Highlights of this article
- What is CoE (Certificate of Eligibility) and why is it the key to obtaining a visa?
- Process, documents required and estimated time for CoE application
- How to Exchange Visa after Obtaining CoE (Taiwan Application Process and Points to Note)
- Tips on airfare, insurance and pre-trip preparation (practical advice)
- FAQ and avoidance checklist (so you don't get held up by the little details)
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and Visa Application
After completing the first three sections of the process, you will have to prepare various procedures for entering Japan. Before obtaining a visa, there is one document that you need to apply for, and that is the "Certificate of Eligibility".
The Certificate of Eligibility (hereinafter referred to as CoE) is a document created in accordance with Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Its main function is to confirm that the applicant meets certain residency requirements, which is a prerequisite for applying for a Japanese visa. In short, without a CoE, the applicant will not be able to successfully apply for a Japanese visa.
Why is CoE important?
The CoE is important for the following reasons:
- CoE is "Confirmation of Eligibility" before entering Japan.: After receiving the information from the Japanese school or host organization, if the Immigration Bureau of Japan recognizes that you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g., "short-term study/research", etc.), a CoE will be issued, without which you usually cannot obtain a visa.
- CoE → Smoother Visa Processing: After getting the CoE, you can go to the Japan Exchange Society (Embassy Office) in Taiwan to exchange your visa, which has a much higher process and success rate.
- The key proof of time and planning: It takes time for the CoE to be reviewed, so applying in advance can avoid delays that may affect your shipment date.
How to apply for a CoE (step by step without panic)
The following is a brief introduction to the application process and some personal advice.
- Contact Japanese Schools
- Most exchange students are assisted in applying for CoE by their schools, which provide sample application forms and submission checklists, and submit documents to the admissions office on their behalf.
- Suggestion: Check with your school's international exchange office (or department head) at the outset to confirm the window of responsibility and to set a timeline for submission.
- Preparation of required documents
Depending on the type of application, the required documents may vary. For exchange students, the following documents are generally required:- Application Form: CoE application form provided by the Japanese school (please follow the template).
- Passport Copy: Personal passport information page.
- photographs: A photo of the document that meets the required size, usually two inches.
- Proof of enrollment / transcripts: Shows your student status and academic standing.
- Proof of Property: Depending on the requirements of the school or the admission authority, it is usually necessary to prove that you have enough money to pay the fee (in some cases, you may be asked to prove that you have about 1 million yen or the equivalent, depending on the circumstances of your case).
- Other Information: Depending on the type of application, the school may require a research project, proof of language proficiency, or a letter of recommendation.
- Fee: $0 (at no cost to me)
- School Substitute Admission Audit
Submit the completed application form and all related documents to the Japanese school, and the school will be responsible for sending the information to the Immigration Bureau in Japan for review. - Awaiting Audit (Estimated Time)
- Generally, it takes about 1-2 months, sometimes longer in case of busy immigration or document replacement.
- Recommendation: Start applying for CoE at least 2-3 months before the scheduled departure.
- Received CoE (paper)
After the approval, the school or agent will send the original CoE document back to your contact address in Taiwan or inform you how to get it electronically.
How to exchange visa after getting CoE (Taiwan process)
The following is a brief description of the application process and fees.
- Steps to take after obtaining a CoE
Once you have received the original CoE from the Japanese school, please visit the Japan Exchange Society (Taipei or Kaohsiung) within three months to apply for your visa. - Documents required for visa application preparation
Taiwan passport holders usually need to prepare the following documents:- Two-inch photo 1 sheet
- Passport(valid for at least 6 months,)
- Visa Application Form(available on the ACA website)
- CoE and its front and back photocopies
- Identity card and its front and back photocopies(for verification)
- Submit an Application
- Visit the Taipei or Kaohsiung office of the Japan Exchange Society and submit all required documents.
- When you apply, you will be given a notification slip, and you will be able to pick up your passport and visa at the same time as the notification slip.
- It usually takes about 5 working days (subject to official announcement).
- Obtaining a Visa (Description of Fees)
A handling fee of approximately NT$1,000 is required for visa exchange (Reference SitesPlease refer to the actual cost at the time.) Please refer to the actual cost at the time.
Common Mistakes and Avoidance Checklist
- Delay in application: Applying for CoE too close to the departure date will result in a delayed shipment in the event of additional documents or an extension of the review process.
- Insufficient or incorrectly formatted proof of financial resources: Missing exchange rates, dates, or signatures may require a replacement.
- Photographs are out of order: Failure to meet the white background, size or recent photo requirements will result in the return of the document.
