VISA INFORMATION

When applying for a Visa for the purpose of work, study, or long-term residence.
PLEASE APPLY FOR COE in Japan BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR THE VISA.

A Certificate of Eligibility is a document that verifies the activity in which the foreigner wishes to engage in Japan. The advantage of this document reduces the time required to obtain a visa and complete immigration procedures when work or long-term stay are the purposes of the trip, including such activities as; entertainer, professor, researcher, work or employment (including Digital Nomad), religious activities, student, spouse of Japanese, former Japanese, or long-term resident.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR COE

The application for a Certificate of Eligibility is made by your sponsor in Japan at the nearest regional immigration authority to his/her place of residence. Employers or schools as well as relatives could become your sponsors.

Contact points for inquiries about COE
Immigration Information Center
Website: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html
Email : info-tokyo@i.moj.go.jp
Tel:0570-013904 or +81-3-5796-7112 (overseas)
(8:30-17:15 (M-F)
 

HOW TO APPLY FOR VISA AFTER RECEIVING COE

Once the Certificate of Eligibility reaches you by way of your sponsor in Japan, you are ready to apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate along with the following documents:

 

(1)	Original Valid Passport (must be signed and have a completely blank visa page)
(2)	One 2"x 2" OR 2"x 1.4" passport-type photo (taken within the last 6 months, white background, no glasses)
(3)	A Visa Application Form (Fillable) (Sample)
(4)	Copy of front and back of the Certificate of Eligibility (or, copy of entire email including COE information from Immigration Service Agency of Japan if you file online)
(5)	Copy of U.S. Visa for Non-U.S. Citizens (a copy of a valid Permanent Resident Card or U.S. Visa and related documents)
(6)	Proof of Residence such as a copy of the applicant's California/Nevada Driver’s license/ID card, utility bill, bank statement, etc. showing your current address. Applicant must live in our jurisdiction to apply for a Visa. (Northern and Central California & Nevada)
(7)	Visa Fee: Please see visa fee page. (Prepare exact amount of CASH or a MONEY ORDER made payable to Consulate General of Japan. Personal checks will NOT be accepted. No visa fee required for U.S. citizens)
(8)	Completed Release of Liability Form
(9)	PREPAID SELF-ADDRESSED USPS RETURN ENVELOPE with tracking. Service must be USPS Only. We are not able to return by FEDEX, UPS, or DHL. Passports cannot be picked up in-person.

 
Please note:

• Visa applications must be submitted by mail or drop-off. There is NO in-person application process.
• Do NOT staple/clip/tab documents
• Please be aware that you must enter Japan within 3 months from date of issue of the Certificate of Eligibility.
• You must include the date of arrival, port of entry, flight number on the Visa Application Form. If you have not booked a flight by the time of submission of the application, please include a tentative arrival date, port of entry and flight number on the application form.
• If you have a valid Japanese Visa at the time of application for a new Japanese Visa, please submit a completed letter of cancellation for the existing visa. (For example, applying for a work visa while your student visa is still valid)