Are you dreaming of flying to Japan and giving a limelight to your career? Do you want to pursue your higher studies in one of the world’s most advanced nations, but feeling lost?

Don’t worry! I am having the best of solutions to all of your problems. Moving to any nation has become comparatively easy nowadays. If you are planning to study in Japan, you need to first get a visa for this purpose.

“VISA”, upon hearing this word, questions may hit your mind as to what is the procedure of applying a visa to study in Japan. Hold on! Just sit back and relax!

The Japanese student visa is a long-term visa which is accepted by Japanese educational institutions of all categories such as universities, schools and vocational institutions. For making your dream of pursuing your further studies in Japan come true, you will have to get a Japan student visa at the foremost.

Japan has a policy of visa exemption for the citizens of several countries. But the exemption is only for short-term purposes such as tourism and business-purpose visits.

List of Requirements for Student Visa in Japan 

Here is the list of requirements for the application of student visa in Japan:

For the application of student visa, you will have the requirement of several documents that support your application. The documents required for the Japanese Student Visa application are:

• First, download the Student Visa Application Form 
• Keep your valid passport along with photocopies with it handy
• Passport-sized photographs with the following specifications:
  1. Dimensions: 4cm*3cm
  2. Photographs should be clicked recently
  3. The background should be plain white without any patterns and shadows
  4. You must be starting straight ahead with a neutral facial expression
  5. Your face has to be fully visible
  6. The picture must be of good quality (focused, clear and sharp)
• A certificate of eligibility
• A letter of admission into the Japanese educational institution, indicating the duration and details of the course
• Previous academic and/or professional qualifications
• A proof thar you can meet the financial requirements for the duration of your coursework in Japan. The financial requirement for a Japanese Student Visa is about 2million a year. This can be shown by you through:
  1. Bank/Income Statements
  2. Proof of Scholarship
  3. Proof of Financial Aid
  4. Letter of Sponsorship (if any)
  5. Letter of Invitation and Letter of Guarantee issued from the educational institution (if required)
  6. A cover letter stating the reason for travel.
  7. Send these documents to your school so that they can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility

Japan Student Visa Process 

How to apply for a Japan Student Visa?
The process of application for Student Visa is divided into two parts:

• Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility
• Submitting the Japan Student Visa application

Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility:
For obtaining the COE you must send your required documents to the school beforehand, because the school remains responsible for getting you the COE. The purpose of the COE is to support the actual visa application process. The COE is merely a prerequisite. The process of application of the COE takes between one to three months.

Application:
After you receive the COE from your school, you will have to follow the below mentioned steps:

• Contact a Japanese Embassy/Consulate or visa application agency near you.
• Keep the required documents for your visa handy.
• Submit the application either directly at the Consulate/Embassy or at the visa application agency. If the Consulate/Embassy considers it necessary, you may also have to go back for an interview or to submit additional documents.

How long does it take to process a Japan Student Visa?
The application process may take between 5-10 working days. However, the application to receive the COE can take up to three months.

What is the duration of the Japan Student Visa?
The Japan Student Visa is issued for the following durations:

• 6 months
• 1 year
• 1 year and 3 months
• 2 years
• 2 years and 3 months

However, regardless of the duration of your duration of the visa, you can apply for an extension of your stay before the visa expires.

Japan Student Visa Fees Explained

If you're planning to study in Japan, understanding the visa fees is crucial. Here's a breakdown:

Single Entry Visa:

• Fee: 3,000 Yen
• Purpose: For one-time entry into Japan, ideal for students staying for a single uninterrupted academic term.

Dual or Multiple Entry Visa:

• Fee: 6,000 Yen
• Purpose: Allows multiple entries, suitable for students who may travel back home or to other countries during their studies.

Transit Visa:

• Fee: 700 Yen
• Purpose: For those passing through Japan en route to another destination, not commonly used for long-term students.

These fees are payable at the time of visa application and may vary depending on the embassy or consulate in your region. Additional costs, such as document verification or processing fees, may apply.

Japan Student Visa Age

There is no specific age limit for a Japan student visa. However, applicants must demonstrate a genuine intent to study and provide evidence of academic continuity or reasons for returning to education if there’s a gap in their studies.

Japan Student Visa Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for Japan student visas is relatively high, often exceeding 90%. Applicants must provide accurate documentation, proof of funds, and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from their educational institution to ensure approval.'

Japan Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Japan student visa typically takes 2-8 weeks. Factors such as embassy workload and document completeness can affect this timeline. It's best to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

Japan Student Visa Application Form

The student visa application form is available at Japanese embassies or consulates and can also be downloaded online. It requires personal details, passport information, and educational plans in Japan. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required for Japan Student Visa?

Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, usually around 1.5 to 2 million Yen (approximately $10,000-$15,000 USD). This can be demonstrated through bank statements or a sponsor’s financial documents.