Visa Application Procedure for Holders of Certificates of Eligibility
2020/10/13
All visa applicants must book their appointments online in advance to schedule a suitable date and time to visit the Consulate to apply for a visa.
Booking detail site: https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa_step3.html
Booking detail site: https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa_step3.html
(For spouses/children of Japanese citizens and permanent residents WITH a Certificate of Eligibility, see application procedure here)
(For a spouse of Japanese visa, you may also apply for it WITHOUT a Certificate of Eligibility. Please find out more information regarding “Spouse Visa Application WITHOUT Certificate of Eligibility” from the link here. * Flight booking confirmation is required - the married couple (husband and wife) must take the same flight on the same day. )
Visa applications for travelers from Australia with a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) were suspended during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the 1st of October 2020, applicants in Australia holding a Certificate of Eligibility can now apply for their specified visas.
Please note that the application and entry procedure is slightly different than the typical application, so please read the following instructions carefully.
Once you have entered Japan you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and not use any mass or public transport. For more information on self-isolation, please see this link (in Japanese)
A Certificate of Eligiblity (CoE, 在留資格認定証明書, zairyuushikaku nintei shoumeisho) is applied for by your sponsor in Japan (employer, school or family) on your behalf. For more details see the Ministry of Justice page on Certificate of Eligibility.
Due to postal issues I don’t have the original of my CoE. Can I still apply?
As a special COVID-19 related measure, you can currently use a copy or the original to apply (if you use a copy to apply, you must obtain the original when you arrive in Japan and return it to the appropriate Immigration Office).
My Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is older than 3 months. Can I still use it?
You can use your CoE as long as it was issued after October 1st 2019.
Can I fill in the Written Pledge (Residence Track) myself?
No, it must be completed by your Japanese sponsor. If your sponsor cannot fill in the Written Pledge, please contact us.
I have visited another country on the restricted list other than Australia in the last 14 days. Can I still apply and enter Japan?
This application process and entry process is only available to travellers who have been only in Australia for the last 14 days. In addition, you must use a direct flight to go to Japan.
Can I apply for a working holiday or tourist visa, or enter on a visa exemption?
At this stage you cannot apply for working holiday or tourist visas or enter on a visa exemption scheme from Australia. If you wish to enter Japan for the purpose of work, please obtain a Certificate of Eligibility through your employer so you can apply for a work visa.
Please feel free to contact us on 02 9250 1000 (press 2) (Telephone assistance hours - 9:30-12:30, 13:30-17:30 (Afternoon recommended)). For more detailed information related to this matter and procedures, see the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s information page here.
Visa applications for travelers from Australia with a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) were suspended during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the 1st of October 2020, applicants in Australia holding a Certificate of Eligibility can now apply for their specified visas.
Please note that the application and entry procedure is slightly different than the typical application, so please read the following instructions carefully.
1. Information for applicants:
- (i) Visa application form (with passport photo attached)
- (ii) Passport and copy of passport photo page
- (iii) Certificate of Eligibility and/or copy of Certificate of Eligibility
- (iv) Written pledge (PDF)
(Residence Track) - *Filled in by your Japanese sponsor (2 copies; copy of original is acceptable)
- *Please contact us if you cannot obtain a Written Pledge.
- (v) Your valid long-term visa for Australia if you are not an Australian citizen
- (vi) Completed coronavirus questionnaire, current version
2. To enter Japan
Please enter Japan on a direct flight with your (1) passport and visa, (2) a copy of the Written Pledge (Residence Track) stamped by the Embassy, and a (3) negative PCR Test Certificate.Once you have entered Japan you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and not use any mass or public transport. For more information on self-isolation, please see this link (in Japanese)
3. Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a Certificate of Eligibility?A Certificate of Eligiblity (CoE, 在留資格認定証明書, zairyuushikaku nintei shoumeisho) is applied for by your sponsor in Japan (employer, school or family) on your behalf. For more details see the Ministry of Justice page on Certificate of Eligibility.
Due to postal issues I don’t have the original of my CoE. Can I still apply?
As a special COVID-19 related measure, you can currently use a copy or the original to apply (if you use a copy to apply, you must obtain the original when you arrive in Japan and return it to the appropriate Immigration Office).
My Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is older than 3 months. Can I still use it?
You can use your CoE as long as it was issued after October 1st 2019.
Can I fill in the Written Pledge (Residence Track) myself?
No, it must be completed by your Japanese sponsor. If your sponsor cannot fill in the Written Pledge, please contact us.
I have visited another country on the restricted list other than Australia in the last 14 days. Can I still apply and enter Japan?
This application process and entry process is only available to travellers who have been only in Australia for the last 14 days. In addition, you must use a direct flight to go to Japan.
Can I apply for a working holiday or tourist visa, or enter on a visa exemption?
At this stage you cannot apply for working holiday or tourist visas or enter on a visa exemption scheme from Australia. If you wish to enter Japan for the purpose of work, please obtain a Certificate of Eligibility through your employer so you can apply for a work visa.
Please feel free to contact us on 02 9250 1000 (press 2) (Telephone assistance hours - 9:30-12:30, 13:30-17:30 (Afternoon recommended)). For more detailed information related to this matter and procedures, see the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s information page here.