Visa Information for International Students

You will need a cultural activities visa to enter Japan and please follow the steps below.

I. Complete the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) form 

1. Download the CoE application form and complete it. (Updated on 10/23/2023)
    Please check HERE for the details about CoE and visa.

2. Send the following documents to OIST by uploading it HERE. [Instruction]
     - Completed CoE application form (Please submit by excel sheet.)
     - A digital photo for CoE application and OIST internal systems (if you haven't submitted the photo, please check HERE for photo qualification)
     - Copy of your passport (photo page)
          ** Please name each file as below when you upload them;
                    CoE application form_your Given name/FAMILY NAME
                    photo_your Given name/FAMILY NAME
                    passport_your Given name/FAMILY NAME

3. OIST will submit the CoE application form to the Immigration Bueau in Japan. It takes a few weeks to a month to be issued.

II. Apply for the Cultural Activities Visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate 

1. Check visa application procedure and required documents with Japanese Embassy/Consulate where you intend to apply and prepare for visa application form and other documents as necessary.
   ***How to fill Visa application  form: CoE and Visa
2. Receive a package/email enclosed CoE from OIST Travel and Relocation Team.
3. Go to the nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate and apply for the visa (Category: Cultural Activity)
4. After successfully obtaining your visa, send a scanned copy of the visa by uploading it HERE. [Instruction]
Please name the file as “visa_your Given name/FAMILY NAME”

Please check the links below for further information about visa information/ requirements for the Japanese embassy/ consulate in your area.
Please apply for the visa immediately after you receive your CoE.

For Your Referencce
Immigration Bureau of Japan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Cultural Activities (visa for research interns, visiting research students)

You will need a visa (short-term stay visa).

1. Please send a copy of your passport (a photo page) to OIST by uploading it HERE. [Instruction]
    Please name each file as "passport_your Given name/FAMILY NAME"
2. OIST will prepare for a visa document package for your visa application and send them to you via airmail.
3. Receive a visa document package from OIST
4. Go to the nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate and apply for the short-term stay visa 
    When you go, please brng ptinted OIST Offer letter and signed Agreement.
5. After successfully obtaining your visa, send a scanned copy of the visa to OIST by uploading it HERE. [Instruction]
    Please name each file as "visa_your Given name/FAMILY NAME"

*While waiting for your visa document package to be delivered, please prepare your visa application form and the necessary required documents.
Necessary documents may differ depending on your nationality and the country from  which you are applying.
Please check the links below for further information about visa information/ requirements for the Japanese embassy/ consulate in your area.
Please apply for the visa immediately after you receive your package.

For Your Referencce
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Countries and Regions (from MoFA's site)

You will NOT need a special visa to enter Japan.

1. Please send a copy of your passport (a photo page) to OIST by uploading it HERE. [Instruction]
    Please name each file as "passport_your Given name/FAMILY NAME"
2. OIST will start travel arrangement about one month prior to your arrival.