Going to Japan is one of the most fun things you can do in your entire life — especially if you are an anime fan. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Tokyo (where I stayed for over a year as a university student), Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagano, Kanazawa and a number of other cities — both for business and for pleasure, four times so far. I still haven’t had enough of Japan, and you can bet your entire manga collection that I have plans of going back very soon.
One of the largest hurdles for Filipino J-pop fans planning to visit Japan is obtaining an entry visa. Due to the number of Filipinos in search of employment entering the country via tourist visas, the Consul Office of the Japan Embassy has implemented stricter rules in granting them. I’ve gone through three distinct kinds of visa application procedures, all of which I will be describing below. I hope that my personal experiences shed some light on the sometimes archaic and often very scary process of applying for a Japanese visa.
Applying For a Visa as a University Exchange Student
Students flying to Japan under the auspices of the Ministry of Education or the Japan Student Services Organization have a distinct advantage over almost everybody else when applying for a visa. They are in possession of a special document called the Certificate of Eligibility, which eliminates the need for many of the requirements such as Income Tax Returns, Bank Certificates, and Letters of Guarantee.
The Certificate of Eligibility is exclusively issued to university exchange students (whether postgraduate or undergraduate) so to be able to obtain one, it would be best to start off by applying for a Japanese exchange student programme via your college or university. Application procedures vary for different universities (UP, ADMU, DLSU, etc.) and areas of discipline (language, liberal arts, engineering, etc.) so it would be best to consult with your school’s Foreign Exchange offices.
Once you have cleared their selection process and are bound for Japan, your certificate will be issued to you alongside your Japanese school admission forms and other documents. All you need to do is submit it to the Consul Office along with your current passport to obtain your visa. For more information, you can also view the complete application procedure from the official website of the Embassy of Japan.
Applying For a Visa on Business
If you are employed in a private company with business ties to Japan, you can apply for a commercial visa. With this type of visa, your company vouches for you, eliminating the need for you to find a Japanese individual to act as a guarantor. Instead, your company and the Japanese company affiliated with you will need to issue a Letter of Dispatch or a Letter of Invitation, stating the nature of your business, the business relationship of the two companies involved in the transaction, and the purpose of your visit to Japan.
In my case, both my employer in Manila and our affiliate in Japan issued the letters described above, as well as Certificates of Employment and Length of Service, and a timetable detailing all my travel plans within Japan. Photocopies of my round-trip airline tickets were also given to prove that I will be returning to the Philippines once business has been completed. The travel agency handling my trip then took care of the rest, and my passport with my new visa attached arrived after three days. For more info, you can also view the complete application procedure from the official website of the Embassy of Japan.
Applying For a Visa as a Tourist
There are two ways of going about applying for a tourist visa. The first way is easier but is more expensive and also very limiting: joining a package tour. Since your tour facilitator will act as your guarantor, there is no need to obtain a Letter of Guarantee. However, you will still need to submit all the other documents like your Income Tax Returns, Bank Certificates, and Itineraries. The other option is to go it alone. I actually prefer this method since I can pick my flight schedule, my hotel/hostel, and my itinerary. Unfortunately the Consul Office will be a little bit stricter with your requirements, so it’s best that you make a good impression and get it right the first time.
The first step still means going through a travel agent. The Embassy of Japan has disallowed personal applications for entry visas, and we all now have to apply through accredited travel agencies to apply for visas. I personally recommend Universal Holidays and Rajah Travel since I have used them both and have been happy with their service so far. Just drop by their offices in Makati Avenue for Rajah and Dusit Hotel for Universal, with your completed documents and the PhP 2500 fee. For more information or additional clarification on visa application requirements, you can also view the complete application procedure from the official website of the Embassy of Japan.
Required Supporting Documents for Your Application
What are the most crucial documents needed for the application? From personal experience, it all boils down to three things: 1) proof of good financial standing; 2) history of travel; and 3) proof of return.
Proof of financial standing just means that you have the ability to support yourself during your Japan stay; it also implies that you will not be seeking illegal employment once you have entered the country. This proof comes in the form of your original Income Tax Return, which explicitly states how much you pay in taxes and earn in a year. Another important document that proves you are financially capable is a Bank Certificate stating that you have at least PhP 100,000 in savings, which would roughly be the amount you need to cover the 15 days you spend in Japan as allowed by your tourist visa.
History of travel is basically the number of used visas or old immigration stamps that you have accumulated in your passport. As a rule of thumb, the more stamps you have the better your chances of being granted a visa, since this implies that you regularly travel abroad and that you return to the Philippines after every trip. Used visas from the US, Europe, Australia, and of course Japan are also helpful in getting you an entry visa, since this guarantees the Consul Office that you have entered and left other foreign countries in good faith.
Last but not least is your proof of return: your round-trip airline ticket. This reassures the Consul Office that you will be returning to the Philippines once the fifteen day limit of your tourist visa expires, and will not attempt to stay in the country illegally for employment purposes. You can also submit land titles, business permits, and other documents that will outline your properties and business interests in the Philippines that you will return to once your trip is finished.
