Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) provides comprehensive support to international students throughout the visa acquisition process, ensuring a smooth transition to academic life in Japan. Below is an overview of the necessary steps and considerations:

1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• Purpose: The COE is an essential document issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau, verifying that the applicant meets the conditions for entry into Japan.

• Application Process:

  1. Submission: International students must submit a Student Visa Acquisition/Renewal Support Request Form along with their entrance examination application.
     • Undergraduate Students: Submit to the Admissions Office.
     • Graduate Students: Submit to the Academic Affairs Section of the respective graduate school.
  2. Processing: Upon receiving the list of international students requiring visa support, TMU's International Affairs Office will contact the students and provide information on the necessary procedures.
  3. Issuance: TMU applies for the COE on behalf of the student. Once issued, the COE is sent to the student, who then uses it to apply for a student visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Note: The International Affairs Office does not provide support for acquiring short-term visas for entrance examinations.

2. Student Visa Application

• Required Documents:

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Certificate of Acceptance from TMU
  • Valid Passport
  • Additional documents as specified by the local Japanese diplomatic mission

• Application Steps:

  1. Obtain the COE and Certificate of Acceptance from TMU.
  2. Apply for a student visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate-general with jurisdiction over your country/region of residence.
  3. Upon visa issuance, make travel arrangements to Japan.

Note: Before applying for a visa, check with the diplomatic mission to find out what documents are required, as requirements may vary by country.

3. Post-Arrival Procedures

• Residence Card: Upon entry into Japan, present your passport with the visa and COE to the immigration official at your port of entry to receive landing permission. A residence card will be issued at this time.

• Resident Registration: Within 14 days of establishing your residence in Japan, take your passport and residence card to the local municipal office to register as a new resident.

Note: Failure to complete resident registration may result in penalties or impact your legal status in Japan.

4. Visa Extensions and Status Changes

• Extension of Period of Stay: Students whose permitted period of stay will soon expire must apply for an extension at the Immigration Services Agency at least two weeks prior to the expiration date. Applications for extension are accepted from three months prior to the expiration date.

• Change of Status of Residence: If you wish to change your current status of residence (e.g., from "Family Stay" to "Student") upon entering TMU, you must apply for permission to change your status at the Immigration Services Agency.

• Required Documents for Extension/Change:

  • Completed application form for extension or change of status
  • ID photo (3cm x 4cm)
  • Passport
  • Resident card
  • Certificate of enrollment (for current students)
  • University transcript (for current students)
  • Evidence of financial capability (e.g., bank statement, scholarship certificate)
  • Application fee of ¥4,000

Note: Any document written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Japanese certificates are valid for three months from the date of issuance.

5. Re-Entry Permits

• Special Re-Entry Permit: Foreign nationals in possession of a valid passport and resident card who will be re-entering Japan within one year of their departure to continue their activities in Japan are not required to apply for a re-entry permit. This is known as a special re-entry permit.

• Important Considerations:

  • Present your resident card at departure.
  • Ensure re-entry within one year or before the expiration of your period of stay, whichever is earlier.
  • Failure to re-enter Japan within the permitted period may result in the loss of your resident status.

Note: If your period of stay expires within one year after your departure, ensure that you re-enter Japan before the expiration of your period of stay.

Tokyo Medical University

Contact Information

For personalized assistance and further inquiries:

• International Student Support Section, International Affairs Office, Tokyo Metropolitan University
  • Email: ryuga-support@tmu.ac.jp
  • Address: 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
  • Phone: +81-42-677-2030

Note: Visa regulations and procedures are subject to change. It is advisable to consult the official TMU International Center website and the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for the most current information.