Can international students work part-time in Japan?

Yes. By submitting the simple 'Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted' form at airport immigration upon arrival (or at the local immigration bureau), students can legally work up to 28 hours per week during academic semesters, and up to 8 hours per day (40 hours per week) during official summer and winter vacations. Working in adult entertainment or gambling establishments is strictly prohibited.

What is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Japan?

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official clearance document issued directly by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Once your university admits you, they submit an application on your behalf in Japan. Once granted, the COE is sent to you, allowing your local Japanese embassy or consulate to issue your student visa quickly within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I stay in Japan to look for a job after graduating?

Yes. Graduating students who have not yet secured employment can apply for the 'Designated Activities' (Tokutei Katsudo) visa for continuous job hunting. This visa is granted for 6 months and can be renewed once for a total of up to 1 year, with permission to continue working part-time up to 28 hours per week while attending job interviews.

How does the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system fast-track PR in Japan?

The Japanese government offers a points-based system for researchers, technical specialists, and business managers. Points are awarded for education (graduating from a top-ranked Japanese or global university awards bonus points), Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1/N2), salary, and age. Scoring 70 points shortens the permanent residence qualifying period from 10 years to 3 years; scoring 80+ points shortens it to just 1 year.

Home Japan HubJapan Processing Times

Japan Visa Processing Times & Consular SLA

Country: Japan•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$30 USD

Average Processing Window8 Wks (6 to 12 weeks)

Approval Rate Index88%

Eligibility Requirements

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by Japanese Immigration Services Agency, admission letter from an accredited Japanese university or language school, and proof of financial support (at least ¥2,000,000 / ~$13,500/year).

Documents Checklist Drawer

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Official Letter of Acceptance from a recognized Japanese University or Technical College

Proof of financial support: Bank statement showing at least ¥2,000,000 (~$13,500) or official scholarship award letter

Valid Passport and visa application form with standardized ID photographs

Academic diplomas, transcripts, and Japanese language certification (JLPT N5-N2 or minimum 150 hours of certified study)

Pledge of financial sponsorship letter (Keihi-Shiben-sho) if funded by a sponsor or family member

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Receive unconditional admission from an accredited Japanese university.

The university applies on your behalf to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Receive the original or digital COE from Japanese Immigration.

Submit your visa application with COE, passport, and photos to the local Japanese Embassy, Consulate, or authorized VFS center.

Pay the statutory visa fee (approx 3,000 JPY for single-entry).

Receive your stamped passport and enter Japan through major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai) where your physical Residence Card (Zairyū Card) is printed on the spot.

Apply for the 'Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted' stamp at airport immigration to legally work 28 hours/week.

Register your municipal address and National Health Insurance (NHI) at your local ward or city office (Kuyakusho) within 14 days.

Core Rejection Reasons

•Inability to verify sufficient financial ability or unverified sponsor funds history.
•Discrepancies in previous Japanese visa applications or immigration records.
•Low attendance or disciplinary flags during previous Japanese language school enrollment.

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official Japan immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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