Visa Approval
Once your application has been received, it will take the Japanese consuls office three to five business days to review it and approve or deny your application. If approved, you will receive your passport from your travel agent with the visa attached. If your passport has been returned to you with no visa attached, your application was denied, and you will have to wait another six months to lodge another application. Under no circumstances will the visa office explain why your application has been denied, so there is really no point in pursuing the argument further.
Please note that this is a summary of our experience in applying for a Japanese visa. Mileage may vary with each individual. For more tips, you can also read How to Get A Japanese Tourist Visa in 24 Hours, How to Get a Japan Visa in Three Days, Getting a Japan Tourist Visa: An FAQ for Filipinos, and Tips on Obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa.
JPOP Manila 
Hi! I am a Filipina currently working here in Oman in a Real Estate company.I am planning my one-month vacation to the Phils. early next year. I have a cousin in Japan who is inviting me to visit him. He will also act as my guarantor. I just want to know how I can apply for my visa while I am here so by the time of my vacation, I can at least use my two weeks to visit Japan before I get back here to work again. I have bank accounts in the Phils as well as here in Oman that will suffice my travel expenses. Maybe you can advised me of the documents needed and the procedures I need to undertake considering my current situation.
Thank you and hoping to hear from you soon. =)
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hi erica — as far as i know you can apply for a japanese tourist visa from the japanese embassy in oman 🙂 you do not have to be an oman citizen to avail of consul services from your local japan embassy. good luck!
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Hello! it could be possible for a tourist visa holder to book a one way ticket? She is 13yrs old and the consul gave her 9Odays visa because i wasn`t able to send the cert. of eligibility. The consul asked that document so that she will be given a long term. She will continue her studies here in japan and as soon as she will arrive here, we will apply for her long term visa. Hoping to hear your reply here. Thank you so much
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hi! yes, in order for your daughter to receive a student visa (which can last from one to five years), you need to submit a certificate of eligibility as given by her school and the ministry of education. this type of visa has been outlined in the beginning of the post. please get in touch with her school’s student services division to start the paperwork on her school visa.
as for leaving with just a one-way ticket, it is not advisable because the immigration office prefers that you have a return ticket when you land in tokyo (some officers even believe that the lack of return ticket is the surest sign that the person intends to uhm go TNT, if you know hwat i mean).
try purchasing a ticket that has a rebooking option from large airlines such as PAL, Northwest/Delta, Cathay Pacific, etc. instead of budget airlines like Cebu Pacific — that way, if you need to extend your stay in japan or if your daughter has been allowed to stay long term, you can either rebook the return flight to manila on a different day or refund the return ticket altogether.
good luck!
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hello!
thanks for putting this post up as it is really quite helpful^^
(also, the “uh my mom’s rich” was soooo classic and epic, hehe)
ummm, im planning an osaka-kyoto-nara trip; just want to know what do you think my chances are of getting approved given that:
-i’ve been with my present company for 3 years and is
under a contract with them for the next 2 years with
options to renew;
-i don’t own any real estate/significant properties
-am currently enrolled in grad school
-im financing the trip and will (hopefully) have at least
100k to show after much begging and panhandling XD
-i have VUL insurance
-will have my 1st international travel (vietnam/cambodia)
before i apply for the Jap visa
-i’ll backpack alone; don’t like packaged tours (but if
this would cinch my getting the visa, im thinking to go
for it. heh:P)
re:credit cards, would the photocopies of the cards be enough or should i include the statements as well?
i’d also like to ask for your take on this: when i made a query to one of the accredited agencies, i was told that i should reserve accommodations in posh and pricey hotels rather than the backpacker hostels i cited on my IT (which were recommended by the JNTO) to increase my chances on getting approved.
pardon the numerous queries.
thanks again for taking time reading all the comments and for your replies
a good day to you and yours 🙂
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hi amhuirnin! let’s try to work out your queries one by one~
1) seems like everything is in order so i do not foresee any insurmountable obstacles that will hamper your application
2) yes, you may photocopy just the front of your cards (and for security reasons, if you need to photocopy the back always black out the security numbers)
3) yes, unfortunately where you stay can affect your chances of getting approved. i suggest you pick a mid-priced hotel near the place you intend to stay and write down their name and address for your application, but still book at the hostel.
you can always claim that your hotel room was doublebooked so you opted to stay at the hostel close by — these things happen so you are not exactly lying, if you know what i mean 🙂
good luck with your application!
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good thing i asked you about the accommodation thing 😛
thanks for such quick response magnetic-rose! really appreciate it.
hope you wont mind if i pop in again paminsan minsan to ask a question or two ulit 🙂
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no worries 🙂
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I just want to know what do you think my chances are of getting approved, here’s my qualifications
– Plan to travel to Osaka-Nara-Kyoto only. 4D/5N…Maybe next year July 2011 ( So when is the right time for me to apply?)
-I’m a regular employee, and I’ve been to the company for 2 years and 6 months, 13K-15K monthly salary but I have 100K money in the bank (Savings). Have 3 CC (all of them are in good credit standing)
-I don’t have Japanese Guarantor therefore I don’t have Invitation Letter ( What travel agency can you recommend? How much is there visa assistance fee?)
