Preparation before coming to Japan

All guidance, submissions and post-arrival procedures go through the JCL Portal. Register here first.

What you can do once you are registered

Once your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) reaches you, apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate-general in your country. A COE alone does not let you enter Japan.

1. 1

   Find the mission that covers where you live

   Which embassy or consulate handles your case depends on where you live. Open your country's mission from the MOFA list and read its student-visa page.

   MOFA — Japanese embassies and consulates

   MOFA — Visa information
2. 2

   Check how applications are accepted

   Some missions accept applications in person; others only through a designated agency or visa center. In some countries — China, for example — individuals cannot apply directly, so always check the mission's own page.

3. 3

   Documents you will generally need

   In addition to the Certificate of Eligibility and letter of admission we send you, expect to be asked for the following. Requirements differ by country — always follow the final list given by the mission or agency.

   • Visa application form (the mission's own form)
   • Passport (original)
   • Passport photograph
   • Certificate of Eligibility (a copy)
   • Proof of your most recent graduation (certificate or diploma copy)
   • Documents about the person funding your studies (e.g. proof of employment)
   • In some countries, civil-registry or household documents
4. 4

   How long it takes, and the fee

   Processing usually takes about five working days, but it gets busy before each intake and can take longer — longer still if documents are missing. Start as soon as your COE arrives. Fees are as stated by the mission or agency.

1. 1

   Submit your flight in the portal

   Enter your arrival date and flight number in the portal. We arrange the airport pick-up from this, so update it if you change flights.

   Flight submission page
2. 2

   Register on Visit Japan Web

   A Japanese government service that lets you complete immigration and customs formalities online. Register before departure and screenshot the QR codes — it makes arrival much faster.

   Digital Agency — About Visit Japan Web

   Visit Japan Web — sign in and register
3. 3

   Print and fill in the work-permission form

   This is the permission you need in order to work part-time. Hand it in at the airport when you collect your residence card and it is granted on the spot; applying later at the immigration bureau takes far longer. Fill it in before you fly.

   Immigration Services Agency — Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted

   Application form (Excel)

   Application form (PDF, for printing)

Most students arrive at Kansai International Airport (Osaka). Keep your passport, Certificate of Eligibility, letter of admission and work-permission form in your hand luggage — you cannot reach them at the counter if they are checked in.

1. 1

   Immigration — get in the right queue

   Do not join the general "Foreigner" line — join the one for mid- to long-term residents, where residence cards are issued. Show your passport, COE and Visit Japan Web QR code, collect your residence card, and hand in the work-permission form at the same time.

   Photo of the correct counter
2. 2

   Baggage and customs

   Collect your checked baggage and proceed to customs, where you use the Visit Japan Web QR code again. Meat products, fruit and seeds are among the items you may not bring in — penalties apply even if it was unintentional, so check before you pack.

   MAFF — Food and plants you may not bring in

   Kansai International Airport — arrivals
3. 3

   Meet your teacher in the arrivals hall

   If you arrive on the flight you submitted in the portal, a JCL teacher will meet you in the arrivals hall once you are through. We will let you know the meeting point and time before you depart.

4. 4

   Making your own way to the school

   From Kansai International Airport, take the limousine bus to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, then a taxi to the school — about 10 minutes and roughly ¥1,000.