Japan Student Visa Process from India 2026 – Step by Step Complete Guide

Published: 2026-02-28 06:22:36

Japan has quietly become one of the most powerful study destinations for Indian students. World-class universities, cutting-edge technology, strong job prospects, and a culture built on discipline and innovation make it uniquely attractive. In early 2026, Japan surpassed its target of 400,000 international students years ahead of schedule and Indian students are a fast-growing part of this movement.

But before you land in Tokyo or Kyoto, there is one crucial step you cannot afford to get wrong: the Japan student visa process. Unlike many other countries, Japan follows a unique two-stage system involving a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before you even reach the visa application stage. Miss a document, skip a step, or misunderstand a requirement, and your entire application can be delayed by months.

This step-by-step guide breaks down the complete Japan student visa process for Indian students in 2026 including COE, documents, fees, bank balance requirements, processing time, and everything else you need to know to apply with confidence.

For detailed Japan visa support, visit: https://www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance

Visit Us: Come see us at 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092 for guidance on courses and Japan visa assistance.

What Is a Japan Student Visa? (Japan Visa for Indian Students)

A Japan Student Visa is a long-term visa that allows Indian students to reside in Japan for the purpose of formal education whether at a Japanese language school, college, university, or vocational institution. It is categorized under the "College Student" status of residence in Japanese immigration law.

This is different from a Japan Tourist Visa for Indian citizens, which only allows a stay of up to 90 days and cannot be used for enrolled study programs.

Key point: Japan does NOT offer visa on arrival for Indian citizens. A visa must be obtained in advance from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in India through VFS Global.

Japan Student Visa – Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Visa Type	College Student (Long-term)
Eligible Institutions	Universities, Language Schools, Vocational Colleges
Processing Authority	Embassy of Japan via VFS Global
Unique Requirement	Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – mandatory
COE Processing Time	6–8 weeks
Visa Processing Time	5–10 working days after COE
Total Timeline	4–6 months from start to finish
Visa Fee	~₹450–₹700 (embassy) ₹800 VFS service charge
Bank Balance Required	JPY 1.6–2 million (~₹9.5–13 lakh for 1 year)
Age Limit	No strict upper limit; must align with academic stage
Part-Time Work	Allowed up to 28 hours/week with permission

Step-by-Step: Japan Student Visa Process from India 2026

The Japan student visa process has two main phases: getting the COE and then applying for the actual visa. Here is the complete step-by-step breakdown.

For step‑by‑step help with your visa application, see https://www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/application

Call Us: Have questions? Call 91 87009 56038 and get instant help from our team.

Step 1: Choose Your Institution and Get Admission

Your Japan student visa journey begins not at the embassy — but with securing admission at a recognized Japanese educational institution. This could be:

A Japanese Language School (most common first step for Indian students)
A Japanese university (undergraduate or postgraduate)
A vocational school (Senmon Gakko)

Your institution plays a central role in the entire visa process. Once accepted, they will be your partner in obtaining the COE.

Pro Tip: Start this process 6–12 months before your intended intake. Language school intakes in Japan are typically in January, April, July, and October.

Step 2: Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

This is the most critical and misunderstood step in the Japan visa process. The COE (Certificate of Eligibility) is a pre-approval document issued by the Japanese Immigration Services Agency. It confirms that you meet the conditions for entering Japan for educational purposes.

Who applies for the COE? Your Japanese institution applies on your behalf. You do NOT apply directly to immigration.

What your institution submits:

Your academic documents and transcripts
Your detailed study plan
Your financial evidence (bank statements, sponsor documents)
Application fee

COE Processing Time: Approximately 6–8 weeks after submission by the institution to the Immigration Bureau.

Once issued, the COE is valid for 3 months — you must apply for your student visa within this window.

Important: Some embassies require the original paper COE, while many now accept emailed or electronic PDFs. Always confirm with the Japanese Embassy or VFS Global in India before your appointment.

For details on the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), visit: https://www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/coe

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Once you receive your COE, it is time to compile your complete document set for the visa application. Here is the full checklist:

Mandatory Documents:

Valid Indian Passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay; minimum 2 blank pages)
Old passport (if applicable — required for travel history)
Japan Student Visa Application Form (filled, signed — download from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan)
Recent passport-size photographs (white background, high quality)
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — original or accepted electronic copy
Acceptance/Admission Letter from the Japanese institution
Bank statements for the last 6 months (showing approx. ₹11–16 lakh / JPY 2–3 million)
Income Tax Returns (ITR) of sponsor/parent
Academic records — Class 10, Class 12 marksheets, graduation certificates (with translations if required)
Proof of accommodation in Japan
Health insurance documentation (if applicable)

Important: All documents must be in English or Japanese. Documents in other languages must be professionally translated.

