community.

DID YOU KNOW?

Adhering to a strict timeline enhances your chances of obtaining a student visa for Japan.

Watch: How to apply to study in Japan with Go! Go! Nihon

For a visual guide on the application process, you can also watch this video:

Advantages of working with Go! Go! Nihon

Save Time, Effort, and Resources with Your Japan Student Visa Application Through Go! Go! Nihon

While direct applications to some schools in Japan are possible, they can present challenges. Go! Go! Nihon simplifies this process through collaborations with our partner schools and by providing language support.

Direct applications can be challenging due to:

  1. Language Barriers: If your Japanese language proficiency is not sufficient, the visa application process and understanding the required documentation can be difficult.
  2. Complex Paperwork: Schools may have extensive and specific requirements that can be challenging to navigate independently.
  3. Lack of Guidance: Applying without assistance may result in overlooking important steps or missing deadlines, potentially causing delays in your application.
We diligently support foreign students in their pursuit of studying in Japan by providing comprehensive visa application services.
We diligently support foreign students in their pursuit of studying in Japan by providing comprehensive visa application services.

Go! Go! Nihon helps you avoid the potential loss of time, effort, and resources often associated with direct applications.

Here’s how we assist you:

  1. Multi-language Support: We provide services in seven languages to ensure effective communication:
    • English
    • Spanish
    • Italian
    • French
    • Portuguese
    • Swedish
    • German
  2. Document Assistance: We verify the accuracy of your documents and ensure they meet the specific requirements of the school.
  3. School Liaison: We act as a liaison to facilitate smooth and clear communication between you and the school.
  4. Comprehensive Support: We provide assistance in selecting the most suitable school for your needs. We also offer support with housing arrangements and guidance upon your arrival.
Student Testimonials

Testimonials: International Students on Our Efficient and Effective Study Abroad Assistance in Japan

Excellent
Chris B.
All the staff are very helpful, they have helped me immensely.
Guest N.
I had an incredible experience with Go Go Nihon while enrolling in a Japanese language school. The entire process was so friendly and straightforward. My enrollment counselor, Layna, was especially helpful and responsive. She patiently walked me through all the steps and made what could have been a confusing process completely painless.

Layna also connected me with student housing partners, which was a huge help in finding an apartment close to my school. Thanks to her guidance, I was able to get everything arranged seamlessly.

