Japan Student Visa for Indian Students 2026 Guide

Japan Student Visa Overview

The Japan Student Visa, also known as Ryūgaku Visa, is a long-term residence permit for students planning to study at accredited Japanese institutions. The study visa requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as an extremely crucial document, and it is processed by the chosen institution.

As per the policies of the Minister of Justice, the student visa Japan allows a designated stay of 4 years and 3 months or less.  

Upon arrival in Japan, students are offered a Zairyu Card, which acts as a badge of identification.

Key Highlights

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

A Certificate of Eligibility is an official document issued by a regional immigration authority under the control of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. The document is mandatory as it certifies that the foreign national meets all the conditions to land in Japan and is involved in an activity as mentioned in the Immigration Control Act.

Types of Student Visas for Japan

Based on the duration of your course, you can apply for a student visa japan that offers a legal permission to enter and study in Japan.

1. Japan Student Visa (Ryūgaku Visa)

• The visa allows international students to enrol and study full-time at Japanese universities, language schools, vocational training and other courses with a duration of more than three months.
• The stay period allowed with the student visa is 4 years and 3 months or less.

2. Temporary Visitor Visa

• A perfect visa option for students planning to attend language school, with a duration of no longer than 3 months.
• For Indian students, the language school can send a letter of invitation to the embassy in India, stating the course duration and other details.
• A Temporary Visitor Visa is also useful for Indian students planning to travel to Japan for the entrance exam.

Eligibility Criteria for Japan Student Visa

The various Japan student visa requirements are:

1. Certificate of Admission: Get your admission confirmed at one of the accredited institutions in Japan.
2. Certificate of Eligibility (COE): It is Issued by the regional immigration authority and sponsored by your school, stating you are eligible to land and study in Japan.
3. Validate Financial Ability: Showcase around ¥2,000,000 - ¥2,500,000 (INR 11.4 L – INR 14.4 L) in savings/balance through financial statements.
4. Academic Records: High school Certificates demonstrating a minimum of 12 years.
5. Display intent to study: Clearly explain your academic goals and how they align with your plans.
6. Language Proficiency: As per your course requirements, you may be asked to demonstrate language proficiency through JLPT for Japanese and IELTS/TOEFL for English.
7. Other Requirements: Certificate of good health and a clear criminal record are additional requirements that students must meet.

How to Apply for a Japan Student Visa

Following these essential steps, you can get your student visa for Japan from India.

Step 1: Secure Admission and Get Your COE

Get admission to the institution of your choice, and have them apply/sponsor your Certificate of Eligibility. The process to secure your COE generally take 1 to 3 months, which further allows you to apply for the student visa.

Step 2: Gather All the Mandatory Documents

For a successful visa application, a list of documents is required to be submitted to the Japanese embassy.

Step 3: Apply for The Student Visa

Submit your application directly to the Japanese Embassy, which will be reviewed, and a decision will be provided within 5- 10 days.

Documents Required for Japan Student Visa

To ensure a high Japan student visa success rate, the list of documents required is:

• A valid Passport
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-size photo
• Certificate of Eligibility
• Admission acceptance letter from a Japanese Institution
• Proof of funds
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Statement of Purpose to Study
• Health certificate

When to Apply for A Student Study Visa for Japan?

• Securing your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) takes around 1 to 3 months, and students can start their application process 6 to 8 months before their enrolment date.
• After getting the COE, the Japan student visa processing time is generally 5 to 10 working days.
• It is highly advised to apply for a student visa Japan at least 3 to 4 months before your academic year starts.

Visa Application Fees

The Japan student visa cost for Indian students who intend to study in Japan is:

Part-Time Work Rules for Indian Students in Japan

More than 60% of international students in Japan engage in part-time work across multiple industries. Working part-time helps students earn around ¥59,000 (INR 33.9K) monthly. However, it is important to abide by the policies to avoid punishment or other consequences.

