Introduction

The Japanese visa number is a crucial piece of information for anyone planning to visit Japan. It is a unique identifier that contains valuable information about the visa holder’s status and the purpose of their visit. Understanding the structure and significance of the Japanese visa number can help travelers navigate the visa application process more efficiently and ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Structure of the Japanese Visa Number

The Japanese visa number is a 12-digit alphanumeric code. Each digit or letter in the code holds specific information that is vital for immigration officials and visa holders alike. Here’s a breakdown of the structure:

1. Visa Type (1st Digit)

The first digit of the visa number indicates the type of visa issued to the applicant. Here’s a list of common visa types and their corresponding numbers:

  • 1: Short-term Stay Visa
  • 2: Long-term Stay Visa
  • 3: Working Holiday Visa
  • 4: Permanent Resident Visa
  • 5: Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa
  • 6: Specialist Visa
  • 7: Cultural Activities Visa
  • 8: Student Visa
  • 9: Designated Activities Visa

2. Visa Subtype (2nd Digit)

The second digit further specifies the visa type. For example, a 1A visa indicates a tourist visa, while a 1B visa indicates a business visa. This digit helps immigration officials identify the purpose of the visit.

3. Application Year (3rd Digit)

The third digit represents the year in which the visa was applied for. This helps in tracking the visa application process and determining the validity period of the visa.

4. Application Sequence Number (4-6 Digits)

The next four digits form the application sequence number, which is unique to each visa application. This number helps in identifying individual applications within a particular year.

5. Application Center Code (7th Digit)

The seventh digit represents the application center code where the visa application was submitted. This code is specific to each application center in Japan.

6. Application Center Branch Code (8th Digit)

The eighth digit indicates the branch code of the application center where the visa application was submitted. This code helps in identifying the specific branch within the application center.

7. Application Center Department Code (9th Digit)

The ninth digit represents the department code within the application center that handled the visa application. This code helps in identifying the specific department responsible for processing the application.

8. Application Center Division Code (10th Digit)

The tenth digit indicates the division code within the application center department that handled the visa application. This code helps in identifying the specific division responsible for processing the application.

9. Application Center Section Code (11th Digit)

The eleventh digit represents the section code within the application center division that handled the visa application. This code helps in identifying the specific section responsible for processing the application.

10. Application Center Unit Code (12th Digit)

The twelfth digit is the unit code within the application center section that handled the visa application. This code helps in identifying the specific unit responsible for processing the application.

Conclusion

Understanding the Japanese visa number’s structure can help travelers navigate the visa application process more effectively. By knowing the significance of each digit or letter in the code, visa holders can ensure a smooth entry into Japan and avoid any potential complications.