VISA INFORMATION

Working/Long Term Stay (More than 90 days)/Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

When applying for a visa for the purpose of work, study, or long-term residence,
PLEASE APPLY FOR THE 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 possession 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, religious activities, student, spouse of Japanese, former Japanese, or long-term resident.

For information on applying for a Digital Nomad visa WITHOUT a Certificate of Eligibility, click here. If you do have a Certificate of Eligibility, please proceed with the checklist below.
 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A 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 the COE
Immigration Information Center
Website: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html
Email : info-tokyo@i.moj.go.jp
Tel: +81-3-5796-7112 (when calling from outside of Japan) or 0570-013904 (when calling from Japan)
 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA AFTER RECEIVING A COE

Once the Certificate of Eligibility reaches you by way of your sponsor in Japan, you are ready to apply for a visa by submitting the following documents through drop-off or mail:

1	Passport	Original Valid Passport (must be signed and have at least one completely blank visa page) ***Be sure to include your physical passport, NOT a copy. The visa will be attached inside your passport.
2	Photo	ONE passport style photo (2”x2” or 2”x1.4” ) on glossy photo paper glued/taped to the application form. ✓ Must be taken within 6 months ✓ Do not use photo apps that may alter your facial image ✓ Using a plain background, facing forward, and showing full face, head and top of shoulders (no glasses) (Nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and other NIS nationalities MUST submit TWO identical photos)
3	Visa Application Form	A Visa Application Form (Fillable) (Sample) (must be hand-signed) (Nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and other NIS nationalities MUST submit TWO Application Forms)
4	Certificate of Eligibility	Copy of front and back of the Certificate of Eligibility (or, copy of entire email including COE information from the Immigration Service Agency of Japan if you filed online)
5	Proof of US Immigration Status	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	Document such as a copy of the applicant's California/Nevada Driver’s license/ID card, utility bill, bank statement, etc. showing your CURRENT address and full name. 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	Release of Liability	Completed (hand-signed) Release of Liability Form
9	Prepaid USPS Return Envelope	PREPAID USPS SELF-ADDRESSED USPS RETURN ENVELOPE with tracking number. Service must be USPS (US Postal Service) only. *Priority Mail or Priority Express Mail is strongly recommended. Please keep your tracking number information on your end to track. 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.
• The visa approval process takes a MINIMUM OF 5 BUSINESS DAYS with sufficient documents. Please be sure to give ENOUGH TIME FOR PROCESSING AND DELIVERY when applying for your visa.
• 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)