I highly recommend Go Go Nihon for anyone considering a study abroad program in Japan.
Noah B.
Really great overall! The process has been long but it has been easy thanks to GoGoNihon!
Helen N.
Saskia helped me out through the entire process, from helping choose a school to any questions or concerns I had. I was kept informed of the process over the 10 months we had correspondence.
Response from the owner:Hello Helen, thank you for your review. We're happy we could help you!
William
Nora et Ayumi m'ont parfaitement accompagné pendant plusieurs mois pour me conseiller en fonction de mon profil et sécuriser l'école de mon choix, merci beaucoup ! Je vous recommande d'utiliser les services de Go! Go! Nihon, vous gagnerez beaucoup de temps pour votre expatriation concernant les démarches administratives, et vous obtiendrez aussi beaucoup d'informations utiles qui amélioreront la qualité de votre départ et installation dans le pays.
Response from the owner:Bonjour, merci pour votre commentaire ! C'est avec plaisir que nous vous aidons dans vos projets au Japon.
Karyna B.
My husband and I applied for Oct 2025 semester to study Japanese long term through Go! Go! Nihon. This was a clear and straightforward process thanks to Saskia! She helped us select a school, provided full support every step of the way, gave us all the details we needed, and ensured meeting all deadlines for the application. Thank you, Go! Go! Nihon and Saskia for the seamless experience, much appreciated!
Response from the owner:Hi Karyna, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you and your husband throughout the whole process. We can't wait for you to get here in October!
Dmytro
When we decided to attend a language school in Japan, some light research lead us to GoGoNihon as one of the most recommended conduits for the application process. I can now see why, although this was our first time using a service like this, and it was very straightforward and simple. Special thanks to our coordinator Saskia for answering all of our questions and helping us through the entire process! From recommending various language schools that could meet our needs to helping us through the actual application steps, she made the whole thing very easy! Now we are excited to start our classes in October!
Response from the owner:Hi, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process. We can't wait for you to start classes in October!
malice
My agents name was Silvia and she was amazing. Fast responses, answered all of my questions, easy to understand and gave me step-by-step instructions on all of the tasks and paperwork I needed to complete to get to Japan. I recommend her to everyone I know hoping to study in Japan.
Response from the owner:Hi, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Киана П.
I highly recommend using GoGo Nihon if you’re interested in applying to a Japanese language school abroad. I had the pleasure of being guided by Silvia through this process step-by-step. She has provided all the information I need and helped answer any questions I had. I’m very much looking forward to attend the language school I have chosen and am grateful for the amazing support given. Thank you, Silvia!
Response from the owner:Hi, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Bradon B.
Amazingly simple program that helps you get the opportunity to study a language abroad with ease! The staff is very helpful and communicative, it feels like they really want to help you! I highly recommend checking GoGo out if you're interested learning a language abroad!
Response from the owner:Hi Bradon, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Dan L.
GoGo Nihon provides excellent, well-informed, professional service to anyone interested in spending time in Japan beyond a short tourist trip. Help finding an educational opportunity is free! I am excited about my upcoming trip to a language school in Tokyo that I am confident will be a rewarding experience thanks to GoGo Nihon.
Response from the owner:Hi Dan, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process and we're excited for your stay in Tokyo!
Renate W.
I am applying for a student visa and gogonihon has helped me a lot, on my own I wouldn't know where to start. From gathering all the documents and sending them to immigration, to useful guides to help you throught the process. All my questions have been awnsered by the guides. Silvia really helped me when I had to reschedule my trip because of personal reasons, I really appreciated that. Im very happy with the organisation and recommend it to others
Response from the owner:Hi Renate, thank you for your review! We're happy we can help you throughout the whole process.
Jayde P.
Silvia has been really very helpful in assisting me throughout the application process and answering any and all of my question.
Response from the owner:Hi Jayde, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Lior W.
Such a great company! From the start, you can feel that the staff cares about you and that you're in really good hands. You don't need to worry about extra bureaucracy or missing anything out, as the staff helps you through the process step by step.
I highly recommend Go! Go! Nihon!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Lior, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Monika S.
I heartily recommend Go Go Nihon! I could always count on help, explanations and understanding from the office. My warmest regards to Ms. Silvia:)
Don't hesitate, if you wanna go to Japan try ask them for help! 😀
Response from the owner:Hi Monika, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Justin R.
Extremely encouraging and helpful. They are very resourceful and communicative in helping to make the arrangements for study. Incredibly selfless to do it at no additional fees too. Highly recommended if interested in studying in Japan.
Response from the owner:Hi Justin, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Javan B.
I've been in contact with Layna from Go Go Nihon to enroll into a japanese language course in Tokyo for 1 year and all the information has been really useful, communication with Layna has always been quick and clear.
I had many questions about the application process but I was able to always get the correct information and now I'm close to move to Japan! super happy with the quality of the service.
Response from the owner:Hi Javan, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process. We're excited for your move to Japan!
Loklin N.
Working with GoGoNihon has been incredibly helpful and easy to do. Big shoutout to Matthew (Matt) who has been assisting me in my application process to a language school in Kyoto! Matthew has gone above and beyond in providing information, answering my questions, and relaying information between me and my school in a timely and professional manner. I would highly recommend this service to anyone looking to apply to a language school in Japan.
Response from the owner:Hi Loklin, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process. We hope you'll enjoy your studies in Kyoto!
Tyler (.
Matt was an absolute gem of a helper to get the process going. As someone who isn't great with Japanese (yet) they made the process relatively painless and provided great resources to help with school applications, places to stay, and always provided prompt reponses to any questions I had during the process. Would recommend to anyone trying to go to Japan to live and study!
Response from the owner:Hi Tyler, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Kevin R.
My Go Go Nihon advisor, Sean, has been an excellent advisor. He has guided me expertly through the application process and answered any questions I had promptly and with full details. He reviewed all aspects of my application package and found a couple of small mistakes I had made and places where I had not explained aspects of my background sufficiently or had not phrased things properly (a testament to how careful a proofreader he is). I think any Go Go Nihon applicant would be fortunate to have Sean for an advisor.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Kevin! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Neguev B.
Je recommande Go! Go! Nihon. J'ai fait les cours pour débutant en ligne et j'ai vraiment aimé mon apprentissage que je trouvais bien fait dans l'ensemble. Il y a de la théorie, de la pratique et quelques explications vidéos et résumées parfois. L'accompagnement est vraiment le gros plus de la plateforme! J'ai été accompagné par Nora et Ayumi dans mes démarches. Elles sont claires, rapides et très à l'écoute! Merci à toute l'équipe!
Response from the owner:Bonjour, merci pour votre commentaire ! C'est avec plaisir que nous vous aidons dans vos projets d'études.
Panna P.
I am very very satisfied and happy, Kristina is very helpful and kind. Thank you for help and services!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Pavaillon L.
I would like to sincerely thank Pauline and Moko from Go! Go! Nihon for their incredible support throughout my application to a language school in Tokyo.
They were extremely responsive, patient, and helpful, even when I had lots of questions. Thanks to their guidance, I was able to choose a school that suits me perfectly, and they supported me every step of the way from the initial application to preparing for my arrival in Japan.

