Visas for Japan

Get the official scoop

Probably one the best places to start for visa-related issues is The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Guide to Japanese Visas.

Get the unofficial scoop

Lots of info has been exchanged on our forums regarding visas. If you can't find the information you are looking for, ask your question here.

Depends on your nationality

When applying for a visa from overseas first check what special arangements your country has with Japan. Each country has different arrangements with Japan that affect the length of stay and the visa eligibility prerequisites. Consult your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for further details.

Kinds of visas in japan

There are seven categories of visas. Each visa has its own requirements that depends on Japan's relationship with your country and the kind of visa. A visa does not guarantee permission into the country. Permission is stamped into your passport on arrival. So be nice to the immigration officials! Check the governments' visa descriptions for more information.

Certificate of eligibility

The certificate of eligibility basically proves to the immigration bureau that you have fulfilled all the requirements to be issued the appropriate visa for the industry you wish to work in. This means that you Once you have the certificate you are eligible to receive your visa almost immediately. Check with the local Japanese embassy or local immigration office for application procedures.Tourists don't need this certificate. List of Offices Handling Matters Related to the Certificate of Eligibility.

Getting a sponsor

Immigration must know that the applicant will receive over a certain income amount each year. A company that promises this amount of money to the applicant is often referred to as the sponsor. If things don't work out with the company and you need to move on, a letter of release is required from your former company in order to renew your visa with the new sponsor. Your former employer is required by labor law to provide you with this. If you quit your job, your visa won't be taken away from you but you will need to find a new employer to take over the "sponsor" title when you renew or extend your visa.

Self sponsorship

Self-sponsorship is very possible: especially if you are already living in Japan and have steady work. You have to show that you are guaranteed the minimun income required to support yourself in Japan. For example, contracts from 3 companies promising you payment may be required. Free consulations are available at immigration offices in Japan and will they help you prepare the necessary documentation. Self-sponsorship may require some leg work and extra paper work but might be the best solutions for you!

Getting a visa without a university degree

If you can show a certain number of years relevant work experience you are eligible to apply for a visa that permits work. Each visa and industry has different requirements.

Working with a student visa

Students must first prove that they can support themselves with out having to work in order to get the student visa. This includes getting a guarantor in Japan. Then to be eligible to work you have to go to the local immigration office and get special permission which takes the form of a new stamp! You can now work a certain amount of hours per month. This process can take a few months but if you indicate that you need to work immediately the process can be speeded up. Does it take 3 months or not? In Tokyo it was issued almost immediately to this writer. An immigration office in a different city advised that it would take a few months! Check your local immigration office for further details.

Visas for Japan

Finally

For anything visa-related it is probably a good idea to go in looking professional. Also, try to make copies of anything you submit to the visa office for future reference. Visa guys don't like discrepancies in the information you provide them from one year to the next, so copies can help you make sure you are keeping consistent in your applications.

Forums

Questions/comments? Go to the Visas Forum

Links

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Guide to Japanese Visas. The official word on visas.
• Japan embassy web sites.
• Embassy and Consulates around the world. A list of all adresses and telephone numbers.
• Tokyo Immigration office. Telephone : (03) 3213-8523 /7