Japan Visa: How to Apply and Increase your chances of getting approved

Note: This is only a guide and suggestions - based on my personal experience and presented in a subjective manner. This will not answer your Visa problems, but hopefully will help you in preparing your Japan Visa requirements.


SEPTEMBER 2013

My Japan visit is long overdue. My boyfriend of 6 years is an Filipino Engineer, working for the last 5 years in Japan. We have been preparing for my visit years ago, but it was only this year that we had the courage to push them through.

Although I have a "friend" living in Japan, I should have applied for "Visiting Relatives/ Friends" status in the Visa application. However, I find it very tedious for me and my boyfriend to prepare all the documents needed, so we decided to apply on "Tourist" status instead. Less documents will be prepared and you will not bother your friend or relative the Japanese documents needed.

We planned that during our anniversary this November, I get to visit him. Japan Visa is valid for 3 months - starting from the actual date of approval. September is definitely a good month for my application - November falls somewhere in between the validity.


THE PREPARATION

PinoyExchange Japan Visa Section is of great help for me. I have been reading all the recent posts (2011 onwards) to understand the what not's and what to's on the application. There are some suggestions on the how much money should you have in the bank, and if you are lucky, some of the applicants post their profile and what they have submitted during their application.

Aside from document preparation, you must know that you can only apply through Japanese Embassy- accredited travel agencies. List are down below:


THE REQUIREMENTS

For Tourist Visa application, the requirements are as follows:

1. Birth certificate
2. Application form
3. Valid Passport
4. Japanese visa sized ID picture
5. Tour Itinerary
6. ITR
7. Bank Balance Certificate

Here are the documents that I submitted for my application and some notes.

What I submitted. 

Itinerary. This is the exact itinerary I submitted to Friendship Tours. 

APPLICATION

I went to Friendship Travel and Tours in Dusit Thani early Friday morning to submit my documents. I chose Friendship Tours since I read many good reviews from this agency - and all of it is true.

The agent who checked my requirements is so helpful and fast. They have a checklist of what you submitted, making sure you have complete requirements. Once checked, you have to pay Php 1,200.00 for the Visa application fee. They will give you a receipt that you need to present upon claiming of your passport.

The agent also explained to me that since it was a Friday and there is no Embassy on the weeken, Monday is the earliest submission of my passport to the Embassy. 7 days is the longest processing time, but passports can be claimed as early as the third day.

Make sure you have complete documents so the checking and transaction will be faster. I came in at 8:30am and I am done by 8:45am (I have to leave since I still have work).


WAITING TIME

I was informed that I can follow up my application status as early as Tuesday afternoon. Friendship Tours has a scheduled follow up time, which is 4:00 - 6:00pm.

I called up Tuesday but was informed that my passport is not back yet. I was asked to call up the next day. Wednesday came, and when I called up, agent congratulated me because I have 15-day Visa to Japan.

The very next day, I dropped by their office to get my passport, around 8:15am and the Japanese agent accommodated me, despite formal opening hour is at 8:30am.

My approved visa. (Personal details are removed)

NOTES:

1. The best advice is that you should present enough and valid documents that would justify your ties with the Philippines. An Employment Certificate is a best example of this - meaning, you have a reason to go back to the Philippines.

2. Aside from COE, I attached my Leave form, indicating that I am only allowed to be off my job on certain dates.

3. Your itinerary should be plain and simple. Make sure you research on the places to visit. Japan Guide is the best source of information for this (You can also use my Itinerary as well).

4. Your bank account should complement your itinerary and your profile. If you are a student with Php 200,000.00 in your bank account, they will doubt you on how you come up with that money. Similarly, if you have indicated a 4-day stay, having Php 500,000.00 on your bank account will also give raised eyebrows. They would think that if you have that big amount, then, you can stay longer in Japan - thus TNT.

5. Tokyo will definitely need more money than Osaka and Kyoto. Make sure you take into account the transportation, lodging and food on your bank balance certificate.

6. More passport/ immigration stamps will help you. This means you are a traveller and thus, tourism is the only reason for you to visit Japan. Although there are some first timers who were able to have Japan Visa, they might have presented some documents that convinced the Japan Embassy.

7. MOST IMPORTANTLY, Your documents will talk for you. There is no personal appearance in the Japanese Embassy, you cannot defend yourself to them. They won't give you their reason for denial either.

I hope this will help you in preparing for your Japan Visa application. I will answer your questions if I can. :)