-Previous Travel: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, HK, Macau and China. I’ll be traveling to South Korea on September, Indonesia/Brunei on October, India/Sri Lanka on January and Myanmar on April
-I travel alone, backpacking style
Thanks
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looks like all your stuff is in order so i don’t think you’ll run into trouble. but like amhuirnin who plans to go back packing, i suggest make a reservation at a mid-priced hotel near the place you intend to stay just you have something to write down in your application, and then cancel that when your visa clears. afterward, you are free to stay at any hostel that you choose. good luck!
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Good day!
My husband and I are planning to travel to Japan this October (hubby’s birth month and our anniversary). This will be our first travel abroad. I’m the only one who’s currently employed. Salary ranges from 16k-20k/month. Hubby runs an aviary (small) business. But no business permit since it’s not a big business naman.I have an ITR, bank record (joint acct) of P200k. Do you think it will be enough to present?
Also, what will be our first step in applying for a visa?
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hi tehcila. i’m not 100 percent sure but at best you have a fifty-fifty percent chance of getting a visa. the factors that may negatively affect your application are the lack of travel history for both your husband and you, and the lack of documentation for your husband’s income — which could appear very suspicious to the consul. i suggest you consult with an accredited travel agent to see what else you can do to improve your chances of getting approved, as well as start the application process.
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hi..tanong ko lang po dati na po akong galing ng japan, balak po akong kunin ng ate ko na kasal na sa japanese pero hiwalay na sila … hindi po kaya maapektohan ang dati kong pagpunta sa japan kung kukunin ako ngayon as tourist sa japan ng ate ko? sa club or omise po sya nag work ngayon. thanks po
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hi eloisa! kung ang dati mong pagpunta ay bilang tourist at hindi ka nagkaproblema, mataas ang posibilidad na bigyan ka uli ng tourist visa lalu na kung ang ate mo ang guarantor mo.
ang tagilid kasi sa sitwasyon mo e: (sa hapon kita sasagutin para tayo lang nagkakaintindihan, romaji naman so okay lang 🙂 ) oneesan no shigoto wa consul no kata ni totte sukoshi ayashii de, eloisa-san mo tourist visa dake o motte, souyuu shigoto o suru tsumori da sou desu. sorry kung medyo ganun sila mag isip pero di din natin sila masisisi, diba?
ang magandang gawin para siguradong maganda ang kalabasan ng application mo e siguraduhin mo na maganda ang nilalaman ng certificate of deposit mo, at meron kang proof of return tulad ng return airline ticket. maganda din kung meron kang certificate of employment galing sa boss mo dito sa pilipinas at ITR — para di ka pahirapan ng consul.
good luck!
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Inquire lang po.
Punta po ako China this year, bakasyon lang for 7 days. First time traveler ako, backpacking style sa China kasama mga officemates ko. Next year, I plan to visit naman ang Japan pero ako na lang. I’m a permanent government employee. 6 years in service. My bank account have only 30k in them pero sa cooperative namin, may share ako na 100k+. Pwede ba gamitin yun? Mag-tour lang ako sa Japan for 7 days. I’m planning to stay in Tokyo para malapit lang sa kansai airport. When I got the hang of it na, siguro I’ll travel farther inland. Will I be denied Visa? Thanks.
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since you are a government employee, this will work work in your favor when lodging a visa application. i still recommend that you have at least PhP 100K in your bank account. if that is difficult, try to get a certificate showing your savings with your cooperative — maybe that will help.
just a quick clarification: tokyo’s airport is narita international airport, while osaka’s airport is kansai international airport, and the two completely different airports are one hour apart by plane, six by bus. make sure you purchase tickets with the correct flight to get off the correct airport.
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hi po..pano po ba wala akong trabaho dito mula ng nag japan ako kung kumuha po ako ng ITR pwede po b yun kahit wala akong trabaho dito? bale nung nagjapan ako as talent nuon wala na po akong naging trabaho dito nung nahinto ang japan… pro meron po akong account sa bank tulad ng payo nyo! ano po kaya ang magandang reason para maaprubahan o mabigyan ako ng visa..salamat po! God Bless You po!
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hello. matanong ko lng po kasi i’m only 17 years old and i really want to travel to Japan. i have cash nman and i can support my expenses there..i can have at least 200,000.pwede kaya un e minor plng po ako..turning 18 this coming december.thanks…
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age is not an issue as long as you have written permission from your parents to travel alone, and that your parents have a document signifying that they will be taking care of your travel expenses (unless the PhP 200,000 you said you have actually belongs to you). good luck and have fun!
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hi po.tanong ko lang po kung pano mg apply ng student visa?tnx po.
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hi po.tanong ko lang po kung pano mg apply ng student visa?tnx po.
the procedure has already been described above. please read all pertinent texts before asking questions. thanks.
