Visa Application Form Preparation in Japan: what actually matters to know
Short answer
Submit your application within 90 days of travel, ideally one month before departure. Use a valid passport, provide proof of return flights, and for self-employed individuals with low income, include a sponsorship letter.
From real experience
For a Japanese visa application as a self-employed individual with low income, sponsorship is a viable strategy.
A sponsor's letter in free form is required. Visa centers are efficient and have friendly staff. Applications were successful in obtaining a 30-day visa when 22 days were requested. Multiple-entry visas were denied for a first-time applicant. Flight tickets back to the home country are necessary, and if not available at the time of application, the visa center may contact the applicant later.
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When applying for a Japanese visa, it's important to ensure all documentation is accurate and complete.
Applicants should avoid specific phrasing in their application, such as stating they are visiting friends or relatives, if it doesn't align with the true purpose of their visit. Applicants from disputed territories or those working in sensitive industries may face additional scrutiny.
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For Japanese visa applications, it is recommended to apply no earlier than 90 days before the intended travel date and ideally around one month prior to departure.
Applying too early might lead to complications, while applying too late risks missing the travel window due to processing times.
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It is acceptable to use an old-style 5-year or 10-year passport for a Japanese visa application, provided it remains valid for at least six months from the application date.
This is a common practice, and applicants with such passports have successfully submitted their applications.
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For Japanese visa applications, if your travel date is not yet fixed when filling out the application form, you can manually add the date (e.g., for the 'program of stay') on a printed document.
This is generally accepted in Moscow, though policies might vary by consulate.