Student Visa Application

All international students must have a valid visa and one of the following residency statuses before entering NUCB:

• Permanent Resident
• Long Term Resident
• Dependent of Japanese national or dependent of foreign national with residency in Japan
• Student Visa

For international students applying without residency status, NUCB will support their visa application to obtain a valid student visa before the start of term.

A temporary visitor visa or a tourist visa cannot be accepted to study at a University in Japan. It is not possible to convert a tourist visa to a student visa whilst in Japan.

For current students with a visa set to expire during their studies at NUCB, please refer to the article about renewal of residence status.

Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document issued by the Immigration Bureau in Japan that facilitates the application for a student visa.

1. Students complete the CoE form (Excel file)
2. Students upload the completed form (Excel file) to NUCB with the supporting documents
3. NUCB applies for the CoE at the Immigration Bureau in Japan on behalf of the student
4. Immigration processes the CoE application (2 to 3 months)
5. NUCB receives the CoE from the Immigration Bureau
6. NUCB sends the CoE via EMAIL to the students (New as of 2024)

The CoE application is supported by NUCB for all international students accepted to the program. It confirms the applicant meets the requirements to enter Japan as a university student. The process is at the discretion of the immigration services in Japan and can take up to 3 months. Please note that NUCB cannot interfere in any way to expedite the process.

List of supporting documents for the CoE application:

• CoE Form (Excel)
• CoE Application History
• Passport Copy (picture page)
• Three ID pictures (40mmx30mm)
• Bank Statement (or proof of financial ability to cover tuition & living costs)

Step 2: Student Visa Application

The CoE is not a student visa. Students are not allowed to enter Japan and study at NUCB before receiving their student visa.

The CoE is submitted as a visa application at the Embassy or Consulate of the student’s country of nationality or place of residence. Most countries require applicants to submit the visa application in-person at the Embassy or Consulate. The average processing time is one week, but again can vary depending on the country/situation.

⚠️ Applications from a third country, for example while traveling, are in principle not accepted. Make sure to notify the International Affairs department at NUCB if you change your address during the application process.

1. Check with the Embassy the documents needed to apply
2. Prepare the supporting documents
3. Book an appointment to apply for the Visa at the Embassy/Consulate
4. Student submits the application to the Embassy in person

List of supporting documents required for the visa application:

• Visa Application Form (sample version in the appendix)
• Valid Passport
• Passport Copy (picture page)
• Original CoE
• One ID picture (passport size)
• Letter of Acceptance from NUCB (recommended)
• Visa application fee / visa shipping fee (if needed, check the price with the embassy)

⚠️ The supporting documents might vary depending on the regulation of the application country. It is recommended to check directly with the Embassy if they have specific requirements.

The Immigration Bureau of Japan may choose not to issue the COE depending on the content of documents prepared by the applicant or if a false declaration is found. In such cases, NUCB is not responsible for the student’s failure to obtain a COE.

Terms and Conditions:
- Fake documents and untrue statements will result in cancellation of admission even if you have officially enrolled at our university.
- As your COE will be issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau and the student visa will be granted by a Japanese embassy, NUCB does not take any responsibility in the case that you are unable to obtain either of these. The admission fee will not be refunded under any circumstances.

Step 3: Travel to Japan

The period of validity of the visa is three months. Students must enter Japan within this time-frame. Once you receive your visa, contact NUCB International Affairs w ho will help you prepare your arrival and settle into Japan.

Residence Card
When you arrive at the airport in Japan, immigration will give you a “Residence Card”. It is the equivalent of your ID and authorisation to live in Japan. Please be very careful with this card and carry it with you at all times.

Working in Japan
Your student visa allows you to have a part-time job provided that you have previously registered for a working permit. You can check the details about the work permit application in the dedicated document “Permission to Engage in an activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted”.

For Those Residing in Japan Who Possess A Valid Student Visa

Incoming students who already possess a student visa must renew their visa and if they will move to a new address when entering NUCB, they must change their address with their local municipal government office.

(1) Extending a Student Visa
You can apply to extend your valid student visa at the immigration bureau covering the area where you live or at the immigration bureau in Nagoya. It usually takes 14 days to complete the extension. However, as it may take more time, you should ask the immigration bureau where you intend to apply for further information.

(2) Change of Address
Be sure to submit a notification of moving out to the local government office for the municipality where you lived before enrolling at NUCB. You will be unable to submit a change of address unless you have completed a notification of moving out. After enrolling, take your alien registration certificate or residence card to your local municipal government office, submit a notification of moving in, and report your new address.

(3) Change of Affiliated Organization
If a student has three months or more remaining on their student visa upon enrollment, in general, they must notify immigration of their change in affiliated organization. If this applies to you, contact the International Affairs Office after enrollment regarding this matter.

Extension of Residency

Students whose residency will expire during their studies at NUCB should extend their validity by applying at Nagoya Immigration Bureau. The period of validity of the residency is indicated on the front of the residence card. Students are wholly responsible for their residency and should ensure to keep a note of the expiry date.

The application for the extension can be submitted 3 months before the expiration date. It is recommended to start the procedure of extension early to avoid any issues.

Should the residence lapse, students will be forced to leave Japan as soon as possible and restart their visa application from abroad. Foreign nationals who overstay without a valid residency may be placed into custody and deported from Japan and rejected to enter Japan for 5 years.

It is not possible to apply for the extension at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate Outside of Japan. If the residency expires during the students' stay whilst overseas, it is recommended to come back to Japan before the expiration to apply for the extension at the immigration bureau in Japan.
Before going to the Immigration Bureau, students should contact NUCB International Affairs to schedule an appointment to check their application documents.

Required documents at the time of application:

• Application Form (please fill out parts 1-3)
• Revenue stamp of ¥ 6,000 (bought at the Immigration Bureau when you apply)
• Original Passport
• One Photo (40mmx30 mm, less than 3 months old)
• Residence Card
• Certificate of University Enrollment in Japanese (please apply at Educational Affairs)
• Grade Transcript in Japanese (please apply at Educational Affairs)
• Documents to prove your expenses (copy of passbook, bank statements, etc.)

【Extension procedures】

1. Fill in the application form for the 「Extension of Period of Stay」 (parts 1 - 3, for applicant).
2. Obtain the Certificate of University Enrollment and University Grade Transcripts, and submit them together with the application form to International Affairs at NUCB.
3. Receive the extension of Period of Stay application form (parts 1 - 2, for organization) fully completed by NUCB International Affairs (approximately 1 week).
4. Proceed with the extension procedures at the Immigration Bureau. Those who currently have part-time jobs, please apply again for the permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.
5. You will receive a postcard/letter from the Immigration Bureau.
6. Bring this postcard/letter and your passport to the Immigration Bureau in order to receive the new Residence Card with the extended Period of Stay and the permission to engage in other activities.
7. Within 14 days, submit copies of the Residence Card and permission to engage in other activities to the International Affairs.