For Short‑Term Courses (Up to 90 Days)
Nationals of many countries can stay in Japan for up to 90 days under a visa‑waiver or short‑stay visa, which is suitable for brief language programs or cultural courses. At entry, immigration grants permission for a stay of up to 90 days. You will generally need:

• A valid passport

• A return or onward ticket within 90 days

• Proof of enrollment in your short‑term course

For Long‑Term Courses (More Than 90 Days)
You must apply for a student visa if your program is longer than 90 days. This covers:

• University or college degree programs

• Long‑term language school courses

• Vocational and professional training programs

• Exchange programs that last more than three months

Step 1: Choose and Apply to a School in Japan
Every university, language school, and vocational college in Japan offers different programs, schedules, and support services. Take time to compare schools based on:

• Your academic and career goals

• City or region where you want to live

• Tuition fees and overall budget

• Your current Japanese or English language level

Tip: Placement services such as the GaijinPot Student Placement Program can help you compare schools and support your application process.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Your Documents to the School
After you receive a conditional offer or admission, the school will ask for documents needed to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). These commonly include:

• Student application form, including a clear motivation statement

• Personal history or CV listing your education and work experience

• Application essay explaining why you want to study in Japan

• Academic records, such as:

  • Most recent diploma or degree certificate

  • Official transcripts from previous schools

  • Certified translations in English or Japanese, if needed

• Eight identical ID photos (4 cm × 3 cm) that:

  • Show a full‑face, front view

  • Are taken within the last 3 months

  • Have a plain background

  • Do not include hats or sunglasses

  • Are printed on proper photo paper

• Passport copies, including:

  • Photo/ID page

  • Signature page

  • Any previous Japanese entry/exit stamps (if applicable)

• Proof of financial ability, such as:

  • Recent bank statements (often showing around ¥2,000,000 or more as a guideline)

  • Income certificates or tax returns

  • Scholarship or financial aid letters (if any)

  • Sponsorship letter if a parent or sponsor is funding your studies

• Certificates of previous Japanese study, if available

• Medical form, if requested by the institution

Important: Financial documents and sponsorship details must match the name and relationship you declare in your application.

Step 3: School Sends Your CoE Application to Immigration
After checking your documents, the school submits your CoE application to the Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan, usually around five months before your course starts. Applying early gives you enough time for review and corrections if needed.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Once immigration approves your application, they issue the CoE and send it to your school, which then forwards it to you after confirming your initial tuition payment. This usually happens about 1–2 months before the start of classes.

Step 5: Apply for the Student Visa at the Japanese Embassy
With your CoE, you can submit your visa application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will normally need:

• Original CoE and one photocopy

• Valid passport

• Recent passport‑size photo (taken within 3 months)

• Completed visa application form (from the embassy/consulate)

• Admission or enrollment certificate from your school

Processing usually takes around 5–10 working days, depending on the embassy. Apply within 90 days of your intended arrival date and keep your CoE with you, as immigration will check it when you enter Japan.

To protect your application, watch out for these frequent causes of refusal:

• Insufficient financial proof or unclear funding sources

• Submitting CoE applications through multiple schools at the same time

• Missing or incomplete documents in the application package

• Not following document instructions (for example, stapling forms when told not to)

• Serious criminal record or immigration violations

International students on a Japanese student visa can work part‑time as long as they get a separate “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence.”

• Maximum 28 hours of work per week during term time

• Up to 40 hours per week during long school holidays (summer, winter, spring)

• You can apply for work permission at the airport on arrival or later at a local immigration office

• There is no additional government fee for this permission

Once you land in Japan with your student visa, a few important registration steps are required:

• Present your CoE and visa at immigration and receive a residence card (at major airports)

• Register your address at the local city or ward office within 14 days

• Enroll in National Health Insurance

• Open a bank account and, if needed, get a mobile phone plan

Q. Can a tourist visa be changed to a student visa inside Japan?
A. In most cases you need to return to your home country and apply for the correct status via the CoE process; direct conversion from tourist to student is generally not recommended.

Q. How long does the whole process take?
A. From school application to visa issuance, expect roughly 3–4 months, including several weeks to a few months for CoE review plus 5–10 days for the visa itself.

Q. Can family members come with me?
A. Spouses and children may apply for “Dependent” visas if you can show enough financial resources to support them in Japan.

Q. What happens if I change schools?
A. Your new institution must report the change and, in some cases, a new CoE or status update may be required. Always consult immigration or your school’s international office before switching.

Q. Is health insurance mandatory?
A. Yes. All mid‑ to long‑term residents, including international students, must enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance system.

In Summary
The Japanese student visa process may seem detailed, but with early preparation, organized documents, and clear financial proof, it is very manageable. Following each step carefully helps you avoid delays and opens the door to an exciting study experience in Japan.