🛟 How to Apply for a Student Visa (After Receiving Your CoE)

Students who have received their Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and are preparing to apply for a student visa
Students who are still waiting for their CoE and want to understand the next steps

You will need the following documents to apply for a student visa:

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
This will be sent to you by your future school in Japan. Make sure:
- Your name matches exactly with your passport
- The CoE has not expired
Passport
Must be valid and not expired.
Visa Application Form
You can download it (in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese):
Visa Application Form (MOFA)
Complete the form in advance.
Photo
A 35mm × 45mm ID photo is required.
Other Documents
These are the basic requirements. Some Japanese embassies/consulates may request additional documents. Always call and check with your local embassy or consulate before applying.

Apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate that covers the region where you live long-term.

If your school gave you instructions on how to fill out the form, follow their guidance.
“Name of ship or airline”: If you haven’t booked a flight yet, write down the airline you expect to use. It’s okay if your actual flight changes later.
“Guarantor or reference in Japan”: Usually, this will be your school. If you're unsure, check with your school for the correct information.

Can I apply with a digital CoE?
Most embassies require a printed CoE. Check with your embassy to confirm.
What if my name on the CoE is different from my passport?
Ask your school to reissue the CoE with the correct name.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Some embassies allow this, others don’t. Call ahead to check.

After receiving your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), you must apply for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. This article explains the documents you need and how to complete the process.