Step 4: Submit Application at VFS Global

All Japan visa applications from India are submitted through VFS Global — not directly at the Embassy of Japan. Direct embassy submissions are not accepted.

VFS Global Centers in India (for Japan Visa):

New Delhi
Mumbai
Chennai
Kolkata
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
Chandigarh
Gurugram
Lucknow

Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global center and submit your complete document package in person.

For complete documentation requirements, visit https://www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/documentation

Email Us: Prefer writing? Send an email to tls@teamlanguages.com and we’ll respond promptly.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

Japan Student Visa Cost for Indian Applicants (2026):

Fee Type	Amount
Embassy Visa Fee (Single Entry)	₹450–₹700 (~JPY 3,000)
VFS Global Service Charge	₹800 (mandatory for all)
Optional Courier Return	₹550
Total (approx.)	₹1,050–₹1,500

Note: The embassy visa fee may be waived for student visas in some cases, but the VFS service charge of ₹800 is always applicable. All fees are paid in cash in INR at the VFS center.

Additional costs to budget for:

Document translation fees: ₹300–₹1,000 per document
Notarization charges: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per document
Tuition deposit (paid to institution before visa): JPY 2–5 lakh (₹1.1–2.75 lakh for language schools)

For information on visa fees, visit https://www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/fees

Step 6: Attend Biometrics or Interview (If Required)

In most cases, Japan student visa applications do not require a formal interview. However:

Some institutions may ask basic screening questions during the admission process
The visa officer may request additional documents or clarification

Always carry originals of every document submitted, as VFS may request them for verification.

Step 7: Wait for Visa Processing

Japan Student Visa Processing Time:

COE Stage: 6–8 weeks (handled by institution)
Visa Application Stage: 5–10 working days after COE submission at VFS

Processing times may increase during peak travel seasons or if additional documents are requested. The complete journey from starting your admission process to receiving your visa can take 4–6 months.

Start 6–12 months in advance to avoid any risk of missing your intake date.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa and Prepare for Departure

Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport (or issued electronically for eVisa-eligible categories). For student visas, you will receive a physical stamp via your passport returned through VFS.

After arriving in Japan — Important Steps:

Collect your Residence Card (在留カード) at the airport (issued to mid/long-term residents)
Register your address at the city/ward office within 14 days of arrival
Enroll in National Health Insurance at city hall (costs: JPY 15,000–25,000/year)
Open a bank account (easier after address registration)
Apply for part-time work permission (資格外活動許可) at the airport or immigration office — allows up to 28 hours/week during term

For the complete visa process timeline, visit https://www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/timeline

Get Started Now: Visit, call, or email us today to kickstart your journey!

Bank Balance Required for Japan Student Visa (Indian Students)

One of the most searched questions is: "How much bank balance is required for a Japan student visa?"

Here is the clear answer for 2026:

Minimum bank balance: JPY 1.6–2 million (~₹9.5–13 lakh) for a 1-year program
For programs over 1 year: JPY 2–3 million (~₹11–16 lakh) may be requested
Statement period: Last 6 months of bank statements required
Acceptable proofs: Bank savings statements, fixed deposits (with bank letter), sponsor's ITR, salary slips

Pro Tips for Financial Documents:

Maintain a consistent balance for 6 months before applying — avoid large last-minute deposits
If a sponsor (parent) is funding you, their ITR and income proof must accompany the statements
Fixed deposits are accepted as financial proof if they are easily liquidatable and supported by a bank statement
Multiple bank accounts can be combined but attach a clear summary sheet

For personalized visa support, visit https://www.teamlanguages.com/japan-visa-assistance/support

Japan Student Visa Age Limit – Is There One?

There is no strict upper age limit for a Japan student visa. However:

Your age must logically align with your academic stage
Older applicants (25 ) may face additional questions about career gaps, intent, and future plans
Universities have no age cap, but you must justify any educational gap clearly in your study plan
Undergraduate programs: typically best suited for students aged 18–24
Graduate programs: no practical age restriction

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2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092

Call Us

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Email Us:

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How to Get 100% Scholarship in Japan?

If you want to study in Japan without financial burden, here are the top fully funded scholarship options:

1. MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government) The most prestigious. Covers full tuition and provides a monthly stipend of up to JPY 117,000–143,000. Apply through the Japanese Embassy in India or through university recommendation. Start 12–15 months in advance.

2. Mitsui & Co. Scholarship Program for India A fully funded undergraduate scholarship for Indian students covering tuition, JPY 145,000/month stipend, airfare, and insurance for 5.5 years. Applications typically open in February each year.