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hi ask ko lang po kung mag aaply po ako ng visit relatives visa ilang days or months po ba yung dapat ko ilagay sa return airline ticket? 15days po b or 90days? balak po kasi akong kunin ng ate ko.my 150k po ako pero wala po akong ITR kasi wala po akong trabaho dito, nagtitinda lang po ako ng fireworks once a year every dec. lang po! sa omise lang po nagwowork ate ko at wala po syang income tax return wala din po sya mkukuha bank cert. kung ako po ang mag gagarantor sa sarili ko hindi po kaya yun magiging problema sa pagbigay nila sakin ng visa?dati rin po akong nanggaling sa japan as entertainer last n byahe ko po nung 2004 pa! tnx po…
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tourist visas are for fifteen days only. the special ninety day visa is for government officials, etc. only. the ITR is a requirement — the only ones exempt from it are students and minors. if your sister wants to be your guarantor she needs to submit all her documents as well (income tax return, bank certificate, family register, etc.). given the fact that both you and your sister lack some of the most important documents needed to apply for a visa, even if you are able to fulfill the minimum show money amount your chances of being granted a visa are very low. good luck!
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hi ms. rose,
I am just curious why is the visa fee in Friendship tours much cheaper than of Universal & Rajah?
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I am just curious why is the visa fee in Friendship tours much cheaper than of Universal & Rajah?
the fees charged for facilitating applications by the travel agency is at their discretion, because the consuls office of japan actually does not charge any fees for processing visa applications.
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hi, does the itr have to be original or just a photocopy?
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hi, does the itr have to be original or just a photocopy?
it has to be the original. please keep a photocopy for yourself in case you need it later.
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hello, just want to ask: yung tagal ba ng processing (5days) ng passport ko ay may kaugnayan sa resulta kung approve or hindi ang visa?
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delays in your passport processing have absolutely nothing to do with your visa application. it’s the documents submitted that determines if you get a visa or not. good luck!
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Hi Sir,
My wife and I are currently working here in singapore, we decided to visit osaka, japan.. herewith is my query:
1. How to secure visit visa, we will visit japan for 5 days only. And we will book ticket from the philippines coz the airplane fare is promo,(we plan to visit philippines first then after we go to japan) and also we will book hotel thru online. is this possible? or do we need agent from the philippines to stand as guarantor for us?
2. If they need bank certificate, can I present my bank accounts instead?(I will use Singapore bank).
3. Maybe can I just go to japan embassy in singapore and ask for the requirements?
Thank you sir and best regards,
Jolas
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first of all, i am not a “sir”; it is clearly indicated in the ABOUT page that i am female ^^;; second of all, if you book your manila to osaka airline tickets and accommodations, there is no need for a philippine go-between especially if you are making the arrangements online.
lastly — yes, you may approach the local japanese embassy in singapore to apply for a visa. all guidelines that apply to philippine passports (financial document submission, airline tickets, hotel vouchers, etc.) will apply to you as well. please consult with them for specifics because they may be some differences (for example, singapore PRC holders are allowed certain privileges).
good luck and have a good holiday!
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Hi Ma’am,
Thank you for immediate response.
Regards,
JOlas
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hello po..tanong ko lang po my gf ako ngayon na nasa japan at hiwalay n sila ng asawa nyang hapon,balak nmin magpakasal dito sa pinas..permanent n sya sa japan 1year n syang naaprobahan…pwede nya b ako mkuha kung sakaling kasal n kami at dun n sa japan tumira? salamat po…ric!
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if she is a japanese national, yes it is possible. however if she is also a filipino, it is a completely different matter altogether. anyway, please consult with an immigration expert since your question is not about getting a tourist visa but about moving there. thanks!
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i’ve been meaning to ask, nalilimutan ko lang, lol
when i inquired re: requirements with one of the accredt’d agencies (friendship ata), i was told that i shouldn’t buy a ticket until my visa gets approved so as to avoid possibly wasting the said ticket; so im a tad torn about the ticket thing. maybe i should get a refundable one just to be on the safe side, no?
also, if say we put it in percentages (anal much?haha), how much would joining a tour increase my chances of getting approved vs. going off alone? 50%90%? hehehe ambisyosa na naman ako. btw, baka lang you’d know, if for example i join a tour, can i go ditch the IT they have and wander alone if im willing to bear the expenses? or will the guide be after me? XD
pardon my kakulitan..as always, you have my thanks! (“,)
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yes, getting a ticket that you can rebook to a different time would be advisable. some people say you shouldn’t book a ticket until after your visa is approved, but i find that having a return ticket beforehand helps your chances since the consuls office can see that you do intend to return to the philippines when your holiday is over.
getting on a tour package can imporove your chances of approval by as much as 30% to 50% because the tour company acts as your visa guarantor. the only problem with that is you cannot divert from the tour’s set itinerary since the tour company will be held responsible and lose their license to conduct tours if they “lose” you (ie. you go off on your own).
hope that helps 😀
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thanks ms roch, at least i have more info and i can weigh my chances better. but i think when desperation sets in, ill bite the bullet and join a tour (the horror!!!) if itd get me to japan. the sacrifices i make for my love of the land of the rising sun…. bow (blog title na un no? haha)
thanks!
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thanks… this will help me alot….. how about australian visa… do you have any idea how to get a tourist visa going to australia… Or do you know any agency who can fix it for me..
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sorry, i can only help with japan visa inquiries. please visit JUSTWANDERING.ORG for australian visa advice.
