Getting a Visa

International students who receive an offer from Hokkaido University need to obtain a visa to enter Japan. To apply for and obtain the visa, a document known as a “Certificate of Eligibility” is required.

Certificate of Eligibility:

The first step to obtain a visa is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. The Certificate of Eligibility is issued by a regional Immigration Bureau in Japan, and reduces the time required to process a visa and complete the required immigration procedures. Hokkaido University can act as a proxy for the application procedure to obtain the certificate. For further information, you should liaise with the Academic Affairs section at the faculty/graduate school you wish to enter.

Please Note:

• It usually takes one month or longer for the certificate to be issued. Please contact your faculty/graduate school well in advance.
• The certificate expires three months from its date of issue. You must enter Japan within this period.
• You must show this certificate when you go through immigration upon arrival in Japan. Be sure to have it with you on the day.
• If you are a recipient of the Japanese Government Scholarship, you do not need to apply for this certificate.

Visa:

A visa is required to enter Japan. Upon obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, please submit this and any other required application forms to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. The visa will be sealed into your passport.