Work/Study/Long Term Stay

2026/5/4
WORK/STUDY/LONG TERM STAY

[Definition] A foreign citizen planning to engage in paid work in Japan, study as a student or long-term residency. Applicants typically possess a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued in Japan.


REQUIREMENTS:


☐ VALID PASSPORT:

  • Properly signed by bearer, must have at least one blank VISA page.

☐ COMPLETED VISA APPLICATION FORM:

  • The applicant must complete the visa application form in black pen or typed.
  • Signature must be wet signature (printed and digital signatures not accepted).
  • On the application form, if there is a field not applicable, please write “N/A” or “None”.
  • If the applicant is 6 years old or older (grade school and above), they must sign their name in the designated signature area. In the area below, a parent or guardian must print their name and indicate their relationship to the child (ex. father, mother or guardian).

☐ ONE PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOGRAPH

  • One photo, taken within the past six months.
  • Size: 35mm x 45mm (width x height) OR U.S. passport photo size (2in x 2in).
  • The area from the top of the head to the chin must be no less than 32 mm, and no more than 36 mm high.
  • Plain white background with no shadows, patterns or objects visible.
  • Photo paper (glossy or matte). Regular thin copy paper is not accepted.

☐ PROOF OF YOUR U.S. IMMIGRATION STATUS: (Foreign Nationals only)

  • Please submit a copy of one or two of the following:
  • Valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
  • Valid F1 Visa
  • I-20 with valid travel endorsement signature
  • Valid J1 Visa
  • DS-2019 with valid travel endorsement signature
  • Other U.S. valid Visa
  • Valid OPT card
  • Valid Work Authorization Card
  • Any USCIS documents to prove the extension if your visa/green card is expired

☐ CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE): *Copies accepted

  • Please have your proxy in Japan obtain a COE for you by applying with the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice to the proxy’s place of work/residence in Japan (an application for Certificate of Eligibility cannot be made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
  • Once COE is issued, please ask your proxy to send the hard copy, a photocopy or an email version to you.

For detailed information, please click here: www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/index.html


☐ PROOF OF CURRENT ADDRESS:

  • Please bring a copy of a valid Driver License, a utility bill, or any other documents with your name and current address.

☐ VISA FEE:

  • Please refer to the Visa fee page.
  • We only accept CASH (exact amount appreciated). We do not accept credit cards or personal checks.
  • You must pay the fee at our office. Please DO NOT SEND cash, check, or money order by mail.

☐ PRE-PAID SELF-ADDRESSED RETURN ENVELOPE (ONLY if you wish to receive by mail when visa fee is not required)

  • Please submit a PREPAID self-addressed return envelope. We strongly recommend you use a tracking service such as FedEx.
  • If you need to pay, you (or your proxy) must pick up in person at our office.

☐ DISCLAIMER (ONLY if you wish to receive by mail when visa fee is not required)

  • Each applicant must sign their own form in pen. Please note that we only accept wet signatures (printed and digital signatures are not accepted).

Additional documents may be requested when necessary.

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