Japanese student visa applicants learn about the student visa rejection. A visa application submitted does not mean automatic approval. There are plenty of reasons why a visa can be denied. As an international student, you must ensure that you meet all the visa requirements and avoid certain pitfalls. Therefore, in this blog, we have explained to you the miain Japan student visa rejection reasons. We have also provided tips on how you can avoid such rejection and get your application approved the first time you send it!
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Does a Japanese Visa Get Rejected?
Yes. Just like any other visa application, a Japan visa can also be rejected. Submission of a visa application does not guarantee visa approval. When you apply, the application is under consideration. Thereafter, it is rejected or approved. Generally, a Japan student visa rejection is because of a lack of sufficient documents. For example, students will apply for a visa before they have been issued a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Your visa application can also be rejected due to an incomplete visa application form, and various other reasons.
Japan Student Visa Rejection Rate
The Japan student visa rejection rate is about 2% to 5%. This means the majority of visa applications are approved. As long as you meet the requirements provided by the Japanese government, you have a good chance of getting the visa. However, this does not mean that all applications are approved. You must know about the visa rejection reasons and learn how to avoid them. That way, your application won’t fall under the rejection category.
10 Reasons for Japan’s Student Visa Rejection
Now that you are aware of the benefits of studying in Japan, it is time to discuss issues with visas. The Japanese Embassy does not really provide a particular justification for rejection, unlike the Schengen or Korean visas. Let’s examine the grounds for Japan student visa rejection:
Missing Documents
There is a high chance of visa rejection if you do not submit the necessary documents. For example, a lack of documents to prove that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. You will be asked to show the last 6 months’ bank statements as proof of finances. If you do not have that, your application will be rejected. On the other hand, if you submit fake documents to the immigration officers, your application is straightaway rejected.
Incomplete Application Form
You must fill out the entire visa application form. Some applicants only fill a few columns and leave the rest. This must not be done. Incomplete visa application forms are most certainly not approved. Similarly, if you provide vague or inaccurate information in your application form, your visa is rejected. Otherwise, you will be asked to submit more documents for clarification.
Applying From Outside Your Country
You must only apply for a visa from the country where you were born. You can also apply from a country where you are a temporary or permanent resident. However, applying from any other country would mean immediate rejection.
Invalid Passport
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay in Japan. No country, including Japan, can issue you a visa without passport validity. Hence, it is important to ensure that your passport is valid.
No Certificate of Eligibility
COE is a mandatory requirement for student visa applicants. Therefore, you must have obtained a COE from the Japanese Immigration Bureau. This document is proof to the visa officials that you have met all the eligibility criteria, and the same has been verified.
Application by an Unqualified Applicant
At times, the embassy receives documents from unauthorised people. A proxy application can only be made by an authorised person on behalf of the applicant. If an unauthorised person tries to apply (act as a proxy) on behalf of the applicant, the visa is denied.
Your Sponsor Doesn’t Have Funds
The rejection percentage for Japanese student visas can be caused by insufficient sponsorship requirements. The sponsor must have the necessary resources. If there is no sponsor, the student must demonstrate that s/he can cover the costs associated with the programme of study.
You Do Not Want to Return to Your Home Country
The Embassy will very probably reject the application for a Japan visa if they don’t think the applicant has valid grounds to travel back. The nominee must show a sincere desire to return to their place of origin.
Previous Visa Breaches
There is a good likelihood that your visa request will be denied if you have already travelled to Japan and broken law. Another visa rejection from any other country will also mean a Japan student visa rejection. If the reason for rejection was: visa rule violations.
You Already Have a Visa/Permit
If the applicant already has a valid visa or re-entry permit that hasn’t expired, no new visa can be granted. Additionally, the visa application procedure is suspended at the other embassy if it is being handled by a separate Japanese embassy.
How to Reapply for a Student Visa in Japan?
If you want to reapply for a student visa in Japan, follow the steps below to make your process easy and quick. Even after being rejected, a candidate can reapply for a Japanese student visa. The application must be submitted after six months have passed since the date of the rejection. If a resubmission is made right away following the rejection, the Japanese immigration agency will not accept it. Ensure that you are reapplying for a visa after you have rectified the previous mistake. Even if you are reapplying your application will be given the same weightage like any other new application.
Also Read: Japan Work Visa for Indians: Your Key to Employment in Japan
5 Tips To Aviod Japan Student Visa Rejection
Here are five tips to avoid Japanese student visa application rejection. Keep these tips in mind while you are applying for a student visa.
- You need to get the Certificate of Eligibility before applying. The Japanese Immigration Bureau issues the same. It states that you meet the visa requirements.
- Ensure that you have sufficient funds to apply for the visa before applying.
- Get a documents checklist and gather the necessary documents before applying. Missing even 1 document equals visa rejection.
- Do not provide fraudulent documents to the immigration officers. Once a visa rejection means problems for all your future visa applications.
- Do not reapply for a visa immediately after rejection. Wait for 6 months and reapply.
3 Reasons to Study in Japan
Japan is one of the best countries to study abroad. There are many reasons to study in Japan, and we have highlighted a few of them.
- One of the many benefits of studying at a Japanese university is the country’s reputation for providing a top-notch education. Japan is one of the greatest countries for students who want to study abroad since they can discover a whole different culture and what seems to be a completely different way of life there.
- The best part is that although studying here is relatively reasonable for overseas students and the cost is not too high, the quality of education that is offered does not suffer as a result. Universities in Japan are among the best in the world. All throughout the world, students apply to study in Japan for this reason alone. Japan has the most Nobel Prize winners in Asia, which should give you more faith in their educational system.
- It is the destination you were looking for if your goal is to earn a good degree from some of the most renowned and reputable colleges in the world but you do not have sizable money. Not only that, but they also give eligible students the chance to receive extremely significant scholarships, which is never bad for a student.
Also Read: Can International Students Get PR in Japan in 2025?
FAQs
The entire process can take 2 to 5 months. This includes the time required to get the COE. The process becomes easier once you get the COE. The average processing time is generally five working days after getting the COE.
No. It is generally an easy process if all documents are up-to-date and appropriate. The visa rejection rate is 5% or less that. Hence, ensure you have all documents ready.
You have two options. You can choose to reapply for the visa after 6 months, or appeal against the decision. A visa appeal must only be filed if the decision was unfair, and you have proof of the same. In case of visa appeal the decision of the court is final. The recommended pathway is a visa re-application.
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Studying in Japan is advantageous for several reasons. While some students are drawn to Japan because of its high academic standards, others are drawn because of its extensive cultural legacy. Every year, around 5 million students travel abroad, and the number is expected to rise. If you intend to study abroad, have all of your paperwork ready, and need help, contact the specialists at Leverage Edu.
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