We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete guide to Japan\u2019s Dependent (Family Stay) status: eligibility, documents, work limits, extensions, family rules, costs, and official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-04-03<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan\u2019s Dependent (Family Stay)<\/strong> route is a residence status<\/strong> for certain family members of a foreign national who is already residing in Japan under an eligible mid- to long-term status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Japanese immigration terminology, this is generally called:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This matters because many people casually call it a \u201cvisa,\u201d but legally there are two linked concepts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most applicants, the usual process is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route exists to support family unity<\/strong> for foreign residents in Japan, especially:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not<\/strong> the same as a tourist visa, spouse visa for a Japanese national, or long-term resident status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan\u2019s system is status-based. A person\u2019s legal activities in Japan depend on the specific status of residence<\/strong> granted to them. \u201cDependent\u201d is one of those statuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is usually available to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n of a principal resident with a qualifying status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is generally not<\/strong> intended for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is mainly designed for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should usually not<\/strong> use this route if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The core permitted purpose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This generally includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dependent can of course travel within Japan, but this is not<\/strong> a tourism visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attending informal school or family-related meetings is fine. Business meetings connected to work may raise questions if the person lacks proper work authorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not allowed by default. Separate permission is generally required for part-time work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a grey area unless clearly authorized under immigration rules. If the activity amounts to work conducted while in Japan, especially paid activity, applicants should not assume it is automatically allowed. Confirm directly with Immigration before relying on remote work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If unpaid and educational, facts matter. If it resembles work, separate permission or a different status may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allowed in practice, especially for children and sometimes spouses taking courses, but this is not the dedicated student category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ordinary genuine volunteering may be possible, but if it resembles paid labor or displaces paid work, caution is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate under Dependent status unless separately authorized and legally compatible, which is often not the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You cannot use this route merely because you intend to marry in Japan. The qualifying family relationship usually needs to already exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official residence status name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan does not always publish simple public-facing subclass codes in the way some countries do. Public references usually use the residence status name rather than a subclass code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant generally must be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sponsor in Japan is usually the principal foreign resident who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dependent status is generally linked to many work and study statuses. It is commonly available to family of people in statuses such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether a specific principal status qualifies should be confirmed on current Immigration guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no broad public rule limiting this status to certain nationalities. However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants need a valid passport. Japan\u2019s overseas missions may apply their own practical minimum validity standards, so if your passport is near expiry, renew first where possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not core requirements<\/strong> for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essential. Typically includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sponsor usually must show sufficient income\/assets to support the dependent. Japan does not publish a single universal minimum amount for all cases on one central page for this category. Assessment is case-specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May be requested or practically useful, especially to show where the family will live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan may consider general admissibility grounds. Publicly available visa pages do not always state a universal medical insurance requirement for COE-based dependent visas, but post-arrival health insurance enrollment rules often apply for residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan collects immigration-related information in some contexts, but standard visa application handling varies by mission. There is no universal \u201cbiometrics appointment\u201d system like some countries. Check the local embassy\/consulate instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant must genuinely intend to reside as a dependent family member, not to circumvent work or study visa rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many embassies\/consulates expect applications in the country\/region they serve. Applying from a third country may or may not be accepted depending on local rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable for this visa based on publicly available official guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very important. Requirements can vary by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Japan places strong weight on documentary consistency. Small mismatches in names, dates, addresses, or marital history can cause delays or refusal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Time in Japan under lawful residence can matter later for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dependent residents generally must comply with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not an independent free-standing category in the same way some work statuses are. It is tied to the sponsor relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Assuming Dependent status automatically permits any kind of remote work or freelancing. It does not.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Japan grants a period of stay<\/strong> as part of the status of residence. For Dependent status, the period granted can vary. It is often aligned with, or shorter than, the sponsor\u2019s status period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact periods are determined by Immigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A visa issued overseas may be single entry or as issued. After becoming a resident in Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The residence period begins when you land in Japan<\/strong> under that status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Extension applications should be filed before the current period of stay expires<\/strong>. Japan provides official extension procedures through Immigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan does not use exactly the same \u201cbridging visa\u201d terminology as some countries. However, if a proper extension application is filed before expiry, there can be a period where the applicant remains lawfully pending processing under Japanese rules. Confirm the exact current effect on the Immigration site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Document rules vary by where you apply and whether you are applying for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is the most practical master checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For sponsor in Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Relevant mainly when the sponsor is a student:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is usually the heart of the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not always mandatory but often useful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not central at first visa stage unless specifically requested, but after arrival residents may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Embassies may ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan often requires documents not in Japanese to be accompanied by a Japanese translation<\/strong>. Some missions may accept English documents more readily, but do not assume this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apostille\/notarization requirements are not uniformly stated for every case<\/strong> on public pages. Use the exact checklist from the authority handling your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> If a civil document is bilingual, confirm whether a separate Japanese translation is still expected.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Use the exact official photo specification for the relevant form. Common problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan does not publicly publish one universal fixed minimum fund threshold<\/strong> for all Dependent cases on a single central rule page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, authorities typically assess:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, supporting documents from another household member or institution may help, but the primary legal basis is the principal resident\u2019s support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a common sensitive area. The sponsor must show realistic means of support, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strong evidence usually shows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Filing with only a bank balance screenshot and no explanation of income source.