Repost from r/Japan: Study Visa questions/help

2 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Repost from r/Japan: Study Visa questions/help**

   Student Visa question/help

   Here is the background:

   In spring 2020, I was set to complete an exchange semester at a university in Japan. In early 2020 I was issued a student visa (for a period of 1 year) that does not expire until 2025. However, the visa was never used since the pandemic closed all borders and the exchange was cancelled.

   Fast forward to now, I was accepted to a Japanese language school that begins January 2024. I received the COE, and am getting ready to apply again for the student visa.

   Will the old (unused) visa cause any issues when I apply for the new visa? Do I even need to apply again for the visa? Can I simply use the original visa, even though it was sponsored by a different school?

   Also, the visa states that it does not expire until 2025, but is valid for a stay of 1 year. Do they stamp the visa upon entry when you initially arrive, to start the clock on the 1 year?

   Thanks in advance

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2. >In early 2020 I was issued a student visa (for a period of 1 year) that does not expire until 2025. However, the visa was never used since the pandemic closed all borders and the exchange was cancelled.

   I find this expiration date very odd. Usually the visa is only valid for something like 3 months. Are you sure its a student visa and not a multiple re-entry temporary visitor visa?

   ​

   >Will the old (unused) visa cause any issues when I apply for the new visa?

   If it was going to cause you an issue it would have done so when you applied for the CoE. The fact that you’ve received your new CoE without issue implies that the old visa won’t cause you issues.

   ​

   >Do I even need to apply again for the visa?

   Yes, definitely.

   ​

   >Can I simply use the original visa, even though it was sponsored by a different school?

   No, absolutely not. The visa is tied to a CoE, which in turn is tied to a very specific situation (you will be attended classes at a specific school). If there is a material change in the circumstances surrounding the activity that the CoE was issued for (eg, you will be attending a different school) then the CoE is no longer valid and using it could result in you having your landing inspection denied.

   ​

   > Do they stamp the visa upon entry when you initially arrive, to start the clock on the 1 year?

   Japan uses a sort of funny system. The visa is only used for entering the country. During your landing inspection you are meant to present your valid CoE and valid visa (if you have them) and immigration will issue you with a status of residence. This status of residence is what gives you permission to live in Japan (and work if applicable). Not the visa. Not the CoE. it is worth noting that you can still be denied entry to Japan even with a valid CoE and a valid visa. its certainly not common, but they do reserve that right.