- Data Language Issues: Submission of information in Chinese only without translation may cause delays in the review.
- Late booking of air tickets leads to higher costsScholarship recipients are usually booked by the organization and should check with the organization first if they are unsure.
Pre-departure Preparation ①: How to Buy Air Tickets to Japan for International Students
Basically, if you have received a scholarship from PTI, you will have someone to help you to book the air ticket, so you usually don't have the burden of booking the air ticket by yourself; on the other hand, most of the students still need to pay for the air ticket by themselves. On the other hand, most international students still need to pay for their own air tickets:
Booking conditions
- There must be two bags.: Choose a ticket that allows you to check two large suitcases. Even if someone doesn't have much luggage, if they want to bring Taiwanese souvenirs to their seniors and professors in the lab, it is safer to have a larger baggage allowance, and two 23kg suitcases are the basic equipment.
- It's got to be a direct flight.Buy direct flights to minimize the risk of baggage loss and reduce travel fatigue, and to preserve your energy for the new environment.
- You must be a member of the airline.The main airlines you can choose from are ANA, JAL, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Star Airlines (details are listed in the table below). Be sure to sign up for a member account with each airline to accumulate miles, which can be exchanged for additional tickets in the long run. Please register your account with each company to accumulate mileage, so that you can redeem extra tickets in the long run.
| airline company | Route Coverage | Baggage Policy (Economy class standard) | Student Tickets | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Airlines (Taiwan) | Taipei/Kaohsiung → Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya/Fukuoka/Sapporo/Okinawa | Usually contains 2 x 23kg | There are student discount programs | Taiwan's local airline, many destinations, convenient after-sales service. |
| Eva Air | Taipei/Kaohsiung → Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya/Fukuoka/Sapporo | Usually contains 2 x 23kg | There are student discount programs | Consistent quality of service and frequent promotions |
| ANA All Nippon Airways | Taipei → Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya | Standard ticket includes 2 x 23kg | Youth/student tickets available | Japan Airlines, excellent service and high mileage value. |
| JAL Japan Airlines | Taipei → Tokyo/Osaka | Standard ticket includes 2 x 23kg | Student discounts available | Same class as ANA, fewer destinations |
| Star Airlines | Taipei → Tokyo/Osaka/Fukuoka | Standard ticket includes 2 x 23kg | Currently there is no student-only ticket | Emerging airlines, excellent service and competitive price |
Ticket Booking and Price Trends
- How early is the best time to order?
- General Session: Reasonable prices can usually be found 6-12 weeks before departure.
- High season (summer vacation July-August, winter vacation December-February, cherry blossom season March-April): 2-4 months or more in advance, price difference up to 30-50%
- School Season (September, April): 3 months in advance is the safest time
- Weekly Differences
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: usually cheaper than weekends NT$1,000-3,000
- Red Eye or Early Flight: early morning/early evening flights are often cheaper.
- Price Tracking Strategy
- Setting up Price Alerts in Google Flights or Skyscanner
- If you see 20% or more below the average price, you may consider buying it.
- Avoid the 3 days before and after consecutive holidays (Lunar New Year, Golden Week, Obon, etc.)
Essential Search Tools and Setup Tips
- Tool Set (3-Step Approach)
- Google Flights: Quick Scan Price Trends and Flex Dates
- Skyscanner / Momondo: Compare dealer and website prices
- Airline Website: Confirmation of baggage rules and final order
- Search Tips
- Using the No Trace Mode: avoid cookie tracking (limited but often mentioned)
- Toggle language and region: Sometimes the Japanese version or other regional versions may show different prices.
- Compare round trips vs.Occasionally it's cheaper to buy one-way separately, but make sure you include baggage.
Exclusive student discounts and ticket types (important!)
Here are the advantages of a student vote:
- Additional Baggage Allowance: Some student tickets directly include 2 or more pieces of weight
- Flexible rescheduling policy: One time rescheduling at low or no cost
- Exclusive Discounts: Cheaper than regular tickets 5-15%
So, where can we find student tickets? The following websites are for your reference.
- StudentUniverse(studentuniverse.com)
- International Student Tickets
- Registration and verification of student status (student ID, proof of enrollment) is required.
- Student rates and baggage rules will be displayed when searching.
- Airline's official student page
- ANA: Search for "ANA Student Discount" or "ANA Student Discount".
- JAL: "JAL Campus Tour" or "JAL Student Ticket"
- China Airlines: "Student Programs" or call Customer Service for more information.
