Application

Akita International University

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In addition to filling out the WSU General Application found on the Study Abroad Home Page, students wishing to study abroad at Akita will be required to supply the following documents:

           **This will be needed for you visa application

 

Student Visas

Persons traveling to Japan may require permission to enter the country in the form of a visa. Requirements for visa application vary according to nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay.

If you will be traveling to Japan for less than 90 days, US citizens will not need a visa.  They will qualify as an exemption

Activities Allowed Under the Visa Exemption Agreements

a) tourism
b) visiting friends or relatives
c) business meetings
d) attending conferences and trade fairs
e) academic research
f) study
g) amateur sports

Activities for Which Visas Are Required

a) all activities for which one will be paid in Japan, or
b) any activity requiring a stay of more than 90 days (15 days for nationals of Brunei)

 

If you are planning to work, study, or otherwise reside in Japan for more than 90 days, a visa is necessary.  WSU students would apply for the General College Student Visa.

Please be aware that visa guidelines vary widely based on nationality, purpose of stay in Japan, and length of stay.  Explanation of the visa application process can take some time. Therefore, for most efficient and correct information, it is best to discuss your situation with the visa officers directly by phone. Please contact the office and ask for the visa section.

Consulate General of Japan
737 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1100*
Chicago, Illinois 60611

(Telephone) 312-280-0400

(outside of office hours, call 1-800-776-3877)

(Fax) 312-280-9568

(E-mail) cgjconsular[at]webkddi.com

Procedure

Applicants must first obtain a Certificatate of Eligibility (COE)-a document issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan which certifies that the holder has met the criteria established for a certain status of residence in Japan; a Certificate of Eligibility is obtained from an immigration office by a proxy (e.g., school, employer, relative) in Japan. 

NOTE:  To apply for this, fill out the form found above.  The certificate will be supplied by Akita once complete acceptance to the program has been processed.

Completing the Visa with Certificate of Eligibility

If you have received a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan, you must still obtain a visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate before entering the country. As noted on the Certificate of Eligibility, it is valid for three months from the date of issue. If you fail to enter Japan within three months, you may be refused entry.

Visa Requirements
A U.S. citizen with a Certificate of Eligibility must submit the following to obtain a visa to enter Japan:

1) A valid passport


2) A completed visa application form, dated and signed by the applicant [Download]


3) One passport-size photograph, affixed to the application form in the space indicated


4) The original Certificate of Eligibility


5) A photocopy of the Certificate of Eligibility (front and back)

 

Once all documents are collected the following action can be completed:

          a) To Akita for processing:  All WSU students are allowed to turn in all documents to Akita and they will take care of

       the visa processing.

b) In person:  Please submit all of the requested documents together at the visa window during office hours. Processed passports will normally be ready for pick up the afternoon of the following business day, however depending on factors such as nationality, processing time may take longer. Please telephone us at (312) 280-0400 to inquire about the exact amount of processing time needed.

c) By mail: Applicants who reside far from the Chicago area can apply by mail. Documents should be sent to:


Consulate General of Japan
Attn: Visa Section
737 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1100
Chicago, IL 60611

Processed passports will be returned by mail only when one of the following are provided:

  • a completed Fed Ex airbill (please use the same name and address for sender and recipient to avoid the Consulate being billed for payment), OR
  • a self-addressed, stamped return envelope is provided (this service is possible with all types of U.S. mail except Registered Mail, Certified Mail, and FedEx Ground)

 

Also, to help avoid mailing problems such as delay or loss of passport, we strongly recommend using a mail service that has a tracking number.

NOTICE: The Consulate General of Japan at Chicago is not liable for any loss or damage of documents or passports while being transported to or from the Consulate by any type of mail service.