Japan student visa for Indian students

The Immigration Services Agency issues a Certificate of Eligibility when the school shows that you are admitted, that the institution is approved to host foreign students, and that your expenses are covered. Indian students most often enter through a Japanese language school (one to two years, then university or employment), a master's or doctoral program taught in English (MEXT scholarship or university-funded), or a vocational college after language study.

Funds are shown with a bank balance certificate in the sponsor's name, the sponsor's income proof (ITR, salary certificate) and a relationship document; immigration also looks at how the balance was built, so a lump sum deposited just before the application weakens the file. Language schools quote about ¥1.5 to 2 million for the first year including tuition; universities ¥2 to 3 million. Academic records must be consistent: gaps of several years since the last course, or Japanese-language courses after unrelated degrees, draw refusals unless explained.

Students may work 28 hours a week in term and 8 hours a day during holidays after obtaining permission to engage in activities outside the status, which is stamped at the airport on arrival. Spouses and children can be sponsored on a Dependent status once the student is in Japan, but immigration scrutinises dependants of language-school students closely.

Tuition is paid to the school; many language schools require the first six months or year before issuing the admission certificate. Vistolane charges the ₹500 visa fee as listed and shows the school and VFS charges separately.

1. 1

   Apply to the school

   Admission documents: application, academic certificates, Japanese or English test scores (JLPT, JFT-Basic, IELTS as required), statement of purpose, sponsor's financial documents.

2. 2

   School applies for the COE

   The school files at its regional immigration bureau; processing one to three months. Language schools file five months ahead of the April and October intakes.

3. 3

   Pay tuition and receive the COE

   The school sends the original COE (or the electronic COE e-mail) and the admission certificate after payment.

4. 4

   Apply at VFS

   MOFA form, photo, passport, COE and admission letter; pay ₹500; the mission issues the visa in about five working days.

5. 5

   Arrive within 3 months of the COE date

   Receive the residence card at the airport, apply for work permission at the same counter, register your address and National Health Insurance within 14 days.

Start six to seven months before a language-school intake and immediately after a university admission; the COE lapses if you do not enter within three months of its date.

Work permission allows 28 hours a week, with a strict record kept by immigration: exceeding it is the most common reason extensions are refused. National Health Insurance covers 70% of medical costs. Extensions and status changes are filed at the regional bureau before expiry; from 1 October 2026 they cost ¥33,000 for a one-year permission and up to ¥75,000 for five years at the counter, less online.

Graduates of universities and vocational colleges can switch to a Designated Activities status for job hunting for up to a year, then to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services once hired, or to the Highly Skilled Professional status if they score 70 points. The Japan work visa route page covers both; permanent residence follows after ten years, or one to three years for HSP holders.

• Embassy of Japan in India: long-term visas and the Certificate of Eligibility ↗
• MOFA: Certificate of Eligibility ↗
• Study in Japan (JASSO): immigration procedures ↗
• Immigration Services Agency: residence procedure fees revised from 1 October 2026 ↗
• Embassy of Japan in India: visa information and fees (from 1 July 2026) ↗