About Visa and the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Table of Contents
What is a visa?
Foreigners wishing to enter Japan must have a valid passport and obtain a visa issued by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General (Japanese diplomatic establishments abroad) before coming to Japan.
A visa serves as a letter of recommendation indicating there should be no problems with your entry into the country; however, it does not guarantee your successful entry.
What is Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)?
CoE : Certificate of Eligibility
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued after the Immigration Services Agency examined in advance whether activities of foreign nationals in Japan meet the requirements for each of their status of residence, and then authorized by the Ministry of Justice. If applicants present their CoE at the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan and apply for visa, they can obtain their visas quickly. Additionally, presenting your passport, visa, and Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at the time of immigration inspection at Japanese airports facilitates a smoother process.
The CoE is valid for three months from the date of issue. It will become invalid if you do not enter Japan within the 3-month period.
The CoE is not required for short-stay visa applications.
Application for CoE
The University of Osaka applies for their CoE at the Immigration Bureau on behalf of international students and researchers coming to Japan.
For the procedures, please refer to CoE Procedures.
Which type of visa do you need?
When you do not need CoE to apply for a visa
Applying for a Short-Term Stay Visa
You must apply for a short-term stay visa by yourself at the Japanese embassy or consulate-general that has jurisdiction over your area of residence. The period of stay granted will vary depending on your nationality (90 days, 30 days, 15 days, etc.).
Examples: visiting Japan for tourism, taking an exam, attending an academic conference or symposium, or family members visiting the international student or researcher for a short period of time
If you need some documents from UOsaka as the host institution, please request them from the administrative staff at your department within the University of Osaka.
Please confirm the application procedures and required documents in advance with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General with jurisdiction over your area of residence.
Some countries (nationalities) have agreements in place with Japan that allows their residents to remain in Japan for a short-term stay without requiring a visa. If your country (nationality) has such an agreement in place, you are automatically entitled to remain in Japan for a short-term stay after your arrival with a valid passport.
Please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if your country has visa exemption arrangements in place:
[Visa-Exempt Countries and Regions (Short-Term Stay)]
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html
*In principle, short-term stays cannot be extended. If you are from a country or region where a stay of up to 6 months is permitted under the visa exemption arrangements and you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for an extension of your period of stay at the Immigration Services Agency.
Types of visas that need a CoE
Professor Visa | Scholar or Professor in the employment of, and in receipt of a salary from the University of Osaka or Researcher who receive a considerable amount of research grant including living expenses from a Japanese institution, such as JSPS Researchers |
Cultural Activities Visa | Unsalaried scholar planning to stay for more than 90 days |
Student Visa | Student planning to stay for more than 90 days |
Dependent Visa | Family (spouse or children) of students or researchers planning to stay for more than 90 days |