Student Visa for Japan: Essential Information for Your Study Abroad Journey
A student visa for Japan is an essential part of your study abroad application and serves as a ticket to your dream of studying in Japan. We hope that these tips for applying for a Japanese student visa will make the process easier and more convenient for you. Let’s follow the guidance from Vietnamstudent below!
What is a Student Visa for Japan?
A visa, also known as an entry permit, is a legal document that proves that the country you are entering allows someone to enter or exit its territory. A student visa is an entry permit granted to international students in general, or specifically to Vietnamese students, who wish to enter Japan to study at educational institutions such as Japanese language schools, vocational schools, colleges, and universities. Once you obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), you can proceed with the visa application at the Japanese Embassy (https://www.vn.emb-japan.go.jp) as follows:
Steps to Apply for a Student Visa for Japan:
- How to Prepare Documents for the Student Visa Application?
How to fill out the visa application form? The process of applying for a Japanese student visa consists of several steps, including:
- Preparing documents
- Submitting documents
- Interviewing
- Time to receive the student visa results
- Tips to minimize the risk of visa rejection
Let’s delve into the details of each document!
Preparing Documents for the Student Visa Application
Before applying for a visa, you must meet the conditions for studying in Japan and obtain the Certificate of Eligibility from the local Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice in Japan closest to you (COE). This will facilitate your visa application and prevent long waiting times. A complete student visa application packet includes the following documents:
- Original passport (note that your passport must be valid for more than six months)
- Visa application form (you can download this form from the website of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and must fill it out completely without leaving any fields blank).
- One photo (4.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a white background, taken with a collared shirt.
- Certificate of Eligibility for residency in Japan (both original and photocopy).
- Admission notice (photocopy; be sure to bring the original with the school seal for verification if needed).
- To apply for a student visa for Japanese language schools, you need to submit your “High School Diploma.”
- Japanese language proficiency certificate (photocopy).
Important Notes: If your documents are incomplete or not filled out correctly, your application will not be accepted. Depending on the case, the embassy may request additional documents or require an interview. If the embassy requests but you do not provide the additional documents or attend the interview, your application will be put on hold. In some cases, the processing time may take several weeks longer, so please plan your time accordingly to submit your visa application.
If the documents need to be returned in their original form, you must also submit a photocopy. Except for documents that specify their validity period, all submitted documents must be within three months of their issuance date.
How to Fill Out the Visa Application Form?
Information on the Visa Application Form Must Be Written in Capital Letters
In the visa application packet for studying in Japan, the visa application form is a crucial document that significantly affects your chances of successfully obtaining a visa. Therefore, you should fill out this application form thoroughly and accurately to minimize any unfortunate consequences. The QR code visa application form should be downloaded to your computer, and you will need to use Adobe Acrobat to read and fill it out. You must complete all fields, and the information must be accurate, with no blanks left. After filling out all the information, print it out, sign it, and write the date to finish.
Some Tips When Filling Out the Student Visa Application Form for Japan:
- Attach your photo to the top right corner of the form, and you absolutely must not use a staple. (The photo should be clear and taken within the last three months for identification purposes.)
- For the application form, you should type or write in capital letters.
- All information entered on the form must be in English.
- The ID number (CMTND/CCCD) on the application form must match the ID number on your passport. Information regarding your residence, such as address and phone number, must be written in detail, accurately, and completely without omitting any sections. Additionally, it’s advisable to include the country code for your phone number.
Visa Application Procedures for Studying in Japan
Submitting the Visa Application
After you have completed your visa application documents, depending on your geographical location, you can submit your application in person at one of the following two addresses:
- Embassy of Japan in Hanoi (responsible for provinces from Gia Lai, Bình Định and above)
Address: 27 Liễu Giai, Ba Đình District, Hanoi.
Phone: +84-4-3846-3000.
- Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City (responsible for the southern region from Dak Lak, Phu Yen, and below)
Address: 261 Điện Biên Phủ, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone: +84-8-3933-3510.
Important Notes When Submitting Your Visa Application to Study in Japan:
- Visa applications must not be sent via fax or postal mail. If sent by fax or mail, your application will not be processed or approved. However, if you are requested to supplement your application, you can send a fax to the embassy.
- Application Acceptance Hours at the Embassy:
- Morning: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday to Friday (except on the embassy’s holidays). You can check the embassy’s holiday schedule on the official website of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam: Embassy of Japan in Vietnam.
