{"id":1600,"date":"2026-10-26T05:23:26","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T20:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/?p=1600"},"modified":"2026-10-26T05:23:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T20:23:29","slug":"coe-is-not-enough-visa-risks-for-chinese-and-vietnamese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/?p=1600","title":{"rendered":"CoE Is Not Enough: Visa Risks for Chinese and Vietnamese"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) does not mean that all immigration procedures for working in Japan have been completed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a foreign national receives a COE from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, it is natural to feel relieved and assume that entry into Japan is almost guaranteed. However, another important step remains: applying for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In countries such as China and Vietnam, applicants may be required to submit additional documents, including employment contracts and information about working conditions, even after obtaining a COE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In practice, this means that applicants may face a two-stage examination process: first by the Immigration Services Agency under the Ministry of Justice, and then by Japanese diplomatic missions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A COE Does Not Guarantee Visa Issuance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A COE certifies that the applicant’s intended activities in Japan satisfy the relevant landing requirements for a particular status of residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it does not automatically guarantee that a visa will be issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the visa application process, Japanese embassies and consulates may independently examine the application, verify supporting documents, and request additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if the employment conditions or job responsibilities presented during the visa application differ from those submitted for the COE, the applicant may be asked to explain the discrepancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Not Leave Everything to Others<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important lessons for foreign applicants is not to leave the entire immigration process in the hands of employers, recruitment agencies, or immigration professionals.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applicants should understand the essential details of their own applications, including the identity of their employer, their job responsibilities, salary, and other employment conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If any significant changes occur after the COE application, applicants should immediately communicate with their employer or immigration representative and confirm whether additional action is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, applicants themselves must understand the information submitted on their behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Employment Documents May Be Required in China and Vietnam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This two-stage examination is more than a procedural formality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai requires applicants for the Engineer\/Specialist in Humanities\/International Services visa to submit certain supporting documents, which may include employment contracts, r\u00e9sum\u00e9s, graduation certificates, and employment records, in addition to the COE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City may require employment contracts or letters of employment as part of the documentation for work-related visa applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, documentary requirements vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, status of residence, and the Japanese diplomatic mission handling the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applicants should therefore check the latest requirements published by the relevant embassy or consulate rather than assuming that a COE alone will be sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employers Must Also Remain Responsible Until Entry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This issue is not solely the responsibility of foreign workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese employers should not consider the recruitment and immigration process completed simply because a COE has been issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If additional documents are requested during the visa application process, employers should respond promptly. Any changes to employment conditions must also be accurately communicated to the applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly states that a COE does not guarantee visa issuance and that additional documentation may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Message: A COE Is a Milestone, Not the Destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Foreign nationals planning to work in Japan should remember one essential point:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even after receiving a COE, your journey to Japan is not yet guaranteed. A visa must still be issued, and permission to land in Japan remains subject to immigration examination upon arrival.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not leave your application entirely to others. Understand the information submitted in your name, maintain close communication with your employer, and remain prepared to provide additional documents when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not let your guard down until you have successfully entered Japan.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting a new career and life in Japan is an important milestone. Taking personal responsibility for the immigration process until the very end is one of the best ways to avoid unnecessary complications and delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Immigration News<\/h2>\n\n\n