- EVA Air: "Student Discount" or inquire through your travel agent.
- Travel Agent Student Program
- Lions, eTravel, Cola Travel, etc. sometimes offer student air ticket programs.
- Student ID or proof of enrollment required
Airport Selection Strategy
Apart from the airlines, the location of the airports from which you take off and land is also a major factor affecting the fares.
- Started in Taiwan
- Taipei Taoyuan (TPE): Most flights, competitive prices, first choice
- Kaohsiung Hsiaokang (KHH)Preferred by southern students, stable direct flights to Tokyo/Osaka
- Japan Arrival
- Tokyo
- Haneda (HND): close to downtown (30 minutes), but fares are usually higher
- Narita (NRT): farther from downtown (60-90 minutes), often cheaper NT$1,000-2,000
- Recommendation: Haneda if the school is in the Tokyo metropolitan area or if you are on a tight schedule; Narita if you are on a tight budget.
- Osaka
- Kansai (KIX): the only direct flight option, about 50 minutes from Osaka city center.
- Itami (ITM): No direct flights from Taiwan at this time (connecting flights required), will not be considered.
- Nagoya, city in Japan
- Chubu (NGO): fewer flights but stable prices, suitable for students from Chubu region
- Tokyo
Strategic Recommendations
- Flight options from Taipei: Please note that
- If you are flying from Taipei Taoyuan (TPE), you will land at Tokyo Narita (NRT).
- If you are flying from Taipei Songshan (TSA), you will land at Tokyo Haneda (HND).
- Although it still depends on the location of the exchange school, if you live in Taipei, it is recommended that you choose a direct flight from Songshan to Tokyo Haneda to save time and effort. It is also considered that if the elementary teacher will pick up the student later, he will not have to travel all the way to Narita, thus minimizing the need to travel.
Pre-trip Preparation ②: Insurance for your trip to Japan
Before going to Japan, it is recommended that you purchase "Overseas Travel Insurance/Student's Comprehensive Insurance" before departing from Taiwan.
What is this type of insurance? Why do I need it?
- definitionOverseas travel insurance usually refers to comprehensive insurance for short-term trips, while comprehensive study abroad insurance is a more complete product designed for students who are studying abroad for a long period of time. There is an overlap between the two in the Taiwan insurance market, and many insurance companies will include study abroad needs as an add-on or exclusive program.
- goal: Provide medical expense reimbursement, emergency rescue, emergency repatriation or repatriation of mortal remains, travel accident, loss of baggage and indemnity liability in the event of sudden illness or accident overseas, to compensate for the risk of the gap period when you have not enrolled in a local public insurance (e.g. National Health Insurance (hereinafter referred to as NHI)) in a foreign country prior to leaving the country or when the coverage in the local country is insufficient.
- Application::
- Transitional period before arriving in Japan or applying for Japanese National Health Insurance.
- Short-term language courses, exchange students or summer programs
- Those who want to strengthen overseas emergency rescue and repatriation protection
- Those who wish to retain Chinese Claims and Customer Service Support
Insurance Advice and Selection Strategies
- Prioritize the coverage of window periods: Ensure that you have medical and emergency coverage from the time of departure until you complete your local naturalization/insurance (e.g., NHI).
- Adjustment of medical insurance premiums according to destination: Countries with high medical costs (e.g. Japan) should opt for higher overseas medical coverage (e.g. USD 100,000 or above) or equivalent Japanese Yen or New Taiwan Dollar limits.
- Attention to preexisting conditions and chronic disease management: Be sure to tell your insurance company if you have a chronic medical condition, or get a doctor's note to assess whether additional arrangements are necessary.
- Emergency Relief and Coordination Services are Most Important: Choose a company that offers 24-hour Chinese/English customer service to assist with medical arrangements and transportation. In the case of emergency medical transportation (medical evacuation), the assistance of an insurance company can significantly reduce the risk of conflicts and delays.
- Viewing Excesses, Claims Caps, and Individual Caps: Find out if there is a deductible for medical out-of-pocket expenses, if there is a single baggage allowance, and if there is an adequate limit for property and liability insurance.
- Long-term and short-term convergence strategy: Recommended if you plan to stay for a long period of time (more than 3 months):
- Purchase an overseas travel/study insurance policy prior to your arrival date to cover the period from departure until you apply for local public insurance upon arrival;
- After the NHI has been finalized, review whether to keep part of the policy (as a supplement) or cancel it (depending on whether the policy allows for intermediate refunds and contractual terms).