I highly recommend using Go! Go! Nihon if you're planning to study Japanese in Japan. Their service makes the entire process so much easier and gives you peace of mind.

Thank you again for everything!
Response from the owner:Hello Lilou, hank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process and we wish you the best for your studies in Japan.
Bruce Z.
My wife and I are excited to be attending language school in Tokyo soon and going through GoGoNihon has been nothing but a smooth experience end to end thanks to Kristina who worked with us through the whole process and answered so many of our questions! She helped us make sure all documents we needed were in order, facilitated communication between our language school of choice, and overall helped us stay organized, on track, and updated throughout the application period.

We’re looking forward to our big move and would recommend anyone looking to apply through a guided process to go through GoGoNihon!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Bruce! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process and we hope you and your wife will enjoy life in Tokyo!
Nathan L.
GogoNihon made the the entire process very easy and simple. May was my main contact throughout the process, she helped me select a school that tailored to my needs, providing great information on all the different options and was always quick to reply to any of my inquiries.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Nathan! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Darren B.
Go! Go! Nihon has been fantastic to work with. Their team responded quickly to all my questions, always showed a genuine willingness to help, and made the entire application process clear and easy to follow. With my coordinators help, everything so far has gone smoothly and I’m excited to begin my studies in Japan this October!
Response from the owner:Hello Darren, thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Camila M.
Maravilhosa, bem explicativa e com profissionais incríveis.
Response from the owner:Olá Camila! Agradecemos a sua avaliação positiva! Ficamos muito felizes em poder ajudar a tornar o seu intercâmbio possível! Esperamos que aproveite a sua estadia e estudos no Japão!
Aleksandra O.
The service that GoGo Nihon and my advisor Reinaldi have provided me has been absolutely exceptional. With their help and guidance, the process of applying to language school in Japan went smooth and I was able to prepare the documentation required in the correct way for it to be accepted by the language school and immigration. Not only did I recieve help with the application process, the team also contacted the language school directly on my behalf concerning matters such as securing housing in Japan. Thanks to GoGo Nihon I was given the opportunity to continue my adventures in the land of the rising sun!

A heartfelt thank you to Reinaldi and the team from GoGo Nihon.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Aleksandra! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process and we hope you enjoy your life in Japan.
Shawn Michael R.
Matthew has been helping me over the past year with quick and clear communication. I don't know how I would go through this process without someone like him guiding me through every step!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Nadia I.
This was such a momental and difficult process made very easy all thanks to my coordinator, Matt. Matt was extremely pleasant and patient with me, answering all my tedious questions for months, promptly and happily. I’m so thankful I had Matt to guide me through this all and am so excited to start this new journey of my life!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Nadia! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process and we wish you the best for this new chapter in your life.
Boris A.
Good overall experience. Saskia has been very thorough and helpful with my application and how to accommodate to a new experience in Japan. Definitely recommend Go! Go! Nihon!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Boris! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Guliz G
Matt has been incredibly supportive throughout the whole process and always kept me updated, which made everything so much less stressful. He took the time to answer all of my questions clearly and I really appreciate his help. I’d highly recommend Go! Go! Nihon to anyone planning to study in Japan
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Megama
Crystal was a huge help on me and my partner's application process, we really appreciate it!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review!
Kara
Very helpful throughout the whole study abroad application process ❤️
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Cyril V.
merci à pauline et moko pour leur travail et leur suivi tout au long de mon dossier.
Response from the owner:Bonjour, merci pour votre commentaire ! C'est avec plaisir que nous vous aidons dans vos projets d'études au Japon!
Yehor D.
I had a great experience with Go Go Nihon, the process of submitting documents was very straightforward, and at every step there was a clear plan of what to do next, which made everything much easier to follow. I always knew exactly which stage I was at. Responses usually came the next day, but that’s completely understandable given the time difference. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the support
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Taha A.
Saskia was incredibly helpful at every stage of the application process, even offering me alternative solutions when I was feeling pessimistic. I'm incredibly grateful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
David J.
GoGo Nihon has been an exceptional resource and service for applying to a language school. The paperwork and process are streamlined and communication has been great. It takes out a lot of the headache that would inevitably have been there. Layna has been a great coordinator throughout the entire process, with timely and informative responses. I would highly recommend it because why not use experts who have already gone through what you are planning? And best of all, it's free!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review David! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Rose L.
I am very pleased with how Go! Go! Nihon has helped me throughout this whole process of studying to Japan!

