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Form Guide

Visa Application Form

Reviewed by Eric Provencio, Founder of VisaMind·Last verified Feb 25, 2026

Guide generated from official sources when available. Always confirm requirements on the authority’s official site.

A visa is a requirement for entering Japan as outlined by the 'Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act'. However, it does not guarantee entry into Japan, as detailed in the [Form RESIDENCE CARD](/en/japan/forms/residence-card-renewal) guide.

Quick answers

What forms are filed with Visa Application?
Often filed together: COE-APPLICATION.
What documents do I need for Visa Application?
You'll need: prepare all the required documents for the visa application, the current edition of visa application, current immigration status. Review the instructions for complete requirements.
What does Visa Application do?
Submitting Visa Application initiates a review of your eligibility. If approved, you receive visa. Approval depends on meeting all requirements.
What doesn't Visa Application do?
Common misconception: filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
How long does Visa Application take to process?
Processing times vary by location and current workload. Check the official processing times tool for your specific situation. Do not rely on unofficial estimates.
Does filing Visa Application grant work authorization or lawful status?
No. Filing Visa Application does not by itself grant work authorization or lawful status. If approved, Immigration Authority may update your status conditions and issue updated evidence of your status, depending on what you requested.
On this page

Quick summary

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Who fills it

Applicants seeking a visa use Visa Application as part of the this form process at a Japanese embassy or consulate, as described in the Form STATUS CHANGE guide, as described in the Form EXTENSION OF STAY guide.

When used

SHORT-STAY: Short-Term Stay Visa

Where it goes next

Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.

What it must match

Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations

Overview (What is Form Visa Application?)

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To collect necessary personal and travel information from applicants. Form Visa Application Check the official this form instructions to confirm your eligibility category. Depending on your eligibility category, Visa Application may be filed alongside Form COE-APPLICATION, or other related forms.

First page of Visa Application form

First page of Visa Application form

Source: Visa Application PDF

Context and workflow

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To begin the visa application process, refer to the Form PR APPLICATION guide. Processing times for Visa Applications vary by location, so always consult the official Immigration Authority's processing time tool.

Why this matters

  • Small mismatches inside Visa Application (or between Visa Application and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
  • This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.

Where it fits in the workflow

  • Initiating the visa application process.
  • Application receipt (受付票) at the Immigration Authority.
  • Provide photograph and fingerprints at port of entry.
  • Residence Card issuance at Immigration Services Agency office, if applicable.

Who uses it

Applicants seeking a visa use Visa Application as part of the this form process at a Japanese embassy or consulate. Common filers: Tourist, Business, Transit, Spouse/Dependent.

When it is used

  • SHORT-STAY: Short-Term Stay Visa
  • HIGHLY-SKILLED-PROFESSIONAL: Highly Skilled Professional
  • STUDENT: Student Visa
  • When applying for Short-stay — Visa Application is typically required as part of the application
  • When filing Visa Application alongside COE-APPLICATION (Submit CoE with visa application)

Do you need this visa?

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Visa-free68 countries can enter Japan visa-free for 15–90 days. Check the official list
RestrictedSome nationalities face additional screening under Article 5 of the Immigration Control Act. See issuance procedure
Use our tool to check if your nationality needs a visa for Japan. Find My Visa

Requirements snapshot

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  • tourist: Short-stay sightseeing, up to 90 days
  • business: Short-stay business meetings/conferences, up to 90 days
  • transit: Passing through Japan, up to 72 hours

Failure prevention (What causes Form Visa Application rejections?)

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Technical rejections

  • Ensure form edition is current

Substantive weaknesses

  • Misstating the purpose of visit.
  • To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
  • To avoid non-compliant photograph (wrong size, background, or age): Submit a 4.5cm x 4.5cm photo, white background, taken within 6 months, no accessories.
  • To avoid applying at wrong embassy or consulate: Apply only at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
  • To avoid insufficient passport validity or visa attachment space: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and has blank pages for visa attachment.

What it asks for (What does Form Visa Application ask for?)