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Japan\u2019s fee structure can change, and exact fees depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Japan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Dependent (Family Stay)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n Dependent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Family \/ residence status linked to a principal foreign resident<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n To allow qualifying family members of certain foreign residents in Japan to live with them in Japan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Spouse or child of a foreign national living in Japan under a qualifying residence status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Visa sticker validity for entry varies by issuance; residence status period of stay is typically granted by Immigration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Based on granted period of stay under the \u201cDependent\u201d status and tied to the sponsor\u2019s status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Visa issuance may be single or as issued; after residence starts, re-entry rules depend on re-entry permission \/ special re-entry system<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, usually possible if the family relationship and sponsor\u2019s status continue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited; separate permission is generally required for part-time work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, generally possible as a resident, but this is not a primary student status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n This visa itself is for family members; holders do not automatically gain separate family sponsorship rights beyond normal immigration rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible indirectly; time in Japan may matter in some contexts, but this status is not a direct PR category by itself<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect; naturalization depends on broader residence, conduct, livelihood, and legal requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
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How it fits into Japan\u2019s immigration system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Applicant type guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Good fit for Dependent?<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use temporary visitor rules instead<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitor<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use temporary visitor\/business visit route if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job seeker<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Dependent is not a job-seeking category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employee<\/td>\n Only as family member<\/td>\n Main purpose must remain family stay, not employment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student<\/td>\n Yes, if joining a foreign resident parent\/spouse<\/td>\n If the real main purpose is full-time study, student status may be more suitable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse\/partner<\/td>\n Yes, for legally recognized spouse<\/td>\n Unmarried partners are difficult and often not covered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Children\/dependents<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Most common eligible group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Researchers<\/td>\n Only as family member<\/td>\n Principal researcher sponsors qualifying family<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomads<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Japan\u2019s dependent route is linked to a resident sponsor, not nomad status generally<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founders\/entrepreneurs<\/td>\n Only as family member<\/td>\n Main founder should use proper business route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Investors<\/td>\n Only as family member<\/td>\n Main investor should use proper investor\/business route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Retirees<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Japan does not offer a broad retirement dependent route through this category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Religious workers<\/td>\n Their spouse\/children may qualify<\/td>\n If principal has eligible residence status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Artists\/athletes<\/td>\n Their spouse\/children may qualify<\/td>\n If principal has eligible residence status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit passengers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Not applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical travelers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use proper medical\/temporary route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Diplomatic\/official travelers<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Different official\/diplomatic frameworks apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Special category applicants<\/td>\n Sometimes<\/td>\n Depends on principal resident\u2019s legal status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Who should not use this visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Better alternatives depending on situation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nSituation<\/th>\n Better category<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Spouse of Japanese national<\/td>\n Spouse or Child of Japanese National<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse of Permanent Resident<\/td>\n Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Full-time study in Japan<\/td>\n Student<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Full-time employment<\/td>\n Appropriate work status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Short family visit<\/td>\n Temporary Visitor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Long-term special humanitarian\/family case<\/td>\n Case-specific; may require legal advice and direct immigration review<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually permitted<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually prohibited or restricted<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Employment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Internship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Study<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Volunteering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paid performance \/ journalism \/ religious activity \/ business setup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marriage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Short name \/ code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Related permit names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Often-confused categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCategory<\/th>\n How it differs<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Dependent (Family Stay)<\/td>\n For spouse\/child of a qualifying foreign resident<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse or Child of Japanese National<\/td>\n For family of a Japanese citizen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident<\/td>\n For family of a permanent resident<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Long-Term Resident<\/td>\n Separate category, often discretionary and fact-specific<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Temporary Visitor<\/td>\n Short stay, not residence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student<\/td>\n For primary purpose of study<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Designated Activities<\/td>\n Catch-all category used in some special cases, not the same as Dependent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsor requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Qualifying principal statuses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Education, language, work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Relationship proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Financial maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accommodation proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health \/ character \/ insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Residency outside Japan \/ place of application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quotas \/ caps \/ ballot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Likely ineligible applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Long-term benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reporting and registration obligations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsor dependence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Period of stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Visa validity vs stay duration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Entries allowed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bridging \/ interim status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Application form<\/td>\n Official immigration or visa form<\/td>\n Starts the case<\/td>\n Using wrong version; leaving blanks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Certificate of Eligibility (if available)<\/td>\n Immigration pre-approval issued in Japan<\/td>\n Simplifies overseas visa issuance<\/td>\n Submitting expired or damaged COE; name mismatch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport<\/td>\n Valid travel document<\/td>\n Identity and travel authority<\/td>\n Near expiry; damaged passport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Photo<\/td>\n Official visa\/immigration photo<\/td>\n Identity matching<\/td>\n Wrong size\/background\/age of photo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Is there a fixed minimum amount?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who can sponsor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If the sponsor is a student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Proof strength tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Typical fee categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCost item<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n COE application fee<\/td>\n Historically COE issuance itself is generally not charged, but verify current rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa application fee<\/td>\n Check current embassy\/consulate fee page<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension of period of stay fee<\/td>\n Payable in Japan if approved; check current Immigration fee schedule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Change of status fee<\/td>\n Check current Immigration fee schedule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Document translation cost<\/td>\n Private cost varies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Courier\/postage cost<\/td>\n Varies by mission and applicant location<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport photos<\/td>\n Small but recurring cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Travel to consulate\/Immigration<\/td>\n Variable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Residence setup costs<\/td>\n Housing deposit, transport, school setup, insurance contributions, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n