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Emma Sky

22 May 2025

Student-visa-Japan| Step-by-Step Guide for Students

Japan is known worldwide for its excellent educational system, culture, and technological development. Many students dream of studying in Japan, and student visas in Japan are the best opportunity for students worldwide to make their dreams come true. However, visa processing seems complicated, and students struggle to understand this. 


Japan offers visas for students to pursue short-term courses, university education, or cultural training. The visas include the Ryugaku Visa, Bunka Katsudo Visa, and Gino Jisshuu Visa.    

This article is a guide to inform you about the most popular Student-Visa-Japan. Here, you will get guidance on how to travel to your dream destination. 


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What is offered in Student-Visa-Japan?

A student visa is a legal document allotted by the Japanese government to the students. The government allows international students to study in Japanese universities, schools, and vocational centers. Students can work as part-timers for up to 28 hours.  


Types of Visa to Study in Japan 

Japanese government offers different visas to the students. However, the visa type depends on the program and duration of your studies. Japanese government permits the following types of visas for students.

1. Student Visa (Ryugaku Visa)

It is the most common study visa for full-time study. Ryugaku visas allow students to live in Japan during their study duration. The visa is allotted to students enrolled in higher education, universities, language schools, or training institutions. Students can get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Japanese Ministry of Justice to work as part-timers.


2. Exchange Visa (Kokusaikoryu Visa) 

The exchange visa is for students enrolled in a cultural exchange program, school, or university for 6 months to 1 year. This is the best opportunity for students to explore Japanese culture while pursuing their studies.


3. Dependent (Kazoku Taizai Visa)

Dependent visas allow the students to live with their family members. Kazoku Taizai Visa contributes to providing support for international students to help them be more focused on their studies. To apply for this visa, the candidate must show proof of financial stability to authorities that they can afford the family expenditure. This visa allows students to work part-time.  


4. Visitor visa (Bunka Katsudo Visa)

Bunka Katsudo Visa is a better option for Japanese language courses, workshops, and short-term courses. It is suitable for a stay of less than 90 days. 


For short-term stays, such as those on a Bunka Katsudo Visa, an international eSIM can be a cost-effective way to get data.


While applying for the visa, the students are asked how they will cover the expenses of their trip. The authorities don’t permit the students for jobs during this time. 


5. Research Visa (Kenkyu Visa)

Kenkyu Visa is allotted to students conducting research in Japanese institutions. This visa is specialized for research students who live in the country for one to two years. It encourages the international students to use the advanced search tools in their fields. This visa is ideal for you to be an expert in your area of field. 


6. Cultural internship (Tanki Taizai Visa)

A cultural internship visa is allotted for six months to one year. Tanki Taizai's visa is specific for non-academic activities, including Japanese calligraphy, traditional art, and martial arts. It is not considered an academic like the others.  


How to apply for a Japanese Student Visa? 

Applying for a Japanese student visa is not straightforward. However, the following steps will help you to be successful:


Apply to a Japanese Institution

Firstly, choose the institution, university, language school, or vocational center that best fits your preferences. 


Submit the Documents 

Submit the documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. 


Get the COE

The institution will apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once it is approved, the candidate will receive a confirmation mail. 


Submit Your Visa Application

Visit the Japanese embassy in your country and submit the following documents. 

After that, you need to pay the visa fee.


Attend an Interview

Some embassies may ask for an in-person interview to verify your intentions and qualifications. 

The visa processing takes 2 to 8 weeks to complete. 


Once your Japanese student visa is approved and you're preparing for your trip, don't forget to arrange for mobile connectivity. An eSIM for Japan can be activated before you even leave home, ensuring you're connected as soon as you arrive. Understanding what an eSIM is and how it can simplify your travel communications is beneficial for any international student.


Conclusion

This article is a guide to the Student-visa-Japan. Japan offers various types of student visas, including short-term and long-term visas, exchange visas, language learning visas, and research student visas. You can choose the one that suits your preferences. The application process is quite tricky. However, I have mentioned the steps to make it more easy for you. 


FAQs 

Where can you get a Japanese student visa in NYC?

You can get a Japanese student visa at the Consulate-General of Japan in New York City. You need a passport, visa application form, photograph, admission form, and COE to apply. 

Is a Japanese student visa easy to get?

Getting a Japanese visa is not straightforward. However, students need some guidance in the initial stages. The critical part of the process is answering the questions asked on the Certificate of Eligibility. 

How much does a student visa cost in Japan?

The student pays around 3000 to 6000 Yen for more than one entry. The visa application fee is not fixed; it varies based on the student's nationality. 

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