Process Before Arrival in Japan

Update date: November 1, 2024

Application and Acquisition of Visa

Those planning to work at Hokkaido University are required to obtain a visa to enter Japan. To apply for and obtain a visa, a document known as a “Certificate of Eligibility” is required.

Certificate of Eligibility

The first step in obtaining a visa is applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Certificates of Eligibility are issued in Japan by Regional Immigration Bureaus and can help reduce the time required to obtain a visa and complete immigration procedures. Hokkaido University can act as a proxy for the application procedure to obtain the certificate. For procedures, please contact your department.

Note:

• It takes about a month and sometimes longer for the certificate to be issued, so please contact your department well in advance.
• The expiration date of the certificate is three months from the date of issuance; you must enter Japan within this period.
• You must present this certificate at immigration, so be sure to keep it in a safe place and to have it on you upon entry into Japan.
• A copy of the COE(PDF file) may be submitted when applying for a visa application and entering Japan, the original must be returned to the immigration Bureau.

Visa

A visa is required to enter Japan. To obtain one, you must apply at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa will be affixed to a visa page in your passport. You can apply for a visa after obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility. Check with your respective Japanese Embassy or Consulate to ensure you have prepared all necessary documents when you visit.

Preparation Before Departure

Necessary Items

• Passport
• Airline Ticket
• Certificate of Eligibility & Visa
• Hard Cash (Not a credit card)

A foreign currency exchange service is available at the New Chitose Airport. Please refer to the airport’s website for the availability of your currency.