How to Get a Student Visa

Many people visit Japan on a tourist visa, but if you want the full experience, you’ll need a student visa. The application process takes about 6 months, but it’s not hard. The video will provide a comprehensive overview of the process. You don’t need a company like “Go! Go! Nihon” to help you. Every Japanese language school has English speaking staff that will help you with your application. For free! It’s literally their job.

Japanese language schools have four terms a year. They begin in: January, April, July and October. If you are a beginner, starting in April is a great option. This allows you to complete two years of language school before moving on to higher education or getting a job in Japan. Watch the video, get your documents in order, and contact a language school today!

Example Timeline
(November 1st - April 1st)

  • DAY 1: Start by emailing a school in Japan. They will ask for these documents:

    • Visa application / Contract of Payment They will email you a application. You will also answer some questions with short essays. The school will review your application before submitting it to the visa office in Japan. (The school might ask you to “improve” some of your answers, before they submit your application)

    • Color photo of your valid passport

    • 3x4 cm “passport style” photo (taken within the past 6 months)

    • College or high school diploma (scan it)

    • College transcript contact your college for a copy (NOTE* If you are still in college, the language school will need different documents)

    • Bank Balance PDF of your current bank statement, with date, or a PDF “proof of account balance” from your investment account. (You can also use your parent’s account balance, 6 month account history showing the deposit/withdrawal, etc. Also include a copy of your Birth Certificate)

    • Proof of Employment Issued by an official institution or workplace (If you have your own business, include your business license)

    • Income Certificate / Paycheck or business income Issued by an official institution or workplace (If you have your own business, include some proof of business income)

    • PRO TIP* If you’re working online / remotely, you should explain, in your application answers, that your priority will be learning Japanese. Tell the school you want to work a normal part time job when you get to Japan. (Working online is not understood in Japan, so avoid mentioning it completely if possible)

  • DAY 30: Skype interview with the school.

  • DAY 120: The school will email scans of COE document, and payment instructions.

  • DAY 121: Use an international payment app (wise.com) to send a YEN wire transfer to the school’s bank account. The transfer will begin immediately, but It will take a week for the money to reach the school’s bank account.

  • DAY 128: The school will (DHL) mail you the real COE document. The letter will take a week to reach you.

  • DAY 129: Buy your one-way ticket to Tokyo. (Consider visiting a different part of Japan before school starts.)

  • DAY 130: Get these items ready. Put them in a big envelope. You will mail them to the Japanese embassy in your state / region:

    • Passport

    • ID photo (2 passport style 2"x2" photos) printed on photo paper, taken within the last 6 months, and different from photo on your passport.

    • Certificate of Eligibility (emailed copy from school) print out in color.

    • Permission of Entrance (emailed from school) print out in color.

    • Release of Liability (download it from you state / region Japanese embassy website) print out in color.

    • Application (download it from the embassy website) print and fill it out. Email your school if you need help.

    • USPS Express “prepaid” envelope (The embassy will use this envelope to send you your completed visa paperwork) It should be addressed to your home.

    • Certificate of Eligibility (The real one) This is the final document. The school has already mailed it, from Japan, and you have to wait for it.

  • DAY 135: You will receive the real COE document from the school.

  • DAY 136: Mail the big envelope with all the items inside to your embassy.

  • DAY 150: You will receive the “prepaid” return-envelope, with your passport and student visa inside, and you’re done.

  • DAY 151: Fly to Japan! (Remember bring your Certificate of Eligibility on the plane. You will need it upon landing in Japan, so you can work part-time up to 28 hours on a student visa.)