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hi, it’s me again. my visa was denied last april, but since the embassy is very clear that they will not divulge why it was denied, what my fiance did was he just visited me this august for his vacation. now he is back in japan and i really can’t wait to be with him again. i’ll be applying for tourist visa again by november because he wants me to spend christmas with him in japan.
he’s an american english teacher — he’s not rich, he just has enough money since we don’t really plan on spending too much. he has his own apartment where i can stay, but his financial documents are not really that good. he can provide a bank account that would have 200,000 yen (so thats 100,000pesos) but i know that the more money in the bank the better. i also have bank account worth 120,000 since jan 2010 and i can ask my mom if she can put more money on it.
i’m just wondering would it be better if i won’t use my fiance as guarantor since he doesn’t have enough money? he can just send me an invitation letter and i have my own financial documents or even get support from my parents from their financial documents? or is it fine that i’ll have him as guarantor and then my parents as additional guarantors? any suggestions?
i really want to get the visa so i can be with him. if my visa is approved we will get married in japan by december and they said once i’m there they can easily adjust my status to dependent but if not hes gonna come here again. please help thanks.
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okay, i see two problems with what you plan to do:
1) since your fiance is issuing the letter of invitation, he is already your guarantor. and as your guarantor, he must have large sums of money in his bank account to prove that he can support your stay. he can’t issue an invitation but not become your guarantor — that’s not how it works.
2) having a large amount of money in your own account helps, especially if you are applying for a tourist visa. however, in your case i think — and i may be wrong, that it will not make a difference. why? because you are not a tourist. tourists go home before their fifteen day visa expires, while you intend to go there to marry your fiance and stay indefinitely.
as far as i know, that is already “immigration” — so i think the best thing you should do is consult an immigration expert on what you need to do to go there and marry your fiancee. i’m afraid that i won’t be able to help you any longer — sorry.
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its ok..yeah initially what we plan is for me to get to Japan if i will be issued with tourist visa thats the start i just really want to go there to see him soon..then check with the immigration on what to do next but if we cant get extension i have no choice but to go back to the phils..we’re just desperate he hates to fly ive witnessed that everytime we go to boracay..so if i can only easily get tourist visa wherein i can go there for 15 days go back to phils then go there again anytime i want to..till we get married and fix my US spousal visa where i can travel to japan visa free..haay im sorry he just left yesterday so everything’s still fresh but thanks for the advice 🙂
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1.ATE COMPLETE NAMAN PO LAHAT NG REQUIREMENTS KO MAY BANK CERTIFICATE SIYA ANG LAMAN ALMOST 1 MILLION SHOW MONEY PO. TINGIN NIYO MAKAKAPASA PO AKO ? TOURIST VISA? VISITING FRIEND PO.
2. LAHAT PO KOMPLETO PATI INCOME TAX. ETC. RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE. ANG WALA LANG TALAGA SA AMIN AY ANG PICTURE KASI DI PA KAME NAG MEET PERO WITHIN 1 YEAR NA KAME CHAT FRIEND KAYA AYON TUTULUNGAN NIYA AKO MAKAPUNTA PO. MAY EVIDENCE KAME NG PROOF NA MAGKAIBIGAN PO KAME.
3. LIKE MGA SULAT NIYA SAKEN ? .. NATATAKOT KASI AKO ATE BAKA MA DENY PA AKO SA LAGAY NA YAN DI KO MATATANGGAP ANO PO BA DAPAT KONG GAWIN ?
4. ILANG DAYS PO BA TALAGA ANG PROCESSING ? NG VISA ? 7-10DAYS DAW PO . PERO ANO PO SINASABI NIYO PO 3-5 DAYS ? PO. SALAMAT SANA MABIGYAN NIYO PO AKO NG ADVISE KASI GUSTONG GUSTO KO NA PO MAKAPUNTA DOON . ON PROCESS PO VISA KO NOW HAISSSS ..
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i already answered you in the other visa post. also, please do not type in all caps. it is very rude, not to mention annoying >.>
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hello.. gusto po ako kunin ng friend ko n nasa japan balak po kasi nya magpa opera bale po walang time yung asawa nya para mabantayan sya after ng opera. my mga pic. po ako ng friend ko n babae pero ang kukuha sakin as my guarantor eh yung aswa nya my proof po ako ng mga ems nila sa akin at picture nung kasal nila..mabibigyan po kaya ako ng visa khit friend ko lang sya? dati na rin po akong nakarating sa japan as entertainer hindi po kaya makaapekto yun? tnx po…godbless!
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hindi po mga larawan ang batayan para ma-aprubahan ang visa application ninyo — ang importante po ay kung maayos ang mga documents na nasumite mo. pwedeng maging guarantor ang kaibigan basta’t kumpleto din ang papeles na sinumite niya. tungkol naman sa pagiging entertainer mo dati, maaring may epekto yun pero siyempre di natin sigurado kasi hindi naman ako ang consul. kung medyo alanganin ka mabuti pa e makipagusap ka nalang sa travel agent at mas makakatulong sila sa yo.
