Visiting Japan (Visa: Work Visa and Long Term Stay Visa)

March 17, 2025

INFORMATION:

Types and Categories of Visa
Specified visa (Spouse or child of Japanese national)  
特定ビザ(日本人の配偶者等)
技能実習生及び留学生

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Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Applicants for visas for work and long term stay are required to submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

A COE is issued before a visa application by a regional Immigration office under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice . Application for COE by a proxy (decided by the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Regulations) in Japan is allowed. Questions about how to obtain a COE should be made to a regional Immigration office.

Validity of COE

●Handling of Application of a Certificate of Eligibility (Immigration Service Agency of Japan)
https://www.isa.go.jp/en/nyuukokukanri01_00151.html

●Regarding the Period of Validity of the Certificate (Click "English" PDF)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/nyuukokukanri01_00155_1.html

 

Documentation

Please note:
○ The Consulate declines incomplete documents; additional documents may be requested during the course of application/examination.
○ Do NOT staple your application.
○ The Consulate will not make copies.

Each applicant for Work or Long Term Visa must submit the following documents.

1. One application form ○ Completed and signed
(Chinese and Korean citizens must write their names in Chinese characters as well as in Roman letters.)

If the application form link does not open use this one.
2. Valid passport ○ Original (At least one empty, blank visa page is needed.)
and ○ One photocopy of ID page

If, instead of a national passport, you submit a PERMIT TO REENTER THE UNITED STATES or a REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT issued by the U.S. government, it must have a validity date at least six months beyond the day of application.

[ If you already have a valid Japanese visa in your passport]
○ A signed Consent form
3. One photograph ○ 2 inches square or 2 x 1.4 inches, taken within the previous six months of application, attached to the application forms
*Passport type photo only (we do not accept photos on regular paper)
(The image should be straight looking, centered with neutral expression, with plain background)
4. Certificate of Eligibility ○ Original and one photocopy
*If you have a digital COE sent by email, you only need to submit a printed copy of your digital COE
5. [For non US citizens]
Immigration documents showing your legal status and permitting reentry into the United States		 [Such as Green card or valid U.S. visa sticker]

○ Original and one photocopy

[An F or J visa holder must present the original and submit one photocopy of an I-20 or DS-2019 with the valid signature of an appropriate official allowing return to the U.S., in addtion to the visa sticker]


[ If you need U.S. visa renewal ]
6. [For applicants for "Dependent Status Visa"]
If the primary person already resides in Japan		 ○ One photocopy of the primary person's Resident Card

○ One photocopy of the primary person's passport (page(s) with the Japanese visa and immigration stamp(s))
 

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