3. JASSO Scholarship Monthly stipends for privately financed international students with outstanding academic records, provided by Japan Student Services Organization.

4. University-Specific Scholarships Tokyo University, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and many others offer merit-based scholarships for international students.

For details on financial requirements for a Japan student visa, visit https://www.teamlanguages.com/blogs/money-is-required-for-japan-student-visa

Japan eVisa for Indian Students – What Changed in 2026?

From September 1, 2025, Japan introduced an eVisa system for eligible short-term travelers. However, for student visas (long-term), the traditional VFS Global paper application process remains the standard route. The eVisa is primarily applicable for short-term tourist and business visits.

Japan visa on arrival for Indian: Japan does NOT offer visa on arrival for Indian citizens. A visa must always be obtained before travel.

Japan tourist visa for Indian fees (2026): Single entry tourist visa total costs approximately ₹1,100–₹1,500 (embassy fee VFS charges). Multiple entry tourist visa costs ₹1,700–₹2,000.

For info on Japanese courses with visa support, visit https://www.teamlanguages.com/blogs/japanese-course-with-japan-visa-support

Visit Us

2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092

Call Us

918700956038

Email Us:

tls@teamlanguages.com

Common Reasons for Japan Student Visa Rejection

Avoid these mistakes that can get your application rejected:

Insufficient or inconsistent financial documents — large sudden deposits or mismatched information
Weak or vague study plan — your reason for choosing Japan and that specific institution must be clear and genuine
Incomplete documents — missing translations, unsigned forms, or outdated bank statements
Poor academic records — grades must align with the level of institution you are applying to
Previous visa violations — any overstay history in Japan or other countries will be scrutinized

Success rate for India: Around 95% when the COE is obtained and financial documents are solid.

For a complete guide to the Japan student visa process for Indian students, visit https://www.teamlanguages.com/blogs/japan-student-visa-process-for-indian-students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Japan student visa application form and where do I download it?

The official Japan visa application form is available for download on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan website. It must be filled out accurately and signed before submission at VFS Global.

Q2. Can I work while studying in Japan on a student visa?

Yes, but with restrictions. You must apply for part-time work permission (資格外活動許可) — available at the airport or immigration office upon arrival. This allows you to work up to 28 hours per week during the academic term.

Q3. What is the difference between a Japan tourist visa and a student visa?

A tourist visa allows a maximum 90-day stay and cannot be used for enrolled study programs. A student visa is a long-term visa for formal education enrollment. They have completely different application processes.

Q4. Can I apply for a Japan student visa without a JLPT certificate?

Yes. JLPT is not mandatory for the visa application. However, holding JLPT N3 or higher significantly strengthens your admission application and the overall COE process, especially for Japanese-taught programs.

Q5. What if my COE takes longer than expected?

Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if the immigration bureau has a backlog. Always start early — 6–12 months before your intended intake — to avoid missing the course start date.

Q6. Can I extend my Japan student visa?

Yes. You can apply for a visa extension (Change of Status of Residence) at the local Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan before your current visa expires.

Q7. How do I convert my student visa to a work visa after graduation?

You can apply for a Change of Status of Residence at the Immigration Bureau in Japan. You will need a job offer from a Japanese employer. Start this process 3–4 months before graduation.

Get Expert Japan Visa Assistance – TLS-The Japanese Language School

Navigating the Japan student visa process alone can be overwhelming — the COE system, document translations, financial proof formatting, and tight timelines all demand precision. One wrong document or missed deadline can push your entire plan back by months.

TLS – The Japanese Language School in Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi provides complete Japan Visa Assistance for Students — from the moment you decide to study in Japan, all the way to departure.

What TLS Helps You With:

Japan Visa Assistance for Students – Step-by-step guidance from document preparation to VFS submission
Japanese Language Training – JLPT N5, N4, N3 courses to strengthen your admission and visa application
COE Document Preparation – Ensuring your financial proof, study plan, and academic records meet Japanese immigration standards
University & Language School Selection – Guidance on choosing the right institution based on your goals
Scholarship Guidance – Mitsui Scholarship, MEXT, JASSO application support
Pre-Departure Orientation – What to expect when you land in Japan

Thousands of Indian students have started their Japan journey with the right foundation — strong Japanese language skills and expert visa guidance. TLS makes both possible, right here in Delhi.

Start Your Japan Journey with TLS Today

Visit Us

2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092

Call Us

91 8700956038

Email Us

tls@teamlanguages.com

Your Japan dream is closer than you think. The students who succeed are those who prepare early, get their documents right, and have the right support. Contact TLS today and take the first step — the right way.