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hi,magnetic rose!
i just got my visa,in which thank you by the way for the advice that you gave me…
i just have a follow-up question…
if i got my visa on aug 17,is it a strict compliance to board the plane right away few days after i have your visa approved?I’m planning to go there on Sept 24 pa…
and also,i wrote on my itenerary that i’ll be staying in japan for 9 days only…shall i stretch it to 15days just to make out of it?
thank you for your straight and informative responses.
p.s.
guys,just read magnetic_rose’s information on the Tips for Obtaining a Japanese visa carefully.I followed what is written there exactly on the website,and i got my visa without any problems…Just be honest with all of your information or documentations.
Good Luck!
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hi nada! congratulations on receiving your visa.
now for your two questions:
1) once granted, your visa is effective for three months. you can leave whenever you like as long as it is within the three month validity period.
2) you may use up all fifteen days granted in your visa. just make sure you leave the country on the fifteenth day, otherwise you will be charged with overstaying even if you go over for just a single day.
have a great holiday in japan!
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just want to asko if ITR and the bank statement are both require in visa processing for tourist visa in japan??? and also if the consuls call for verification of the submit documents???
thanks… hope for your response… have a good day! God Bless…
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yes, both documents are required. as for the verification call, it’s on a case-to-case basis.
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ok, thanks a lot…
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no problem — good luck with your application.
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ms roch, another question 😛 just would like to ask your opinion whether or not getting a packaged tour with Japanican.com (just the tour w/out accommodation) carry the same weight as getting a packaged tour with the local agencies (eg. tour+accomadation or free and easy)? basically i guess, im asking if any sort of packaged tour would do?
again thanks po!:)
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you are free to book tours from overseas providers online, you but will have to take care of your visa arrangements yourself in the philippines because afaik they do not include visa services in their tour packages (some countries, after all — do not require a visa).
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Hi! Thanks very much for posting this, it was very helpful. Would like to share what I did for my (and my cousins’) visa application.
Purpose: visit distant relative (1st cousin)
I. Documents from Applicant – required
1. Passport
2. Visa Application Form
3. Photo
4. Birth certificate
5. Bank Certificate
6. Income Tax Return (Original and Photocopy)
7. Itinerary
8. Photos together
II. Documents from Applicant – supplementary
1. Copy of roundtrip airline ticket
2. Certificate of employment
3. Photocopy of company ID
4. Previous passport attached to current passport (for history of travel – 2 of us had existing US visas, 1 had a used Japan visa)
III. Documents from Japan Side
1. Letter of Reason for Invitation
2. Letter of Guarantee
3. Foreign Registration Certificate
4. Income Certificate
Submitted via Reli Tours (Megamall). They submitted the docs to the embassy August 31 (Tuesday), by Sept 1 (Wed) the agency informed us that our passports with visas are ready for pick-up. 🙂 again, thank you for this very helpful post!
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hi ms. rose,ive been a lurker on this site and read 90% of all the comments posted.i still have a few questions though. lemme give you a history about myself conerning japan visa application.this may be long so please bear with me kasi im so frustrated na.T-T.anyways here it is:
year 2005 or 2006 ata: my mom and i applied for a japan visa.reason before was actually for my mom to accompany two japanese children who are both minors as a favor to her friend who’s a PR there and whose husband is a jap national, to come back in japan because none of her friend’s relatives are available. my mom grabbed that oppurtunity to tag me along since she knows i want to visit japan. i was 18 or 19 years old then and was a nursing college student. unfortunately i got denied but my mom was granted where she spent 14 days in tokyo.i was so jealous T-T.
year 2009: i applied again and was sponsored by my boyfriend who’s a PR there in okinawa japan and a mechanical engr. I was unemployed but was in a bond with a review school since i was reviewing for my nclex and ielts. i think my mistake and well my bf insisted was i put a month in my itinerary as the duartion on how long i stay tehre. again of course denied.
present: SIGH.hehe. im currently am enrolled as a full time 1st year grad student in baguio city. has 100k+ in my bank account, has 1.4+$ in my dollar account and has a contract with the condo(13k/mo) im renting here till march with post dated checks already( renewable till i’ll graduate) . Now, my mom who’s a PR in the US will shoulder my expenses during my 10day stay lng in okinawa japan. this time though my boyfriend’s father will be the guarantor since we think he has a better standing. ive been with my boyfriend and his family just last christmas in a tour in HK and macau so pics are covered. my travel history are: been to malaysia, SG, China(beijing and shanghai)thailand, cambodia, twice to Hk, twice to macau. in short i just want japan para matapos na asia koooo.lol
> do u think this time that i will present documents from my mom’s side(unlike before w/c i didnt since i thought my boyfriend’s documents were enough) would increase my chance. as well as having my bf’s father as guarantor?
> do you think a written explanation from my mom saying that this is a gift from her since i jsut passed my Nclex this year and she bearing all travel expenses etc. is necessary?
> my mom’s last name is different from mine since she is divorced already for more than 15 years na.thats why she doesnt use my father;s last name anymore for a lont time na din. do i have to provide her divorce paper etc?
> my mother filed me a petition, i know in the US this doesnt guarantee immigrant visa pa, but im thinking to provide that too para isipin nila wala naman talaga ako gagawin sa japan kundi TOur lng and visit my bf and family.
