+91 93273 48650
+91 93273 48650

Our Services

Visa & Immigration

Japan Student Visa

The Japan Student Visa allows international students to pursue education at a Japanese school, university, or language institute for periods exceeding the short-term Temporary Visitor category. Unlike tourist or business visas, most student visa applications rely on a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), a document issued by a regional immigration authority under Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, certifying that the applicant’s stated activity in Japan is genuine and qualifies for the relevant status of residence. The COE is typically obtained by the educational institution or a designated proxy in Japan on the student’s behalf, then sent to the applicant to include with their visa application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General. While technically optional for some categories, submitting a COE is strongly recommended, as it significantly speeds up visa processing. Final approval rests solely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and immigration authorities.

Eligibility

To apply for a Japan Tourist Visa, applicants generally must:

  • Hold a valid passport for the intended duration of stay
  • Provide evidence of the purpose of travel, such as a travel itinerary
  • Show proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip
  • Provide accommodation reservation confirmation or a detailed itinerary
  • Not intend to engage in any income-earning or remunerative activity in Japan
  • Not have had a previous visa application for the same purpose rejected within the last 6 months (unless circumstances have changed significantly)
  • Meet any additional nationality-specific requirements, such as pre-entry tuberculosis screening for applicants from certain countries

Applicants from countries eligible for the JAPAN eVISA system, including India, can apply for a single-entry tourist visa entirely online, without needing to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

Government Visa Fees

Fee ComponentApproximate Cost
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issuanceNo fee charged by the Immigration Services Agency
Single-entry Student Visa (from 1 July 2026)Approximately JPY 15,000
Approximate INR Equivalent*Check official Fee Finder

*No fee is charged for the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility. The visa fee itself is payable in local currency at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General, and no fee is charged if the visa is not issued. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances — always confirm exact Japan Visa Fees on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

Japan Visa Processing Time

Japan Visa Processing Time for the Student Visa has two stages. First, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) must be issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, a process that can take several weeks to a few months depending on the regional immigration office and the completeness of the application submitted by the school or proxy. Once the COE is issued and sent to the applicant, the visa application itself at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General is typically processed much faster — often within about a week — since the COE substantially streamlines the examination. Applying for a student visa without a COE is possible in principle but can take considerably longer, ranging from several weeks to a few months, so applicants are strongly advised to begin the COE process as early as possible with their school.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photograph
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a copy, if already issued
Letter of acceptance or admission from the Japanese educational institution
Evidence of financial support (bank statement or Confidential Financial Certification Form, plus sponsor's proof of income)
Resume or curriculum vitae, where required
Academic transcripts and qualification certificates
Additional documents as requested by the school or consulate, depending on individual circumstances

No physical documents are uploaded; the SGAC is a declaration form completed directly online or in the MyICA app.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Secure admission to a recognised Japanese educational institution.
Work with your school (or an appointed proxy in Japan) to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the Immigration Services Agency.
Prepare financial support documents, including bank statements and sponsor income proof.
Once the COE is issued, have your school send it to you (by post or email).
Complete the visa application form and gather your personal documents.
Submit your visa application at the Japanese Embassy, Consulate-General, or Japan Visa Application Centre with jurisdiction over your residence, including the COE.
Pay the applicable visa fee upon approval.
Collect your passport with the student visa affixed.
Present your visa, passport, and COE at the port of entry in Japan.
After arrival, apply for your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) if staying more than 3 months.

Important Notes

Visa approval is decided solely by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and immigration authorities.
A Certificate of Eligibility does not guarantee visa issuance; other checks, such as identity and passport validity, are still carried out.
If a COE was issued based on mistaken or fraudulent information, the visa will not be issued.
Financial requirements and required documents can vary by school and programme.
Processing times can be significantly longer without a COE.
Reasons for visa refusal are not disclosed to applicants.
Students must carry their Residence Card at all times once issued after arrival in Japan.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Japan Student Visa requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and compliance with the requirements set by the Japanese immigration authorities and your chosen educational institution. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with admission-related documentation, Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) guidance, financial evidence, visa application forms, and all required supporting documents. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and student-focused assistance throughout your study abroad journey. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Japanese immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Japan Student Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a Japan Student Visa cost?
Following the fee revision effective 1 July 2026, a single-entry visa costs approximately JPY 15,000. No fee is charged for the Certificate of Eligibility itself. Fees vary by nationality and are paid in local currency.
2. What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for a Japan Student Visa?
A COE is a document issued by Japan's Immigration Services Agency confirming that your intended activity in Japan (studying) is genuine and qualifies for a valid status of residence. It is usually arranged by your school and significantly speeds up your visa application.
3. How long does the Japan Student Visa take to process?
The COE stage can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the immigration office. Once the COE is issued, the visa application itself is typically processed in about a week at the Embassy or Consulate-General.
4. How much money do I need to show for a Japan Student Visa?
Financial requirements vary by school and programme, but applicants are typically asked to show evidence of several million yen in supporting funds through a bank statement or Confidential Financial Certification Form, along with the sponsor's proof of income.
5. Can I work part-time on a Japan Student Visa?
Student visa holders may be permitted to engage in limited part-time work, but only with the appropriate permission from immigration authorities and within specified conditions. Unauthorised work is not allowed under the terms of the student status of residence.