Are you planning to continue studying in Japan, or would you like to stay in the Land of the Rising Sun for a long period of time? Then, you may need to apply for a COE or Certificate of Eligibility before your visa application can be processed.
Note: Requirements and or entry policies change from time to time, so make sure to call your Japan Visa experts or the Embassy of Japan before submitting any application. -- Updated as of July 22, 2022
What is a Certificate of Eligibility?
The Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued by the Regional Immigration Authority that determines whether an applicant will be granted entry to the country of Japan. Note that the COE is only a part of the pre-screening visa process and not a visa itself. Acquiring this document is the first step before applying for a long-term Japan Visa for residency purposes, studying, working, etc.
Processing Time of Japan Visa Application: 7-10 working days from the time the documents are submitted to the Embassy.
Who is eligible to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility in Japan?
So which applicants are qualified or need to submit a Certificate of Eligibility before applying for a Japan Visa to enter the country?
Working or Non-working Status
- Students
- Technical Intern Trainee
- Teachers/Professors
- Skilled Labors
- Intra-Company Transferees
- Engineers/Specialists in Humanities/International Services
- Artist
- Religious Activities
- Journalist
- Highly-Skilled Professional
- Business Manager
- Legal/Accounting Service
- Medical Services
- Researcher
- Instructor / Professors
- Nursing Care
- Entertainer
- Specified Skilled Worker
- Cultural Activities
- Dependent
- Designated Activities
For Residential status
- Spouse/Child of a Japanese National
- Spouse/Child of a Permanent Resident
- Dependent
- Long-Term Resident (Notice items no.3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) – if Nikkei-jin/Japanese descendant there are additional documents required
- COE with “1584” Status
- Official/Diplomat with COE
- Visa for House Servant hired by an/a Official/Diplomat with COE
- COE with Designated Activities (limited to Notice no. 7, 18, 19, 23, 24, 30, 31, 28, 45, 47)
What are the requirements needed to apply for the Japan Visa with Certificate of Eligibility?
Prepare the following documents to apply for your Japan Visa with COE.
Working or Non-working Category / Status
- Philippine Passport
- Visa Application Form
- 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm photo w/ white background (Must be taken within 6 months)
- Original and Photocopy of Certification of Eligibility
- Certification of Registration (ERFS) – NEW
- Written Statement (if COE has been issued for more than 3 months) - should show the extension of validity of COE
Important Reminder (Effective June 22, 2022):
- If 〔2022〕 is not printed/written in red on COE with the below status, visa applicants and accepting organizations are required to submit a “Confirmation Letter” related to the use of “Fast Track” and “Visit Japan Web” respectively:
For Residential Status
- Philippine Passport
- Visa Application Form
- 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm photo w/ white background (Must be taken within 6 months)
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Original and Photocopy of Certification of Eligibility
- Photocopy of the Inviter’s Residence Card in Japan (front and back) or Japanese Passport
- Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) of the relatives in Japan - This is required for COE with “Long Term Resident (No.3)” and “Dependent” status only
- Written Statement (Petition) - must be submitted if the COE has been issued for more than 3 months from the date of visa application.
Additional Reminders:
APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT NEED TO PRESENT ERFS:
- COE on which "1584" is printed/written
- Spouse/Child of Japanese National
- Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident
- Long-Term Resident
- Dependent
See Sample Forms & Requirements for other Japan Visa with COE applications here.
Reminders:
- The size of the document for application should be A4 size only. If the document is in another size, please submit a copy that is already adjusted in A4 size from its original and without staples or pasting pages.
- It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that he/she meets the requirements for the grant of a visa. Submission of any supporting documents not listed above is encouraged (e.g. applicant's economic or social ties with the Philippines, urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation).
- Submission of requirements does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
- If the document submitted for application is verified by Embassy or Consular Office as fake or tampered with, the visa will not be issued.
- Documents submitted for application will not be returned.
- Applicants are given three (3) months to submit additional requirements. Otherwise, the application will be terminated.
- The reason for the denial of the visa will not be disclosed even if an inquiry is made. At the same time, if a visa application is denied, the applicant may only re-apply for the same purpose after (6) months.
How to get the COE for Japan Visa application?
Once you have prepared the necessary documents or requirements, you may ask your family/relative (if residential) or company/organization (if working or non-working) in Japan to consult the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau for the processing and requirements.
How to apply for a Japan Visa with COE?
You can apply for your Japan Visa with COE with UHI for proper visa processing and updated entry policies as we are one of the accredited travel agencies by the Japanese Embassy.
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Reach out to our Visa experts at:
📩 japanvisa@universalholidays.com
📞 +63 917 634 8280, +63 917 818 6717 or +63 917 634 4950