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  • VISA The JAPAN eVISA system
  • Applicant biographical and contact information
  • Eligibility category selection
  • Applicant identification information
  • Supporting documentation inventory
  • Eligibility or purpose details
  • Declarations and signatures
  • Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
  • Your date and place of birth
  • Your current marital status and marriage history
  • Your current passport number and issuance details
  • Your passport validity and expiration information

Sources for this section

Visa Application Instructions

What you need (What do you need for Form Visa Application?)

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  • Prepare all the required documents for the visa application.
  • The current edition of Visa Application
  • Proof of current immigration status
  • Government-issued photo identification
  • Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
  • A Japanese visa will be issued to an applicant when they possess a valid passport and are entitled to re-entry to a country of their nationality or residence.
  • Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
  • Copy of your filed or approved COE-APPLICATION (Submit CoE with visa application)

Sources for this section

Visa Application Instructions

Checklist (What is the Form Visa Application checklist?)

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  • Access the latest Visa Application and accompanying instructions directly from the official Immigration Authority website.
  • Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
  • Complete all required sections of Visa Application
  • Sign, date, and submit Visa Application with all required supporting evidence

Sources for this section

Visa Application Instructions

Processing times

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  • Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
  • Processing times for this form vary by Immigration Authority office and current workload. Verify current processing times with Immigration Authority.
  • While pending: track your case status using your application reference number, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with Immigration Authority if it changes.

Where to file

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Submit your application at the designated Immigration Authority office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Submit application

Submit your application at the Immigration Authority office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.

Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official Immigration Authority website before submitting.

Official Visa Application page

Fees

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ComponentAmount
Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form visa application. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount.See official schedule
Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule.See official schedule

Can the Form Visa Application fee be waived?

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

What happens if I submit the wrong fee?

Immigration Authority will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.

Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

Fees change; always verify on Immigration Authority.

Form sections (What sections does Form Visa Application have?)

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Personal Information

Basic biographical details required for identification.

  • Full name as shown on passport
  • Date of birth and place of birth
  • Nationality and previous nationalities
  • Current address and contact details

Passport Information

Details about your travel document.

  • Passport number and date of issuance
  • Passport expiry date (must be valid for duration of stay)
  • Type of passport (ordinary, diplomatic, official)

Purpose of Visit

Information about your intended stay in Japan.

  • Purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, work, etc.)
  • Intended length of stay
  • Planned itinerary or address in Japan
  • Name and contact of guarantor or inviter in Japan (if applicable)

Previous Travel History

Past visits to Japan and visa history.

  • Previous entries to Japan (dates and purposes)
  • Previous visa applications and their outcomes
  • Criminal record declaration

Choose your path

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Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.

Tourist (Short-Stay Sightseeing)

tourist

Visitors entering Japan for tourism or sightseeing purposes for up to 90 days.

File with:

  • Passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • Photograph

Common mistakes:

  • Applying when your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry

Typical processing: 5-10 business days

Business (Short-Stay Meetings)

business

Business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations in Japan for up to 90 days without engaging in paid work.

File with:

  • Invitation letter from Japanese company
  • Company letter of dispatch
  • Business itinerary

Common mistakes:

  • Engaging in paid work activities on a short-stay business visa

Typical processing: 5-10 business days

Transit (Passing Through)

transit

Travelers passing through Japan en route to a third country, staying up to 72 hours.

File with:

  • Onward ticket
  • Transit itinerary

Common mistakes:

  • Failing to obtain a transit visa when nationality requires one

Typical processing: 5 business days

Spouse/Dependent (of Japanese National or Resident)

spouse_dependent

Legally married spouse or dependent of a Japanese national or long-term resident, requiring a CoE before visa application.

File with:

  • Certificate of Eligibility
  • Marriage certificate
  • Spouse's family register

Common mistakes:

  • Applying without first obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility from Immigration Services Agency

Typical processing: 5-10 business days

Category comparison

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Category codeEligibilityTypical filing companionAuto-extension?Premium processing?
touristShort-stay sightseeing, up to 90 daysPassport, itinerary, financial proofNoNo
businessShort-stay business meetings/conferences, up to 90 daysInvitation letter, company documentsNoNo
transitPassing through Japan, up to 72 hoursOnward ticket, transit itineraryNoNo
spouse_dependentSpouse of Japanese national or resident, 1-3 years with work allowedCoE, marriage certificate, sponsor documentsYesNo