To my advisor, Saskia, she has helped me from the start of this adventure with notifying me about the 12 week Japanese course work and certification once you pass the course. To the very end of me preparing to be a full-time student.

I have searched at many companies to help me with studying abroad but Go! Go! Nihon has certainly been the best:)
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Rose! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.
Pedro Hinojos S.
Very helpful and nice people.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review!
Don F.
Going through GoGo Nihon was simple with the help of my contact Sean.
He was quite prompt and exactly to the point of anything I was missing and descriptive for thing I still needed to accomplish. The process for applying for a Language school was made easy with his help.
Would recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We're happy we could help you throughout the whole process.

Or view video testimonials of international students who we have assisted in the past.

Ready to live and study in Japan?

Our student advisors are here to help you. Contact us today for free support!
Tips from our student coordinators

Valuable Advice from Our Student Advisors for a Seamless Japanese Student Visa Application

In addition to hearing from past students, consider these valuable tips from our student coordinators for a successful application.

1. Submit your application early

The application period for each long-term intake begins one year prior to the start of the term, with final deadlines approximately six months before the start date. As school places fill up quickly, we strongly recommend submitting your application as early as possible to secure your place.

2. Verify all required documents

Carefully review the document checklist for all materials necessary to apply to a language school in Japan and for your student visa.

Failure to complete and submit all required documents for your Japan student visa application may result in delays, application denial, or the need to defer your studies to a later intake.

3. Thoroughly review application information

Carefully examine the information and instructions provided by us. These contain all the essential details for completing a successful student visa application in Japan.

4. Enhance your Japanese studies

Japanese immigration authorities require applicants for long-term Japanese language programs to provide evidence of basic Japanese language studies. Ensure you have the necessary documentation.

5. Provide accurate information

Ensure all information in your application is accurate and truthful, as the student visa is a legal document. Any inconsistencies or false information can compromise your visa application.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ensuring all documents are accurate and submitted on time is crucial to avoid complications with Japanese Immigration.

Reasons for Japan student visa rejection

What Common Reasons Lead to the Denial of Your Japan Student Visa Application?

When applying for a Japan Student Visa, it is essential to meet all requirements and provide accurate information to avoid rejection.

Below are the most common reasons for the denial of a student’s visa application.

1. Multiple applications and inconsistent information

  • It is only possible to apply to one school at a time.

  • Submitting applications to multiple schools will result in the automatic rejection of all visa applications.

2. Inconsistent information

  • Immigration authorities carefully review past visa and Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) applications.

  • All previous applications, including cancelled ones, must be accurately declared.

  • Any discrepancies between the information provided in past and current applications may lead to rejection.

3. Insufficient Japanese language study hours

  • Many language schools and Japanese Immigration now require proof of Japanese language study experience.

  • Acceptable proof includes course completion certificates, university transcripts, letters from teachers, or JLPT certificates.

  • Schools may also have specific requirements, such as in-person course certifications.

If you do not have evidence of prior Japanese studies, consider enrolling in a recognized online Japanese course, such as the Akamonkai Japanese 12-Week Beginner Course.

Always confirm the specific requirements of your chosen school before applying.

DID YOU KNOW?