> right now this time i wanna make it right.i just want to visit my bf too and see japan kahit okinawa lng which is more budget friendly.
> will i also provide the condo contract with the postdated checks i had issued because i had those photocopied along with the contract? it has been notarized too.
>phew. i know this is the longest but please understand me since a frustrated one.lol.thank you and i highly appreciate your blog. youre one of the most patient bloggers i know.thanks much)
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additional: im planning to go there oct 13-23 .sicne i have to go back after sem break.:)
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hi anj! thanks and have a great holiday!
hi yesh!
do u think this time that i will present documents from my mom’s side(unlike before w/c i didnt since i thought my boyfriend’s documents were enough) would increase my chance. as well as having my bf’s father as guarantor?
it should better your chances, although i cannot guarantee it 100% since i am not the japan consul.
do you think a written explanation from my mom saying that this is a gift from her since i jsut passed my Nclex this year and she bearing all travel expenses etc. is necessary?
if she is covering your expenses and you are presenting her financial documentation for your application then yes, she should also write a letter specifying that.
my mom’s last name is different from mine since she is divorced already for more than 15 years na. thats why she doesnt use my father’s last name anymore for a long time na din. do i have to provide her divorce paper etc?
yes, you must submit a document that justifies why her last name is different from yours even if you are her daughter.
my mother filed me a petition, i know in the US this doesnt guarantee immigrant visa pa, but i’m thinking to provide that too para isipin nila wala naman talaga ako gagawin sa japan kundi Tour lng and visit my bf and family.
this is not necessary since your petition has not yet been accepted and you do not carry a green card yet.
will i also provide the condo contract with the postdated checks i had issued because i had those photocopied along with the contract? it has been notarized too.
if you can provide a deed to the condo you own, that’s fine — you do not need to submit copies of the postdated checks.
good luck with your application!
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good afternoon magnetic rose,
i really appreciate your site… it helps a lot of people like me…
i have a japanese boyfriend but is still married with his japanese wife.. we have two children. the older one (4years old) has japanese passport but living here in the Phils. the younger one doesn’t have japanese passport… we have been in Japan as temporary visitor last month for 30 days. i want my older son to study in Japan by next year…
Is it possible? what kind of visa will i apply? please help…
thank you and God bless for helping people….
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hi janjan. i’m afraid you will have to talk to an immigration expert since what you would like to do is outside of the scope of short-term tourist visas.
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thanks for the response…
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thanks for your response sis, i lodge in my application through reli.and medyo i got a bad experience. biruin mo, andaming tinanggal sa paperrs ko.saying they dont need my mom’s finances, and! they dont need my confimred RT ticket!tama ba yun?ako i kept my cmoposure and clamly explained.but was that right?saying di na daw kailangan yung ticket and kung anu lng requirement sa website and needed?i almost lost it.but really , i ctayed calm.haiz.now im just sooo nervous.i have a sinking feeling and darn.malas ko sa agent tlg.
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hi there yesh! you were right to demand your visa service provider to include all your presented documents. i have been hearing rumours that some agencies (and i am not giving specifics like company names) deliberately mislead applicants with the application requirements so that they get rejected and then have to lodge another visa request — making the applicant pay twice or even thrice just to get a single visa >.>
and like i always say — better give too much information (too many documents) than too little. good luck with your application!
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hi ms.rose! you are God-sent to me!my visa was approved already just got it last thurs.thanks so much!i find this site of yours really helpful!now i cant wait!been longing for this for so long.:D
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no worries yesh — congratulations and have a great holiday!
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hi magnetic rose! seaman po yung husband ko,, dadaan po cila ng japan. since may priviledge po clang magsama ng asawat anak.. isasama po nya kami sa cruise. kailangan ko pa po ba ng visa? & kailangan po ba talga ng ‘show money’.. kaze 70k lng po un pera namin sa bank… pwede na po ba un? tnx po
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hi trishia! lahat po ng pilipinong gustong pumasok ng japan mapa-eroplano man o mapa-bapor kelangan po ng visa. makipagugnayan po kayo sa travel agent ninyo para maayos po ang visa ninyo. salamat!
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Hi, good morning. I am Angelie and I am planning to visit a friend of mine in Japan by April. He currently holds student visa but very much wiling to finance all the expenses of my visit in Japan but is he allowed to provide guarantee letter knowing that he is not a citizen yet? I am a private employee connected to an international Non-government organization operating here in the Philippines. I am a field worker and seldom I have access to internet even landline phone, only when I’m back in the city.
Anyway what are the procedures and requirements so I could start with my visa application? I started inquiring Universal Holidays about this one through e-mail because I dont have access to landline phones. Anyway I also would like to solicit your view on my case to enlighten me. Thank you very much, will appreciate much your reply.
God bless…
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Hi Angelie. Let’s tackle your concerns one by one:
1) Your friend holds a student visa, which may be enough to allow him to invite you as a guarantor. However, I suggest that he get in touch with his school’s student services office to ask for assistance in making out the paperwork needed for your visa application. There has been a similar case to yours already so just read the comments above for specifics.
2) All the paperwork and steps needed to be accomplished to secure a visa has already been posted here. Please take some time to read through the entire post plus the comments; you will find that your questions have been answered previously.