Strategy tips

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Strategy: Apply at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date; processing typically takes 5 business days but can take longer during peak seasons.
Strategy: Photo requirements are strict: 4.5cm x 4.5cm, taken within the last 6 months, white background, no hats or sunglasses. Non-compliant photos are a common cause of delays.
Strategy: For long-term stays (work, study), your sponsor in Japan must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) before you can apply for the visa. Start this process early as CoE processing takes 1-3 months.
Strategy: The JAPAN eVISA system is available for short-stay tourism from eligible countries. Check if your nationality qualifies before visiting the embassy in person.
Important: A visa does not guarantee entry to Japan. Immigration officers at the port of entry make the final decision. Have your return ticket, accommodation details, and proof of funds ready for inspection.

Mistake severity

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Mistake typeSeverityHow to avoid
Incomplete or inconsistent information across formRejectionUse exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
Non-compliant photograph (wrong size, background, or age)DelaySubmit a 4.5cm x 4.5cm photo, white background, taken within 6 months, no accessories.
Applying at wrong embassy or consulateRejectionApply only at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Insufficient passport validity or visa attachment spaceRejectionEnsure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and has blank pages for visa attachment.
Missing Certificate of Eligibility for long-term visasRejectionFor work, study, or dependent visas, obtain the CoE from Immigration Services Agency before applying.

Examples (What are examples for Form Visa Application?)

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  • Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
  • Common weakness: Petitioner forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
  • Common weakness: Applicant uses an unofficial website, leading to misinformation.
  • An applicant overseas completes Visa Application as part of the consular visa interview process
  • A beneficiary of an approved petition uses Visa Application to apply for their immigration visa at the embassy
  • Strong application: Visitors entering Japan for tourism or sightseeing purposes for up to 90 days. submits with required evidence; receives Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) in approximately 5-10 business days.

Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Visa Application?)

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  • Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
  • Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
  • Some applicants assume that having a visa guarantees entry into Japan, but entry is ultimately determined by immigration officers at the port of entry.
  • Meeting the document requirements guarantees visa approval — The consular officer retains discretion to approve or deny the visa based on the totality of circumstances, even when all documents are submitted.

Edge cases and variations

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  • If you are asked to submit or update Visa Application, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.

In-depth guidance

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How to complete this form reliably

Treat Visa Application as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.

Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"

Scenarios

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A tourist from Brazil applies for a short-stay visa with a complete application, valid passport, hotel booking, return ticket, and bank statements.

The visa is issued within 5 business days.

Having all required documents ready and organized speeds up processing significantly.

An applicant submits the form but uses a photo that is 3.5cm x 4.5cm instead of the required 4.5cm x 4.5cm.

The application is returned for a compliant photo, causing a 1-2 week delay.

Always verify photo specifications before submission. Use a professional photo service if unsure.

A student applies for a student visa but has not yet received the Certificate of Eligibility from their school in Japan.

The application is rejected because the CoE is a prerequisite for long-term visa applications.

Coordinate with your sponsor in Japan to obtain the CoE before visiting the embassy.

Next steps

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  • Receive an application receipt (受付票) from the Immigration Authority.
  • Await processing and decision on the visa application.
  • If approved, provide photograph and fingerprints at port of entry.
  • Receive a Residence Card at the Immigration Services Agency office, if applicable.
  • Prepare for entry into Japan based on visa type and conditions.

Verification

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This guide is based on official Immigration Authority instructions for Visa Applications and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify the current requirements on the official Immigration Authority website.

FAQs

What are common misconceptions about Visa Application?

Visa Application has specific limitations. Review the official instructions for complete details.

Do I need to file Visa Application if I'm only updating my address or contact information?

Address or contact updates may be handled through a dedicated form or through your online account, depending on the agency's procedures. Visa Application may not be required for simple address changes. Review the official instructions for complete details.

Can I apply for a Japanese visa if I am not currently in my home country?

Review the official instructions for complete details.

What supporting documents do I need for Visa Application?

A Japanese visa will be issued to an applicant when they possess a valid passport and are entitled to re-entry to a country of their nationality or residence. Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.

When will Visa Application be processed and what is the workflow?

Processing timing for Visa Application varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official Immigration Authority processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.

What are common mistakes when filing Visa Application?

Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official Immigration Authority schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

Find my visa