Your Application Journey to Kyoto

Understanding the CoE for your Student Visa
Required Documents for the Japan Student Visa Application
Student Visa Application Timeline

How to Apply to Nihongo Center — Key Facts

Applying to a Japanese language school is not like applying to a university. The central document is the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — an authorization issued by Japanese Immigration that you then use to obtain a student visa at your local Japanese embassy. Nihongo Center prepares and submits all CoE documents on your behalf. You do not deal with immigration directly.

Oct 31, 2026
application deadline
(April 2027 intake)
2–3 months
CoE processing
by Immigration
¥0
payment required
at application stage
4 steps
apply → docs → CoE
→ student visa

No payment is due until your CoE is issued.

The non-refundable screening fee (¥22,000) is collected at the document submission stage. All other fees — registration (¥55,000), tuition, and facility fees — are only invoiced after Japanese Immigration approves your CoE. If your student visa is refused, all fees except the screening and registration fees are returned in full.

Disclaimer: Nihongo Center is a private educational institution. The Osaka Regional Immigration Bureau officially authorizes us to support CoE applications on your behalf. However, we are not a government agency — the Japanese immigration authorities make all final visa decisions independently. Our role covers document verification, administrative guidance, and submission assistance.

What is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

The Japanese Immigration Services Agency issues the COE to confirm your eligibility for a long-term stay in Japan. In practice, you cannot obtain your student visa without it — your embassy requires this document before processing any visa application.

Our Role in the Process

Nihongo Center acts as your official sponsor in Japan. First, you send us all required documents. Then, we submit your COE application directly to the immigration authorities and follow up on your behalf. As soon as the COE arrives, we send you the original by express mail.

Required Documents for Your COE Application

To prepare your application, gather the documents listed below. Our team answers questions in English, French, and Japanese. Note that immigration may also request additional documents based on your nationality or situation. For a more complete checklist, refer to this guide.

Applicant’s Documents

  • School Application Form (provided by us)
  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Recent passport-style photos
  • Most recent diploma (High School or University)
  • Proof of previous Japanese study (if applicable)

Financial Sponsor’s Documents

  • Letter of financial sponsorship
  • Certificate of employment of the sponsor
  • Proof of income of the sponsor (tax documents, salary statements)
  • Bank balance statement of the sponsor

April 2027 Intake

  

Application Period
(TBA – Deadline: October 31st, 2026)

Submit your application and all required documents before the deadline. Apply early — this gives our team enough time to review your file and request any missing items before the school submission date.

Intermediate Step: Screening Fee Payment
Once your documents are approved, and ready to be sent to the immigration office, we will send you an invoice for the screening fee. This payment is the last step to complete your application and must be done before the application deadline.

School Submits Documents to Immigration (Mid November, 2026)

After we verify and approve your documents, our school submits your visa application directly to the Japanese immigration authorities. You do not need to contact immigration yourself — we handle this step entirely.

Intermediate Step: Accommodation
About 2 months prior to your arrival, we will send you a list of our partners so you can choose a place to live during your stay. The whole process will be easier if you contact them directly. They always have an English Speaking staff.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Results
(TBA – Winter/Early 2027)

Immigration issues your COE — the official document your embassy needs to grant your student visa. Once we confirm your registration fee payment, we mail you the original COE along with all instructions for your visa appointment.

Intermediate Step: School Fees Payment
Once your COE is approved, we will send you an invoice for tuition and other initial fees. Full payment is required before we can send you the original copy of your COE by express mail.

Final Visa Application & Arrival in Japan
(March – April 2027)

With your COE, you will make the final visa application at the Japanese embassy in your country. Once approved, you can book your flight and prepare for your arrival in Kyoto to start your studies!