Other Visas

There are several other visas that are not included in the previous pages. These are detailed below more for the record than anything else as they are not all useful for study.

All applicants for the following visas must submit the following documents:

1. Passport (generally valid for at least six months).
2. Two 45mm x 45mm passport-type photos taken within the previous six months (stateless persons must submit three photos).
3. Two official visa application forms, available at the embassy or consulate or here (in some cases you may be asked to complete a different form: contact your nearest Japanese Consulate for confirmation).
4. Documents certifying the purpose of the visit (see below).

In addition, applicants have to submit the following documents in support of item 4 of the list above.

Cultural Activities

The Cultural Activities visa covers academic or artistic activities that provide no income, activities for the purpose of pursuing specific studies on Japanese culture or arts, or activities for the purpose of learning and acquiring skills in Japanese culture or arts under the guidance of experts (for example, ikebana, tea ceremony, judo, etc.). Any activities covered by this visa must be organised through an organisation or with an expert in a particular field - you cannot just apply for the visa and then look for something to do when you come to Japan. Activities are generally not considered to include the Japanese language, but you may be able to study Japanese on this visa after completing your other activities.

• If the applicant intends to engage in academic or artistic activities, or specific studies of Japanese culture or arts:
  1. Proof of the activity of the applicant and the duration, and the outline of the organization where the applicant intends to engage in the activity concerned.
  2. Proof of the academic, professional, and any other career relevant to the activity of the applicant in Japan.
  3. Documents certifying that the applicant can cover all expenses incurred while in Japan.
• If the applicant intends to learn Japanese culture or arts under the guidance of an expert, additional materials showing the career and the achievements of the expert are required, in addition to the documents mentioned above.

Long-Term Resident

1. A copy of the family registration, the marriage certificate, the birth certificate, and other documents certifying the status of the applicant.
2. Documents certifying that the applicant can cover all expenses while in Japan. In cases where the expenses incurred during the stay in Japan are paid by another person, documents certifying the income of the person who intends to defray all expenses.
3. A letter of guarantee by a person living in Japan.

Note: Additional materials may be requested if found necessary. This visa is generally for those who are of foreign origin, but whose family has been in Japan for one or more generations.

Trainee

Activities to learn and acquire technology, skills, or knowledge at public or private organizations in Japan (including not only training in industrial techniques and skills but also administrative training in local governments and other public bodies and clerical training to acquire knowledge).

1. A training plan showing the substance of the training, its necessity, location, duration, and the conditions of stay.
2. Documents certifying that the person concerned intends to engage in a duty that requires the technique, skill, and knowledge learned during the stay in Japan after returning home.
3. A diploma and documentation certifying the professional career of the person concerned.
4. Documents certifying the professional career of the trainer regarding the training concerned.
5. Material showing the outline of the foreign organization which is sending the person concerned.
6. Copies of the company registration, a statement of profit and loss, a list of full-time staff of the organization inviting the person concerned, and a list of trainees.

Diplomatic

For diplomats from foreign governments and their dependents. Verbal notification and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan.

Official

For Officials of foreign governments and international organisations such as the United Nations, and their dependents. Verbal notification and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan.

Designated Activities

This visa is a catch-all for those that don't fit into any of the other visa categories. It is awarded on an individual basis for particular activities. You cannot use this visa for study.

1. In cases where the applicant intends to engage in management of a gainful business or to engage in an activity to be paid, documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned are required.
2. In other cases, the following materials are required.
   1. Documents certifying the activity during the stay of the applicant in Japan.
   2. Proof that the applicant can cover all expenses incurred while in Japan.

Note: Alien Registration

All foreigners are required to register as aliens within 90 days of arrival in Japan. You are required by law to carry your 'certificate of Alien Registration' with you at all times. Register at your nearest local government office - this usually takes half a day to complete. It is often a good idea to do this early rather than wait. Tourist visa holders usually do not need to register as on the whole they cannot stay in the country for longer than 3 months. However, if you will be in the country for more than 3 months on a tourist visa, contact your local City or Town Hall for confirmation of your obligations under Japanese immigration law.

Also, don't forget the free consultation service offered by Education Japan.