How the procedure works
1. The sponsoring organization in Japan (or our office on its behalf) files the application with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
2. After examination, the Certificate of Eligibility is issued. It can also be received by e-mail.
3. The certificate is sent to the applicant overseas, who then applies for a visa at the local Japanese embassy or consulate.
4. After the visa is issued, the applicant travels to Japan, undergoes the landing examination, and is issued a Residence Card.
Points to note
- A Certificate of Eligibility is valid for three months from the date of issue. The applicant must arrive in Japan and apply for landing within that period.
- The required documents differ depending on the status of residence and on factors such as the size of the sponsoring organization.
Our office handles the whole process on your behalf: determining the appropriate status of residence, preparing the documents, filing the application and receiving the certificate.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
An Application for a Certificate of Eligibility is the procedure a sponsoring organization in Japan completes in advance when it wishes to bring a foreign national to Japan from overseas. The Certificate of Eligibility is commonly abbreviated as "COE".
A status of residence is the legal status a foreign national needs in order to work, study or live in Japan. The requirements are set out in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
Obtaining the certificate before arrival makes both the visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas and the landing examination in Japan go smoothly. It is the standard route for employment and for bringing family members to Japan.
A status of residence is the legal status a foreign national needs in order to work, study or live in Japan. The requirements are set out in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
Obtaining the certificate before arrival makes both the visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas and the landing examination in Japan go smoothly. It is the standard route for employment and for bringing family members to Japan.
