Finally decided to apply to a Japanese school? Make sure to get everything in order before anything else! It’s very common for a lot of students to fear getting their visa application denied. It’d be a bummer to change your plans just because you missed a single requirement! Once you submit all things necessary, all you could really do is wait. So, to save you the apprehension, we’ve prepared 3 tips to guarantee your student visa approval!

Study in Japan: How to Get Your Student Visa Application Approved

Photo by Paul Davidson on Flickr

The anxiety you might feel when waiting for your visa results is normal. Many applicants have felt the same way you do, but have let out sighs of relief once their visa had gotten approved. If you prepare all the necessary documents well, you can bet that your application process will go along smoothly!

However, take note that the following information is based on the general requirements that are true for most successful applicants. There is no definite telling how the visa application process of Japan works since approval is really on a case to case basis. Japanese authorities may even make changes to the procedure without prior notice.

Stay prepared with the most essential requirements! Whenever you’re in doubt, making inquiries of official sources is the best course of action to take. Here are 3 tips to make sure that you get your Japanese student visa approved:

Make Sure Your Documents Are Accurate

When you’re applying for your student visa through your Japanese school of choice, you have to make sure that all information you provide is accurate. Typos and other minor lapses could go against your chances and may get your application declined. Let’s avoid that and be sure that all personal data you input matches the official documents you submit.

Typically, a school will ask you to submit other documents along with the visa application form. Among these is a personal history form in which you must fill in with your academic and occupational history. Some schools may require information about your family as well. The dates encapsulating your past education, the addresses and phone numbers of previous workplaces, and the names of family members must be precise.

You will also have to submit an application essay, which is essentially a cover letter to convince a school why you want to study in Japan. If you’ve always dreamt of studying in the country, write an essay that reflects your passion! You could also write about how having a Japanese education would boost your career, that is, if you’re past the general college-age student.

Other official documents your school may require are your medical history, transcripts of records and diploma from your alma mater, and a copy of the ID page of your passport. You should also prepare 8 passport photos, although some schools accept digital pictures. Remember that accuracy and consistency are your keys to approval!

Apply to One School at a Time

The application process in Japan might be different from what you’re used to in your home country. If you’re applying to multiple schools offering to handle the visa side of your application, they should all be in on your plans. Unless you don’t mind the extra effort of explaining to every school you’re applying to that you have other prospects, stick to one. You might think that applying to more schools increases your chances of getting into the country, but it really just makes your application seem sketchy, unless you say so from the start.

Informing your school of choice about your application history is also a good call. There are cases where visa applications have almost gotten denied because applicants have applied to the same school before. You would think that students who have previously studied in Japanese schools must instantly get approved, but the Japanese visa system is extremely meticulous. Foreign students have limited time to study in Japan. Students must provide the official documents proving they still have some months before they reach their limited stay as students. Otherwise, it’d appear as if they’d cheat the system somehow just to get into Japan. All you need is proof against that possibility!

If you intend to work in Japan while studying, you have to explain this from the beginning of the application process. Remember, when you’re granted a student visa, your role is to study. Engaging in other activities like part-time work is illegal. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is extremely strict with their systems to avoid people who would commit such crimes. Be honest about your passion for pursuing an education in the country, and you’ll definitely pass any screening!

Secure Sufficient Funds

When applying for a visa to get into Japan, you need proof of your capability to sustain yourself financially while you live in the country. The amount of money to show will depend on how long you are going to study. Whether your course runs for a month or 90 days, your savings or income should be proportional to your stay. Try calculating 21,500 JPY for each day you will be in Japan. Ideally, you should have a steady yearly salary and 3,000,000 JPY in your bank account.

If you have a sponsor or guarantor, they must also be able to prove they are financially capable of providing for you. We recommend having an immediate family member as your guarantor to minimize any complications. It’s even better if they live outside of Japan since sponsors residing in Japan have higher salary requirements. Preferably, your guarantor should be able to show a 2,000,000 JPY bank balance with a similar yearly salary.

Prepare a letter of remittance stating the amount of money you will have while studying in Japan. Be sure to indicate who will be providing for your education. Get all your bank account balance certificates ready as well. Proof of your or your sponsor’s employment is also necessary. Finally, you should have a written pledge promising to pay all the required fees. Be sure to prepare these official documents to prove that you can support your student life in Japan!

Conclusion

Preparing all the requirements beforehand is definitely the best way to go about your visa application. This may take at least half a year to complete before actually starting classes in the Japanese school of your choice. If it seems long, remember that you can rest easier knowing that you have flawless documentation and are financially capable. Save yourself the anxiety as you play the waiting game for your visa and get all your documents in order. You’ll thank yourself later when you get that stamp of approval!

Motto Japan Group

Motto Japan, the community platform to support foreigners with the foundation for life in Japan, including Japanese study, job opportunities, and housing service. Motto Japan Media will provide a wide variety of information for Japanese fans all over the world, to create a cross-cultural environment and enrich the life of foreign residents in Japan!