3) Unfortunately, you will need an easily accessible contact point since most follow-up queries from your travel agent and the embassy are sent via e-mail or made through phone calls. There is no getting around this, so I suggest you try to find ways to secure a solid line of communication between yourself and your travel agent before proceeding with your application.
Good luck with your application!
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hi..tanong ko lang kung maximum na ba talaga 15 days sa tourist visa? nakapunta na ko Japan noong 2005, 30 days yung tourist visa ko tapos nakapag extend pa ko ng 15 days noon. gusto ko sana pumunta ulit, may pagasa ba na makakuha ulit ako ng 30 days, or more? Permanent visa na ung mother at sister ko dun, sila ung magiging sponsor/guarantor ko.. Thanks
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things have changed since 2005 and fifteen days is bow the standard. for extended visas, so far only diplomats and other high ranking officials are granted that. you can try applying for a ninety day visa, but the chances of being granted one are slim. please consult with your travel agent to explore your options. good luck!
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question. 🙂
my twin is married to a pinoy US navy, and they’re now based in japan. they’re both us citizens already.
next year, my twinnie and i are planning to spend our birthday together and she invited me to visit japan next year. i’ll be staying in their home, and she’ll be paying for my expenses there, i just need to buy my own round trip ticket.
do i still need to secure that amount in my bank account? oh and by the way this is also the first time that i’ll be going out of the country.. how long does it usually take to process a passport and a japan visa?
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if your sister is supplying you with a letter of guarantee then a certificate of deposit is optional (but still recommended).
a japanese visa can be issued in as little as three days. as for your passport inquiries, please consult with the department of foreign affairs.
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hello po
im melissa may boyfriend japannesse nag overstay po ako sa japan ng limang taon at mag iisang taon na po ako dito sa pilipinas, gusto na po akong pakasalan ng boyfriend ko at makasama na kami araw araw po sa skype lang kami ng uusap.. tanong ko lang po pag nagpakasal na po ba kami dito sa pilipinas mabibigyan po ba kaya ako ng visa at makabalik sa japan, kasi po yun nahuli po ako dati sinayban po ako dun ng staf ng immigration ang sabi po ang penalty ko daw limang taon tapos kung mapakakasalan daw po ako ng boyfriend ko maaring mapapaikli daw po ang limang taon totoo po ba yun..kasi po yun nahuli ako kasama ko po ang boyfriend ko at kinuha din po ng immigration ang pangalan nya…sana po masagot nyo po ang tanong ko at marami pong salamat…….
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sorry but your question is about immigration and not about getting a tourist visa. mas maigi po e sa abogado o sa immigration expert nalang po kayo makipagusap. salamat!
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hi..i read all the messages posted here and it gave me a lot of insights regarding japan visa. in addition, i just want to ask if it’s really necessary to have at least P100K? or its just a recommendation?..because my fiancee and I want to go there for a 5-DAY tour only(for example). is it ok if the savings doesn’t reach the said amount yet?..but both of us are currently employed and can submit all the said documents. Also, we already had history of travel to Singapore and Indonesia.
P.S. I also have an aunt & 2 cousins living in Japan (She was able to marry a Japanese). I want to add her as a sponsoring person but I think there is a slight chance of approval because she doesn’t earn enough salary there to be a good sponsor since they were already separated.(but I can visit them once I get to go to Japan) So, is it better if we’ll just go to a travel agency? Hope you can help me with these. I really like to go back to Nippon(I had already visited japan with my family but that was many years ago!I was 3yrs old..(^_^)
Arigato!=)
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it is the recommended amount; you may submit less, but your application is more likely to be rejected if that were the case (even if you submit a proper ITR and a passport bearing stamps).
everybody has to go through a travel agency regardless of whether they have a letter of guarantee or not. and yes, the one issuing a letter of guarantee must have good income to prove that he or she can finance your stay (whether or not he/she actually does).
good luck with your application!
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Good Day Ma’am,
I just want to ask kung may chance po ako na mabigyan ng visa
kung isasama ako ng lola ko who is a U.S. citizen? gusto nya kasi ako ipa check up sa Japan since i’m a cancer patient.i also have a half sister doon na permanent resident na kaya lang wala siyang income tax cert.i have my bank cert, medical cert and nakapunta na rin ako ng hongkong nung 2007 but i dnt have itr. Ano pa po ba ang mga documents na dapat kong i provide?
Thank You & God Bless…
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hi gabriel! you may be issued a temporary visa for medical purposes — even without an ITR, as long as you are able to provide ample documentation of financial capability, and your complete medical documents like pathology results, blood work, doctor’s reports, etc. good luck and i hope you get well soon.
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Hi,
I would like to ask if I would still need an invitation letter from friends if I’ll be the one shouldering my expenses? Although I did state in my application form that my purpose for going is I will be visiting friends/leisure.
And does the birth cert have to be original?
Thanks so much.
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no, you do not need an invitation letter or guarantee letter if you are paying your own way. and yes, the birth certificate has to be an original printed on SECPA (security paper). the only exception to the birth certificate requirement is if you possess a used japanese visa attached to an expired or valid passport.
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