Japan Student Visa 2026: COE, Language Schools and How to Apply

Who gets a student visa

The status covers education at a university, a junior college, a technical college (KOSEN), a high school, a 専門学校 (senmon gakkō, vocational school), a miscellaneous school or a Japanese language school. Language schools carry an extra rule: the school must be a recognised Japanese language institution, listed by the agency as designated or accredited. Universities and junior colleges are not subject to this rule.

The immigration agency sets your period of stay case by case, at most four years and three months. At language schools, stays often start at six months.

The process: school, COE, visa

Choose a school and apply. Many language schools expect twelve years of schooling or equivalent skills. As a language proof, the embassy guide names for example level N5 of the JLPT or 300 points in the Business Japanese Test BJT. Some schools hold interviews. The school sets the conditions.
The school files the COE. The 在留資格認定証明書 (zairyū shikaku nintei shōmeisho, Certificate of Eligibility) is requested by the receiving school at the regional immigration office, not by you. It is free. The agency gives a processing time of about one to three months.
Receive the COE. The school sends it to you. Many missions accept a copy. It is valid for three months from issue.
Apply for the visa. Within those three months you apply at the mission that covers where you live. Many missions need about five working days after a valid submission.
Enter Japan. At the major airports you receive the 在留カード (zairyū kādo, residence card). Report your address at the city office within 14 days.

Plan several months from the school's acceptance: the COE alone can take up to three months, and then the three-month window for the visa starts.

Proving how you pay

The agency wants someone to cover your stay. With the COE application comes a 経費支弁書 (keihi shiben-sho, statement of expense support), plus evidence from the person paying, such as bank statements or scholarship certificates. The agency does not name one amount that always suffices, because school and agency decide case by case.

For language schools whose intake begins in April 2027 or later, the agency adds a confirmation of financial capacity. At extension you file a declaration of your living costs.

Where documents differ by country

The status, the COE and the core steps are the same worldwide. Missions publish different financial lists and routes:

Bangladesh: The embassy lists a six-month bank statement from the financial supporter and tax certificates with proof of payment for three years. A COE copy is accepted. For holders of a Japanese government scholarship the embassy does not require a COE.
Zambia: The mission asks for a statement from the sponsor and a bank statement showing all transactions of the last three months. It also lists a way to apply without a COE, using an admission certificate from the Japanese school and proof of financial capacity.
All other countries: Apply at the mission for your place of residence with the COE and the documents on its student visa page. Photo size, copies and appointments are set there.

Working while you study

A student visa does not let you work automatically. After arrival you need the 資格外活動許可 (shikakugai katsudō kyoka, permission for activities outside your status) from the immigration office. Then these limits apply:

Term time: up to 28 hours a week.
Long school holidays: up to 8 hours a day.
Not allowed: work at entertainment and adult-entertainment businesses.
More or different: internships for work experience, more than 28 hours or work without measurable hours need an individual permission.

Working without permission or beyond the limit can lead to deportation. If you stop pursuing your studies, your status can also be revoked.

Costs

Visa fees were reset on 1 July 2026 to roughly 15,000 yen for single entry and 30,000 yen for multiple entry. Which rate applies to you and in which currency you pay is confirmed by your mission. The COE is free. Tuition, living costs and insurance come on top, ask your school.

Later extensions cost 10,000 to 75,000 yen at the counter since 1 October 2026, depending on the granted period. Applications received by 30 September 2026 still pay the old rate. More in visa renewal and address change.

How it differs from other routes

Short language course: Up to 90 days without income, holders of passports from visa-exempt countries enter without a visa. Embassies list short study visits under the short-stay category. A chain of such stays is not allowed, and a return or onward ticket can be required. See visa exemption explained.
Working holiday: A holiday stay with side jobs, only for ages 18 to 30 and only for countries with an agreement. See the working holiday guide.
Cultural activities: For private lessons or study with a master, without a school. See cultural activities.
Family: A spouse and children can follow as dependents, see the family visa guide.

Common mistakes

You apply to a Japanese language school that is not listed as a recognised institution.
The COE expires before you apply for the visa, because it is valid for three months only.
You take a side job before you hold the permission for activities outside your status.
You work more than allowed in the holidays or in an entertainment business.
You forget the address report within 14 days of arrival.

Related guides

All visa types in the main guide.
Staying on after your course? Read visa renewal and status change.

Confirm deadlines, amounts and documents with the Japanese mission that covers your residence and with your school, because details differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who applies for the COE for a student visa?

The receiving school, at the regional immigration office in Japan. You cannot file it from abroad yourself.

How long can I stay on a student visa?

The agency sets the period case by case, at most four years and three months. Extensions are possible.

Can I work while studying?

With the permission for activities outside your status, up to 28 hours a week, and up to 8 hours a day in long school holidays.

Do I need a visa for a short language course?

Not for up to 90 days without income if your passport is from a visa-exempt country. Longer stays need a student visa.

How long is the COE valid?

Three months from issue. You must apply for the visa within that time.

Can my family come along?

A spouse and children can follow on the dependent status, which also needs a COE.