A comprehensive guide to applying for a Japanese Visa in the UK

 

The segments aligned below reflect the UK government’s understanding of the updated rules for British Citizens. Those rules and other such information will be discussed as we read along.

First things first, let’s talk about what documents you will require and how you can apply for a Japanese visa in the UK.

 

What documents do I need to apply for a Japanese Visa in the UK?

The following is the list of the documentation you will require during the time of applying for the visa:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of valid UK Residence Permit (BRP Card and Photocopy, ‘Your immigration status from the gov.UK with your name, ID photo, immigration status, and ‘Share Code’)
  • Completed and signed Visa Application Form.
  • Latest passport-size photo
  • Detailed schedule of stay for the proposed trip (either in Japanese or English)
  • The certificate for completion of registration is issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.

 

Note: It is fair to say that you might have to drop in some additional documents as it varies on the purpose of your trip.

 

How can I apply for a Japanese visa as a British Citizen?

 

All British Citizens who wish to get a Japanese Visa in the UK must visit the Japanese embassy office in person along with all the documentation collected and the visa application form.

 

Mostly, it takes about 5 working days for the visa to get processed. Although, you must note that due to additional restrictions in concern with coronavirus, this process might take longer time than expected

 

In addition to this, visa applicants are allowed to get the process done with the help of a registered visa agent unless the application is for a Working Holiday visa, Student visa Spouse, or Child of a Japanese National visa.

In this case, you don’t have to visit the office in person in order to fulfil the formalities.

 

What are the visa categories and their requirements?

 

There are a few categories that have different requirements that you must take care of. Let’s talk about the categories and their requirements:

 

  1.     Temporary Visitor Visa

This type of visa is for activities that are supposed to exceed 90 days. The following are some of the activities that can be concluded:

  • Visiting friends or relatives
  • Sightseeing
  • Convalescence
  • Attending a conference
  • Participation in unpaid lectures
  • Short business trips

 

Note: This given category does not include profit-making operations and paid activities.

 

This visa allows you to stay about 90 days, 30 days, or 15 days. The number of days will be determined by assessment based on the information and purpose provided by the applicant.

 

Moreover, documentation being one of the most significant steps here, we’ve listed the documents you need if you are applying for a Temporary Visitor Visa.

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of valid UK Residence Permit (BRP Card and Photocopy, ‘Your immigration status from the gov.UK with your name, ID photo, immigration status, and ‘Share Code’)
  • Completed and signed Visa Application Form.
  • Latest passport-size photo
  • A detailed schedule of stay for the proposed trip (either in Japanese or English)
  • The certificate for completion of registration is issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.
  •  Letter of Reason for invitations from the conference organiser in Japan.
  • Evidence of funding the trip. If your trip is self-funded, you will need to provide bank statements covering your period of stay there.
  • Detailed information about the conference and organiser in Japan.

 

–Some things to keep in mind-

  • Provide only original documents
  • None of the documents you have submitted will be returned once the application gets processed.
  • Your passport will be kept by the embassy until the application gets processed.

 

  1. Work or Long-Term Stay Visa

In order to work in Japan, you need to apply for a suitable visa. Applicants who are applying for a working visa in Japan are required to submit a Certificate of Eligibility with their application form. 

 

Note to remember: Working Visa holders are required to apply for Resident Registration at a nearby local government office within the 14 days of moving to your stay in Japan. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the rules can vary. 

 

  1. Working Holiday Visa

If you wish to visit Japan on a Working Holiday Visa, there are a few things you will be required to take care of while applying. Take a look below to know more.

  • Applicant Prerequisites

This visa is valid up to one year from the day of the issue. For this concern you will need to fulfil the following requirements:

  1. You should be a British Citizen
  2. You should lie between the ages of 18 and 30.
  3. You should not be accompanied by children or a spouse unless the spouse possesses the same visa as you. 
  4. You should have a valid passport and an outward and return ticket or sufficient funds to do so. 
  5. You should possess sufficient funds for maintenance during your period in Japan. 
  6. You should be in good health. 

 

  • Documentation

The following are the documents you need to possess if you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa:

  1. A valid UK Passport
  2. Completed visa application form
  3. A passport-sized photo (35mm x 45mm)
  4. CV
  5. Outline of intended activities
  6. Written applications for the reason you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa.
  7. ￡2,500 in cleared funds with appropriate evidence that the applicant is in possession of travel tickets to and from Japan.
  8. The certificate for completion of registration. 

 

  • Application Procedure

As long as you are making all of this happen with our services, you want to carry on with the hustle of going to the passport office and getting things done in person. 

 

  • Additional information
  1. It is highly recommended that arrangements for appropriate insurance coverage before leaving the United Kingdom. As the period of employment in the Working Holiday Visa is usually isn’t enough to qualify for coverage that is provided by your respected employer 
  2. Under the visa, please ensure to not indulge yourself in activities that are considered against the policies of the Working Holiday Scheme. 
  3. The Employment Services Centers for Foreigners in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya provide assistance to people who are looking for jobs in Japan. Plus they do it in English as well.