Study experience is valuable for your application and adapting to life in Japan; however, language requirements vary by school. Some schools may only accept certificates from in-person courses, excluding online courses.

Student visa transition to work visa

Can You Transition Your Student Visa to a Work Visa in Japan?

It is indeed possible to transition from a student visa to a work visa in Japan; however, this transition is not automatic.

To qualify for a work visa in Japan, you must first obtain a job offer from a company in Japan. The job must also fulfill specific requirements established by the Japanese Immigration Bureau.

Typically, these requirements include holding a Bachelor’s Degree or specialized diploma from a Japanese vocational school.

Is it easy to find a job in Japan after graduation?

Finding a full-time job in Japan after graduation can be challenging without the basic necessary qualifications, such as a Bachelor’s Degree or specialized vocational diploma and JLPT N2.

Some language schools offer job support, including interview preparation and resume writing, however, finding employment will depend on your qualifications, experience and efforts in job-hunting.

We wrote an article about the different job opportunities for international students on a student visa.

DID YOU KNOW?

Finding employment in Japan after your graduation will depend on your qualifications and efforts.

Before applying for student visa

Other Important Things to Understand About Japanese Student Visa

Before you finalize your application, it is important to understand some other key aspects of the Japanese student visa.

How long does it take to process your student visa application in Japan?

The process of obtaining a Japanese student visa takes several months. After selecting a school and submitting your application, the school reviews it and submits it to Japanese immigration for approval of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

The review process after your application is submitted to the school can take around 6 months, depending on the school.

Once the COE is issued, you must apply for your student visa at a local Japanese embassy, which generally takes about 1 week.

Can your Japanese student visa be renewed and extended?

Yes, your Japanese student visa can be renewed if you wish to extend your Japanese language studies in Japan, but this depends on several factors.

Extensions are typically allowed up to the maximum course length set by your school term, up to two years:

  • Provided there are available course spots
  • Your attendance and grades meet the required standards
  • You can show updated financial proof of sufficient funds.

DID YOU KNOW?

Extensions are not guaranteed, so it is recommended to apply for the longest course duration in your initial application to avoid complications.

What are the potential issues you will encounter with non-renewal of your student visa?

Non-renewal of Japanese student visa can lead to:

  • Forced departure from Japan.
  • Loss of school enrollment.
  • Adverse effects on your future visa application, making it harder to secure reentry to Japan.

What is the maximum duration of stay in Japan with a student visa?

The maximum duration for studying Japanese on a student visa is 2 years. If you have previously studied at a language school on a student visa, the total length of your study will be reduced by the duration of your previous course.

Ready to live and study in Japan?

Our student advisors are here to help you. Contact us today for free support!
Summary

Japan Student Visa: How to Apply and Requirements

Applying for a Japanese student visa can be a complex process; however, with our support, you do not have to navigate it alone.

We offer personalized guidance in 7 languages, assisting you in selecting the appropriate school, processing your visa documents, securing accommodation, and adjusting to life in Japan.

Our comprehensive service ensures your application process is seamless and stress-free.

Do not risk forgoing your dream of studying in Japan. Take advantage of our support today to ensure your application is error-free and your journey to Japan is successful!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I apply for a Japan Student Visa?
    To apply for a Japan student visa, begin by selecting a language school and a term start date. Then, submit the necessary documents through our application link. We will assist you throughout the application process.
  2. What documents are required for my Japan student visa application?
    You will need to submit various documents, including proof of financial support, a completed application form, and an official bank statement.
  3. Can I apply for a student visa if I have studied in Japan before?
    Students who have previously studied in Japan can obtain a student visa for a maximum of 2 years, minus the duration of their prior course. Visa extensions require good attendance and proof of financial support, but are not guaranteed.
  4. What is the processing time for my Japanese student visa application? 
    The processing time for the student visa is approximately 6 months for COE approval and 1 week for the visa issuance. It is advisable to apply early to avoid potential delays.
  5. Is it possible to work in Japan while studying with a student visa?
    Students in Japan with student visas can work part-time with approval from the school and immigration authorities. To work full-time after graduation, students require a job offer and a work visa, which typically necessitates a Bachelor’s degree or a specialized vocational diploma.
Table of Contents

Live and study abroad in Japan

Our student advisors are here to help you. Contact us today for free support.

Important Information for a Successful Study Abroad in Japan