VISA procedures for Admission to Gunma University
Once you are accepted to Gunma University, you need to apply for a Status of Residence at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
The procedures are as follows.
Gunma University has been designated as a “Proper Educational Institution (Class I)” by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau in 2025.
１．For students entering Japan from Abroad
The university will guide you through the application process for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), which is issued by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
It takes about two to three months to prepare the necessary documents, apply, and receive the CoE, so please start early.
・If instructed by the university, prepare a Medical Certificate.
・Consult with the university staff regarding your accommodation in Gunma.
(See: International House / Apartment Information「JP」)
STEP 1: Prepare and submit the required documents
Documents are to be submitted through a designated online system. The university will send you the URL and login password.
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Photograph (taken within 6 months, plain background, showing full face, JPG format)
- Copy of passport
- Statement explaining your recent activities (if more than five years have passed since graduation from your last school)
- Document certifying research content (for research students only)
- Certificate of Scholarship (if applicable)
- Statement of Reasons (Form 1)
- Curriculum Vitae (Form 2)
- Certificate of Graduation from your last school
- Financial Support Statement (Form 3)
- Document proving the relationship between the financial supporter and the applicant
- Bank Balance Certificate
- Documents showing the financial supporter’s fund formation for the previous one year
- Document proving the financial supporter’s occupation
- Document proving the financial supporter’s income for the previous one year
- Certificate of Non-Tuberculosis from TB Screening
Applicable countries: the Philippines, Nepal, and Vietnam (Indonesia, Myanmar, and China are under consideration for inclusion)
Download: List of Required Documents / Form 1 / Form 2 / Form 3
STEP 2: Application by the University
The university submits your application to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau. It takes approximately two months to issue the CoE.
STEP 3: Receive the CoE
The CoE will be sent by email from the Immigration Services Agency. If the university has requested a Medical Certificate, please submit it as well.
STEP 4: Apply for a Student Visa
Once you receive the CoE, apply for a Student Visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Check the embassy’s visa website for the required documents and application procedure.
STEP 5: Arrange your travel and inform the university
After your Student Visa is issued, book your flight to Japan and inform the university of your arrival date.
STEP 6: Upon arrival in Japan
You will receive a Residence Card at the airport (Narita / Haneda). Within two weeks after arrival, visit your local city office to register your address in Japan. Bring your Residence Card and passport. Please also show your Residence Card to the university.
２．For students who already have a Residence Card (currently residing in Japan)
(2-1) For students who already have the “Student” status of residence
If your period of stay will expire before you enroll at Gunma University, please apply for an Extension of Period of Stay at your nearest Immigration Services Bureau. Applications can be submitted from three months before the expiration date.
Immigration Services Agency Website – Student Status
Required documents:
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay, with photograph
Request the “For organization” form from the university. - Passport and Residence Card (for presentation at the counter)
- List of submitted documents
- Certificate of Graduation (from previous school)
- Document certifying research content (for research students only)
- Letter of Admission
- Declaration of Financial Support (if you received guidance regarding permission to engage in activity other than that permitted by the status of residence at your last renewal)
(2-2) For students who have a status of residence other than “Student”
Before entering Gunma University, you must apply for a Change of Status of Residence to “Student”.
Prepare the necessary documents and apply at your nearest Immigration Services Bureau.
Immigration Services Agency Website – Student Status
Required documents:
- Application for Change of Status of Residence, with photo
Request the “For organization” form from the university. - Passport and Residence Card (to be shown at the immigration counter)
- List of submitted documents
- Documents related to your activities in Japan corresponding to your current status of residence
(e.g., pay slips or withholding tax certificates if you currently hold a work visa) - Document certifying research content (for research students only)
- Letter of Admission
