Japan Visa rejection: Common reasons and how to avoid it

Japan is a dream destination for many travelers with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. However, before exploring the Land of the Rising Sun, you must navigate one major hurdle: getting a Japan Visa.

Getting your visa approved is an important step in preparing to visit Japan. Therefore, it’s important to understand the common reasons for a Japan Visa rejection. This article will guide you on how to avoid mistakes and submit an error-free application!

Criteria for Japan Visa issuance

To increase your chances of getting a Japan Visa, you must meet specific criteria outlined by the Japanese Immigration Control Act. According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these requirements include:

• Ensure you hold a valid passport that allows for re-entry into your home country or country of residence.

• Submit all required documents accurately and authentically.

• Your intended activities in Japan must align with the chosen visa category and meet the stipulated period of stay.

• Make sure you’re eligible for the Japan Visa you’re applying for. Use our Visa Checker Tool to see your visa options.

Common reasons for Japan Visa rejection

A visa denial can be disheartening. The first step to avoiding rejection is to understand that different visas have different requirements. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled all the information you need about the Japan eVisa and the Japan Tourist Visa.

If you’re applying for a Japan Student Visa or Work Permit, you must provide specific documentation for your travel purposes. Visa applicants should contact the nearest Japanese Embassy to learn more about visa fees, financial documents, and visa conditions to reduce the chances of errors.

Here are some common reasons for a visa denial:

• Application outside your country of birth or residence: Don’t apply for your Japanese visa while traveling abroad. You must apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate within your country of birth or current residence.

• Reapplying for the same purpose within six months: If your previous visa application was rejected, avoid reapplying before the six-month wait time. Significant changes in your circumstances are necessary for a successful reapplication.

• Application being processed elsewhere: Ensure your visa application isn't already under review at a different Japanese embassy or consulate.

• Errors or omissions in documents: Thoroughly review your application and documents to eliminate errors or omissions that might lead to a denied visa. A common reason for visa rejection is providing blurry images of required documents or illegible copies.

• Insufficient passport validity: Check your passport's validity and ensure it has enough blank pages for the requested visa type.

• Missing travel itinerary: Providing detailed information about your trip is essential to getting a valid visa. Japanese authorities don’t accept reasons such as “tourism” or “sightseeing in Tokyo” without a more detailed explanation. Also, ensure to include your return flight details.

• Missing bank statement: This is a common reason for visa denial. Japan immigration authorities require a bank statement of at least one month. They don’t accept an employment certificate or earning statement instead of a bank statement.

Consequences of a Japan Visa rejection

A denied Japan Visa can have significant consequences, including delayed travel plans, financial losses, and overall disappointment. It's essential to understand these potential outcomes before applying.

• Travel delays: Reapplying for a visa can delay your travel plans, causing inconvenience and potential rescheduling costs. Since you must provide your travel itinerary to apply for a visa, consider purchasing a travel ticket that you can reschedule or cancel.

• Financial loss: Application fees and associated costs are non-refundable, so you may suffer some damage in the event of rejection. However, you don’t pay visa fees unless your visa is approved.

How to appeal a Japan Visa rejection

If you submitted your visa application in your home country, you may have the option to appeal. To do so, visit a Japanese embassy or consulate, provide reasons for your case to be heard, and present supporting evidence. However, in most cases, tourist visa applications cannot be appealed. Instead, you can reapply after a six-month waiting period.

Can I reapply if my Japan Visa was rejected?

Generally, if your previous visa application is rejected, you cannot reapply within six months from the rejection date. The Japanese government may make exceptions if significant changes in your circumstances necessitate immediate travel for humanitarian reasons. Always consult a Japanese embassy or consulate before reapplying.

Is it possible to know the reason for the rejection of a Japan Visa?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan doesn’t provide the reasons for visa rejections. This policy is in place to prevent misuse of information for illegal purposes, ensuring the integrity of the visa review process.

How to avoid a Japan Visa rejection

Before submitting your Japan Visa application form, follow these tips to increase your chances of approval:

• Ensure all required documents are complete, accurate, and authentic.

• Clearly state your purpose of visit and ensure it aligns with the chosen visa category.

• Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

• Apply well in advance to allow for the processing time.

• Confirm your eligibility for the chosen visa type.

• If you need a Japan Tourist Visa, consider applying with us. We offer professional guidance, assisting you from start to finish.

• If reapplying, ensure there are substantial changes in circumstances to support your new application. Depending on your situation, consider consulting immigration lawyers.

What is the Japan Visa rejection rate?

The Japanese government doesn’t disclose detailed information about the visa rejection rate. However, it's worth noting that around 80% of online visa applications are rejected due to missing, incomplete, or illegible supporting documents.

Need help? Contact us

If you have questions or need assistance with your Japan eVisa or Tourist Visa application, let us be your guide for your visa needs. Our customer service team is here to help you with a smooth and error-free application process. Contact us through our online chat or email us at [email protected].