Japan student visa: the official document checklist
In short: the Student visa (College Student, for entering university) - long-term visa based on a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Japan asks for 8 documents from every applicant, and 1 more when they apply to you. This list follows the official checklist the Japan mission publishes for applicants in Pakistan, read on 16 October 2026. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Where applicants in Pakistan submit: Since 1 April 2024 the Embassy in Islamabad does not take visa applications directly; you apply through VFS Global / Gerry's Visa (visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/jpn/). Residents of Sindh and Balochistan apply under the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi. Your school in Japan must first get your Certificate of Eligibility. All documents must be originals (no fax, e-mail or photocopies) and are usually not returned. At least 6 working days to process.
Photo: Student checklist (Karachi): 'One photo sized 2 x 1.4 inches taken within the last three months with white, blue or grey background (non-glossy, unedited and focus on face)'. Islamabad general page: one recent photo, light background preferably white, 45mm x 45mm.
Passport: Valid passport with sufficient space for a visa sticker (more than two blank pages), original plus copy of first page, signed on second page; bring all old passports even if expired or cancelled.
Documents every applicant needs (8)
VISA application form completed and signed by an applicant Printed or typed, no column left blank; printed on one side of the paper; signed by the applicant in original. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
One photo Student checklist: 2 x 1.4 inches, taken within the last three months, white, blue or grey background, non-glossy, unedited, focus on face. (The Islamabad general page says 45mm x 45mm, light background preferably white - the two pages differ.) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Valid Passport with sufficient space for a visa sticker More than two blank pages. Original and copy of 1st page only. Signature on second page of valid passport (thumbprint for children who cannot write). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
All Passports, even if they are expired or cancelled Originals. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Original National Identity Cards (both manual & computerized) Copy (checklist says 'Original National Identity Cards ... (Copy)'). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Flight Ticket (Unpaid Booking) Unpaid booking, at least ten days gap from the day of application. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Original and copy. The COE is obtained by the inviting party in Japan (the school) from the immigration office in Japan on your behalf. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Admission Letter Copy. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Documents that depend on your situation (1)
English translation of Nikah Nama, birth certificate, B-form, family registration copyWhen: Only if you hand in any of these family documents. English translation duly attested by the concerned organisations; submit clear copies together with originals of hard-to-replace documents. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
How to prepare each document
Visa application form
Fill it online exactly as your passport (FF Assistant can fill it); print and sign the confirmation where asked.
Photographs
Use the size and background the official checklist states (most ask a white or light background, face straight, no glasses).
Recent: usually taken in the last 6 months.
Same photo on the form and on paper.
Passport
Valid for the whole stay plus the margin the country asks (often 6 months beyond).
At least two blank visa pages.
Scan the photo page in colour, flat, all four corners visible.
If you renewed it, keep the old passport too.
Official verification: Only the issuing authority can confirm a passport; we never call it genuine.
Previous passports and travel history
Keep every old passport.
Copy every page with a visa or an entry or exit stamp.
List each trip with dates; declare every earlier refusal.
National identity card (front and back)
Scan both sides in colour.
A side not in English needs a certified translation if the country asks.
Official verification: Only the national registry that issued it can confirm it.
Additional documents
Anything else the checklist lists for your case; follow the checklist's own words.
Pre-clearance (ATAS, CAQ, PAL and similar)
Apply as soon as the offer asks; some take weeks.
Official verification: The issuing authority.
Admission document
The document the visa asks for (CAS, I-20, CoE, LoA, admission letter).
Every detail must match your passport.
Official verification: The university can confirm it; ask its admissions office by e-mail.
Certified translation
Any paper not in English (or the country's language), translated by a qualified translator who signs and dates it.
Keep the original and the translation together.
Official verification: The translator's registration.
These preparation points are practical guidance; the official checklist decides what is asked.
ForiForeign prepares and guides; you file your own application and the Japan authorities decide. Checklists change: open the official source before you submit.
ForiForeign.com · admin@foriforeign.com · WhatsApp +92 310 5048760 · Information drawn from official sources shown on each rule; not legal advice.