• Make sure to attain permission from the immigration services bureau for engaging in activities other than those permitted previously.
• Working part time is only allowed for 28 hours a week. During long holidays, students can work for up to eight hours a day.
• At any cost, the part-time work must not affect your academics.
• The income earned from working part-time must be used to cover academic or living costs and not for sending money abroad or savings.
• Working part time in the adult entertainment business is clearly prohibited.

The individual must hold a student status at a recognised institution to be eligible for working part-time.

Common Reasons for Japan Student Visa Rejection

While focusing on seven potential areas, you can avoid the unexpected rejection of your Japanese student visa.

1. Mistakes in Submitted Documents

• Submitting documents with spelling errors, with information that does not match the passport
• Avoid numerical mistakes in dates
• A lack of approval on educational transcripts
• Any missing documents

2. Differences in Application Form

• Submit your university application form with precise information that matches all the details of your visa application.
• Fill all the sections correctly, including employment history, passport number & expiration, and more.

3. Financial Hurdles

• In case of financial sponsorship, the provider must be a family member.
• The sponsor must earn a yearly income of at least ¥2,000,000 and have an equivalent bank balance.
• Self-sponsored students are required to have ¥2,000,000 - ¥2,500,000 in income and savings.

4. Purpose of Study Not Stated Clearly

• Your application must clearly show your intent to study in Japan.
• Clarify your interest to learn about Japan and Japanese culture.
• Show how enhancing Japanese language skills will support your future goals.
• Assure immigration officials that your intent to enter Japan is to study and not for work purposes.

5. Past Visa Issues

• Past visa rejections, particularly within the last six months, can lead to potential rejection.
• Only one Japanese Institution can apply on your behalf, so applying to multiple schools altogether can lead to rejection. 

6. Failure Demonstrating Clear Intent to Return Home

• Highlight your strong ties with your home country in your application.
• Showcase valid reasons to return after completion of studies.
• Assure immigration officials that you plan to return to your home country.

7. Not Received Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• You will face direct rejection in case of missing the COE.

How to Avoid Rejection

Avoiding the risk of getting your visa application rejected can be done by implementing a few strategies, including:

1. Thoroughly evaluate all your documents before submission, while focusing on personal details, dates, and matching information with the passport.
2. Showcase financial proof with bank statements, certificate of income and other relevant documents.
3. Draft a genuine and well-expressed statement of purpose, showcasing your sincere intent to enter and study in Japan.
4. Include family relations, land ownership or any ties to showcase a robust connection with your home country.
5. Avoid hiding any past immigration details and clearly mention any past visa or travel history.

Final Thoughts

Summing up, this ends our informative journey of learning all the essential details about the Japan student visa. With documents playing a crucial role in the entire process, it is advised to plan accordingly. Get accepted into the recognised school, get your COE sponsored by the college, and submit all the other required documents to ensure a smooth process.

Still confused about where to start? No worries, connect with our study abroad consultants today, get your profile reviewed and take the next step for your future.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to process a Japanese student visa application?

The processing time for a Japanese student visa application takes around 1 to 3 months for securing the Certificate of Eligibility (CEO) with the help of the Japanese Immigration Bureau, and an additional 1 week for visa stamping at the embassy.

2. Can I extend my Japan Student Visa after my course ends?

Yes, it is allowed to extend a Japan Student Visa to plan to study further or work after graduation. However, you must contact the local immigration bureau and start your planning 3 months prior.

3. Can I work part time on my Japan Student Visa?

Yes, you are allowed to work 28 hours/week on a Japanese student visa. However, it is crucial to get permission and comply with the part-time work policies.

4. How much money do I need to show in my bank account for a Japan Student Visa?

Indian students planning to apply for a Japanese Student Visa are required to show funds for living costs, generally around ¥1.2 to ¥1.5 million (INR 6.9 L to 8.64 L) for 6-12 months of study.

5. Can I travel in and out of Japan while holding a Student Visa?

With a Re-entry Permission, students can travel in and out of Japan. The permission gets stamped into the residence card (Zairyu Card) at the Airport.

6. What happens if my Japan Student Visa application gets rejected?

If your Japan student visa application gets rejected, understand the potential rejection reasons and appeal within 2 months or reapply after 6 months.