- Compare similar programsUse a price comparison platform or ask two or three different insurance companies for a quote, paying special attention to policy coverage and claims assistance services, not just price.
Supplementary Knowledge: National Health Insurance (NHI / National Health Insurance) in Japan
Here are some basic information about National Health Insurance (NHI) in Japan:
- Nature: Japan's statutory public insurance, which is required in principle for those with mid- to long-term resident status (more than 3 months).
- Coverage: Out-of-pocket expenses for outpatient, inpatient, and prescription drug expenses are usually 30% (different for children and seniors).
- Fees: Calculated according to city, town, and income. The average premium for international students is around ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per month (this varies greatly from place to place, so check with your local ward office when you first arrive in Japan).
- Key Points: Most schools will strongly request to join; failure to join may affect residency and healthcare affordability.
Chapter 1 Summary
After completing the various steps in the exchange student application process, preparing for your CoE and visa is the final stage of your journey into Japan. With the help of the Japanese school, you can apply for your CoE and get your visa quickly to ensure that your exchange trip starts smoothly. Below is a brief summary of the entire process:
- Acquisition of exchange places
Apply through the school and get the exchange place in Japan. - Apply for Short-term Scholarship
For example, PTI scholarships to alleviate the financial burden. - Application for CoE
Work with a Japanese school to submit the required information and wait for review. - Visa Processing
After obtaining your CoE, prepare the necessary documents for your visa application and visit the Japan Exchange Society to apply for your visa. - Getting ready to go abroad
After confirming that you have your visa, you can prepare your air ticket, insurance, and other pre-travel matters, and embark on your exchange trip to Japan.
Applying for an exchange program is not an easy path, but as long as you have a plan, are prepared, and take one step at a time, your dream will come true. Looking back on this experience, not only did I realize my dream of studying in Japan, but I also learned how to face challenges and manage my time and resources.
And so, on March 30, 2016, after everything was ready, I set off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Readers
- QHow long does it take to apply for CoE? When should I start preparing?
- A
Generally speaking, it takes about 1-2 months from the school's behalf to the approval of the CoE (depending on the workload of the CoE, the season, or the need for replacement documents). It is recommended to start the CoE process at least 2-3 months before the scheduled date of issue (the earlier the safer); it may take even longer in case of replacement or during peak seasons, so plan ahead as much as possible.
- QHow long does it take to apply for a visa after receiving the original CoE? Is there a time limit?
- A
There is usually a validity period for using the CoE after it is issued (usually within 3 months), which means that you need to apply for a visa at the Japan Exchange Society or a designated organization within 3 months of receiving the original CoE. You may need to reapply for a CoE after the expiration date, so be sure to pay attention to the timing.
- QWhat if I want to change my departure date or extend my stay after getting my CoE and visa?
- A
If you are delayed but still within the validity period of your CoE, you can check with the School and Exchange Association to see if you need to reapply or change your status; if you are beyond the validity period of your CoE, you may need to reapply for a new CoE; for an extension of your stay (e.g., from half a year to one year, or from an exchange to a graduate program), you will need to apply for a change or extension of your status of stay from the Japanese side, and then go through the process of applying at the Immigration Bureau of Japan (IBJ). Please contact the Immigration Bureau of Japan or the International Office of your school for details.
- QHow far in advance do I have to book my tickets before they are cheaper?
- A
Usually 6-12 weeks; 2-4 months or more in advance during peak seasons (summer vacation, winter vacation, cherry blossom season, school year).
- QAre student tickets really worth it? How do I apply?
- A
It's worth it because student tickets often offer extra baggage or rescheduling discounts and can be as much as 5-15% cheaper than official tickets. you can register at StudentUniverse or the student section of the airline and complete verification before purchasing.
- QDoes Overseas Travel Insurance cover items not covered by NHI?
- A
Depends on the policy. Travel insurance often covers emergency assistance, repatriation, lost baggage and travel inconvenience that the NHI does not pay for; to cover medical co-payments, choose a medical insurance policy that includes an out-of-pocket payment.
- QIf I have joined NHI in Japan, do I still need to keep my Travelers Insurance in Taiwan?
- A
Depending on the circumstances. If you have a travel insurance policy that offers easy access to emergency assistance, repatriation and Chinese language customer service, or if you have an out-of-pocket payment to cover your NHI deductible, there is still value in keeping your travel insurance policy; otherwise, you may want to evaluate canceling it to save money on your premiums.
Related Resources
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Taiwan passport holders of "Certificate of Eligibility".
- 1. Visa / Certificate of Eligibility (COE) / Eligibility to Reside / On Residence Card
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