Japan Visa For Indians - Definitive Guide

Japan is a rule-following country. There are certain formalities that you need to take care of in case you are willing to visit Japan soon. The foremost thing that you do is applying a visa for Japan in India. There are multiple assets associated with the issuance of this visa. As per the type, the visa will allow the holder to travel the country for tourism, for business, visiting friends and family, and for pursuing higher education or employment in the country. The validity of the visa will differ from type to type and so will the eligibility and document requirements. Issuing a visa to Japan from India is mandatory for all the nationals of India.

Before going ahead with the Japan visa application process for Indians, you need to make sure that you are eligible for the visa. There are certain parameters put forth by the Japan Consulate/Embassy which decide whether you are an appropriate candidate for the visa or not. The process followed is mainly offline and you can apply through the visa application centre. The process of application is mentioned below:

1. Download the Japan visa application form from the official website of the visa application centre.
2. Fill out all the required information on the form and go through the checklist provided.
3. Fulfil all the requirements that are asked by the authorities.
4. Print out the typed application form.
5. Attach all the supporting documents along with the photographs as per the specifications.
6. Submit the application form to your nearest branch of the visa application centre.
7. Pay the fee at the time of submission.
8. Collect your passport after the processing of the visa.

After you have submitted the application form along with your passport and other documents, all you have to do is wait for the processing before you can collect your passport. You can choose any feasible branch of the visa application centre as per your reach. Meet the checklist that is provided by the centre in order to get the visa sooner. If the documents are missing, it will only take time for the processing and verification of the same.

When you are filling out the form, you must make sure that you fill out all the correct information. The information provided must match the details on the passport and other documents. It must also be noted that handwritten forms are not accepted by the Consulate. If in case, any issues are found with the application, there are chances that your visa may get refused. A visa refusal can affect applications for your further visa for Japan or any other country. To avoid the same, it is safe to acquire a professional visa consultation.

There are different kinds of visas based on your purpose of visit. The validity of the visas will also differ accordingly. A visa for Japan can be classified as follows:

• Short term visa
  A short term visa is a permit that will allow you to stay in the country for a short period of time, which is generally for 90 days. It can be issued for various purposes including business, tourism, cultural events and others. It can further be classified as single-entry and multiple-entry.
• Single-entry visa
  Under this category, you can enter the country once and stay as permitted by your visa. If you leave the country even with enough existing validity, you will not be able to return on the same visa again. Generally, Japan tourist visa and Japan Visitor visa falls under this subcategory.
• Multiple-entry visa
  This will allow you to enter and re-enter Japan on one short term visa. There are, however, certain parameters that are to be met by the applicant in order to apply for this visa. A type of Japan business visa can be obtained under this category.
• Long term visa
  On this visa, you can stay in the country for a longer period. This time span is longer than 90 days. The holder can pursue higher education, get a temporary residency, or work in Japan. There are different types as well depending on the purpose of the visit. Japan work visa and a dependent visa fall under this category and a certain type of Japan student visa as well.
• Transit visa
  A transit visa is issued for a very limited period. It is issued for the travellers who are going to transit in the country and then travel to a different country onwards. The stay permitted is for about 15 days and the activities are limited to leisure and sightseeing.

There are specific documents required as per the type of the visa. They may even vary from applicant to applicant depending on their visa history and the type of passport. The common Japan visa requirements for Indian passport holders are listed as follows:

• Original passport with validity at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel
• Completely filled visa application form
• Two photos as per the photo specifications
• Cover letter
• Proof of confirmed travel dates 
• Air tickets
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Japan
• Travel Requisition from the Employer (if sponsored)
• Latest Income Tax Returns
• Bank Statement
• Proof of accommodation
• Invitation letter (Original)
• Hotel reservation
  
  
  

The Japan visa photo specification are as follows -

• Two copies must be provided
• Japan visa photo size: 45mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 60-70% of the frame - 32mm x 36mm.
• Head should well-centred.
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The Japan visa fee for Indian applicants is estimated based on several parameters and it will vary as per the type of visa too. It is to be paid to the visa application centres along with the service charges. Also, you must pay the fee only in cash, else if you do not have access to a visa application centre branch, you can send in the fee with a demand draft.

In order to perform a Japan visa status check, you can visit the official website of the visa application centre. You will need to enter your reference number and your date of birth to check the processing of the visa. 

You will have to apply offline to the visa application centre to get the visa. You can download and fill out the visa application form.  After this process is done, the application form is to be printed and signed by the applicant and submitted to the visa application centre with the required supporting documents. When the process is completed by the centre, you will be called for the interview if required. After the interview, you can indirectly or directly reach out to the visa application centre for the submission of the final documents (if required) and the visa stamp will then be provided.

At times, the process may seem complicated and the formalities involved can seem difficult to be carried out individually. In such cases, professional visa consultation can be considered from the visa agencies. This will allow you to have your documents handled professionally and the procedure may even be quicker than the normal process. Professional consultation also minimizes the chances for visa rejection.