Japan Student Visa Guide
Student visa (College Student)
Your Japanese school applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on your behalf; you then apply for the student visa in India. The visa fee for Indian nationals is ₹500 plus an ₹800 VFS service charge.
Last checked against the official source on 2026-09-30.
- Application fee
- ₹500 + ₹800 VFS charge
- Processing
- CoE often takes 1–3 months; the visa itself is usually quick once you have it
- Validity
- Period of stay granted with your status of residence, renewable for your course
- Work rights
- Up to 28 hours a week (8 hours a day in long school holidays) with permission for activities outside your status. After graduating, up to about a year to job-hunt on Designated Activities status.
Japan student visa costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee | ₹500 | From 1 July 2026, Indian nationals |
| VFS service charge | ₹800 | Per application |
| Tuition and living costs | Varies by school and city | Your school will ask for financial evidence for the CoE |
Document checklist
- ✓Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)Applied for by your school as your proxy.
- ✓Valid passport and photo
- ✓Visa application form
- ✓Admission letter from your Japanese school
- ○Financial documents (optional)As requested by your school for the CoE.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Get admitted
Your Japanese school applies for your CoE at a regional immigration bureau.
- 2
Receive the CoE
Your school sends you the CoE (often electronically).
- 3
Apply for the visa
Apply through VFS in India with your CoE; fee ₹500 plus ₹800 service charge.
- 4
Arrive and get your residence card
Ask for permission to work part-time at the airport when you land.
Interview tips
- There is usually no interview; answer your school’s questions for the CoE carefully and consistently.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Working part-time without first getting permission for activities outside your status.
- Working more than 28 hours a week during term.
- Leaving CoE paperwork too late for the intake.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for Japan?
A document from Japanese immigration confirming you qualify for student status. Your school usually applies for it on your behalf, and you need it to apply for the visa.
What is the Japan student visa fee for Indians?
₹500 for the visa (from 1 July 2026) plus an ₹800 VFS service charge.
Can I work part-time in Japan as a student?
Yes, up to 28 hours a week (8 hours a day in long holidays), after getting permission for activities outside your status.
Can I stay in Japan to find a job after graduating?
Yes. You can change to Designated Activities status for job hunting, usually 6 months renewable once, for about a year.
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Official source: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/immigration-procedures/. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.