For Chinese nationals who have completed at least 12 years of formal schooling and been admitted to a Japanese language institution approved by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Follows a two-stage process: the school applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) in Japan, followed by visa issuance through an accredited agency at a Japanese embassy/consulate in China. Part-time work up to 28 hours/week requires separate permission.
Requires at least 12 years of formal education, verifiable Japanese language proficiency (at least 150 hours of study or JLPT N5 / J-TEST F / NAT-TEST 5 certificate; ISA increasingly scrutinizes test certificates), and financial sponsorship by self or immediate family (~RMB 200,000 / JPY 3,000,000 bank deposit certificate plus 3-year income and tax records).
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Select an MOJ-notified Japanese language school 6–9 months ahead of the intake (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct) → Prepare education verification, Japanese certificate, study plan and financial sponsor documents for the school to submit the CoE application to ISA → Receive CoE and pay tuition, then apply for the Student Visa via a designated agency of the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in China → Enter Japan to receive the Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and register your address.
Confirm the school is an MOJ-notified institution (preferably Proper/優良校 status) and obtain JLPT N5 / J-TEST F / NAT-TEST 5 or 150+ study hours. Official guidance
Prepare the financial sponsorship form, ~RMB 200,000 (JPY 3M) deposit certificate, income/tax proof and notarized kinship certificate for the school to lodge the CoE application. Official guidance
Once ISA issues the CoE, submit passport, visa application form, photo and education form through an embassy-designated agency in your consular district. Official guidance
CoE is generally valid for 3 months from issue; collect your Residence Card at major airports on arrival and obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted before working part-time (≤28h/week). Official guidance
Introductory preparation summary, not a complete checklist, individual advice or a visa guarantee. Follow official pages and individual notices. Reviewed: 2026-10-25
Cross-checked Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) Student CoE documentation rules, MOFA visa guidelines, and Embassy of Japan in China submission rules. Visa applications in China must be lodged via embassy-designated agencies rather than in person, and ISA closely inspects the source of sponsor deposits (avoid unexplained last-minute lump-sum deposits).
ISA scrutinizes sponsor funds closely; sudden large deposits right before application that do not match the sponsor’s regular salary and tax records often trigger refusals. Official guidance
Applicants with post-graduation gaps must clearly explain why Japanese language study is necessary for their academic or career plan rather than using generic templates. Official guidance
Attendance below 80% or working over 28 hours/week (8 hours/day during school holidays) regularly leads to refusal of subsequent visa renewals or status changes. Official guidance
Download a blank English PDF checklist to print and mark offline. This is not an exhaustive lodgement checklist; official requirements take precedence.