Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to make an appointment?
YES, appointments are required for Visa Applications (as of Wednesday, 8 November 2023)
Please click here for details.

Pick ups will be as per usual and no limited numbers.
Opening Hours for all visa related matters:  9:00am - 12:00pm and 1:30pm - 4:00pm, weekdays.
However please be sure to double check our office holidays here as we are closed for Australian public holidays as well as several Japanese public holidays.

2. How long does the visa take to process?
Processing times vary for types of visas and application method.
In person lodgemet generally takes 5 working days to issue from the date of acceptance.
Working Holiday visas generally take 10 working days to issue from the date of acceptance.
eVISAs generally take 2 weeks MINIMUM from the date of application lodgment.
Please not processing times are not guaranteed as it may take longer if the Government of Japan requires further examination of your application. 

3. I have a flight booked before my visa collection date. Is there any way to expedite the process?
No. As flights do not have to be purchased to apply for a visa, regardless of bookings, we cannot expedite the process. 

4. I cannot visit the Consulate-General in person due to work commitments etc. Can someone else lodge my application on my behalf?
Generally, the visa applicant must visit our office in person to lodge their own application however, if you cannot visit our office, you may authorize someone else to submit your application on your behalf using this authorization letter. Your representative must show his/her valid photo ID on application

5. Do my children (who also need a visa for Japan) need to attend your office to lodge their application?
They do not have to visit our office so long as parents bring their birth certificate. Additionally, children 5 years old and older must sign their own application form (either write their name or for those that have a signature in their passport, the same signature as per their passport). Furthermore, please ensure both parents sign the application form for children under 18 years old. 

6. Is there any online application or can I post my visa application?
No. There is no online application and you must visit our office in person to submit your visa application.
If you cannot visit our office due to unavoidable circumstances, or if you live in a remote area, please kindly contact us.
 
7. How can I obtain a Certificate of Eligibility?
A Certificate of Eligiblity (CoE, 在留資格認定証明書, zairyuushikaku nintei shoumeisho) is applied for by your sponsor in Japan (employer, school or family) on your behalf. For more details, please click here. 
 
8. Is there any visa category for those who are engaged or in a partnership?
No. To apply for a spouse visa, you must have registered your marriage with the Japanese Government.



Please feel free to contact us on 07 3221 5188 or at consular@bb.mofa.go.jp