- Visa Fees:
- For a single-entry visa, the fee is 640,000 VND. For a multiple-entry visa, the fee is 1,250,000 VND. This fee may change depending on different times. If your application is incomplete, you will be notified directly at the embassy. You will need to prepare and submit your documents once they are complete.
- When you go to submit your documents, you need to bring your ID card and a letter of introduction to enter the embassy. Additionally, you should carry notarized photocopies in case they are needed. However, currently, the Embassy of Japan does not accept individuals to submit visa applications in person. Therefore, you should consider using the services of study abroad consulting companies or authorized visa agents to assist you.
Interview
For many students, the visa interview is always a challenge in the visa application process. The embassy may require you to attend an in-person interview, so you need to be prepared, maintain a relaxed spirit, and revise your Japanese language knowledge well. You should not be overly tense; instead, view it as a casual conversation. Confidence and a serious attitude during the interview will be a plus for the interviewer. There will be questions in Vietnamese, and you may also be asked in Japanese to assess your language proficiency. Therefore, you should strengthen your Japanese skills to handle any situations that arise during the interview.
When attending the interview, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Bring your original ID card and a photocopy.
- Visa application receipt (the receipt you received when you initially submitted your application) – one photocopy.
- Proof of Japanese language study.
- Japanese language proficiency certificate (a photocopy or original if available).
- Bring a black pen to fill out the information form.
Before entering the interview, you will be given a personal history form to fill out your information. Here are some common interview questions you may want to prepare answers for, such as:
- What is your name? How old are you? What are your strengths and interests?
- How long have you been studying Japanese? Where have you studied? What is your current level of Japanese?
- Have you passed any Japanese proficiency exams? What were the results?
- How many people are in your family? What is your family’s monthly income?
- What do your parents do for a living? How old are they? What is their annual income?
- Do you have any documents to prove your parents’ income?
- How much money have your parents saved for your study abroad in Japan?
- What year did you graduate from high school/college/university?
- What major did you study in Vietnam?
- Why do you want to study in Japan?
- What is the name of your school in Japan? Where is it located? What are the tuition fees?
- How will you manage your living expenses while studying in Japan?
- Do you have any acquaintances in Japan? If so, what are their addresses and occupations in Japan?
- What are your study plans and goals?
- Do you want to work part-time while studying in Japan? What kind of job do you hope to have?
- After graduation, do you want to work in Japan or Vietnam?
The questions for each student may differ, so you can refer to the questions mentioned above by Vietnamstudent.
Note: You should answer the questions concisely and provide all necessary information while minimizing unnecessary details. The time for an interview is limited.
Timeframe for Receiving the Student Visa Result for Japan
The processing time for a student visa application is a minimum of 15 working days. If the embassy requests you for an interview, the visa processing time may take longer. After the review is complete, the embassy will inform you directly by phone.
- Result Notification Time:
- From 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM on weekdays, Monday to Friday (except on the embassy’s holidays).
Tips to Minimize Visa Denial for Studying in Japan
As soon as you start considering studying in Japan, many students wonder how difficult it is to obtain a student visa. The answer is that if you follow the procedures correctly and thoroughly, you will find it easier to obtain a student visa for Japan. Additionally, you can prepare your study abroad application yourself. Here are some tips that can help you minimize the chances of being denied a visa:
- Study History Documents: The embassy and schools in Japan will directly contact the school to verify the accuracy of the information. Therefore, providing accurate and honest documentation will ensure a higher chance of visa approval.
- Financial Proof: This is a very important issue in visa applications. To successfully obtain a visa, you must have a bank account that demonstrates sufficient funds for studying abroad or documentation proving that relatives (parents, siblings) will financially support your studies.
- Study Reason: When the visa application is being reviewed, the reasons and study plans in Japan are examined very carefully as they reflect your serious attitude toward studying abroad. You should write this section like a small essay, with clear and coherent information. This will help you be evaluated positively and make it easier to obtain a visa.
- Japanese Language Proficiency: For students studying in Japan, there are certain requirements regarding Japanese language proficiency. To obtain a student visa for Japan, you must have at least an N5 Japanese language certificate or a certificate showing 150 hours of Japanese study at reputable Japanese language centers in Vietnam.
These insights into the process and necessary documents for applying for a student visa to Japan will help you better understand the application procedure. Be meticulous with the information and planning to ensure you are well-prepared!