[SELF-APPLIED JAPAN VISA REVIEW]
Hello everyone, our group of 4 just received the Japan Visa approval for the cherry blossom viewing trip at the end of March.
Our case was quite cumbersome because we didn't submit all at once but split into 3 batches due to various issues (wrong passport signature, late confirmation). I'm sharing this so those who end up submitting staggered like us can handle it confidently.
- BACKGROUND OF THE GROUP (4 FEMALES)
We are all office workers (NVVP) in Hanoi. Salary ranges from 15-20 million VND/month (company only covers part of salary so our income is still a bit low). Fully paid social insurance.
Travel history: 1 friend has Schengen visa 2022. The rest of us have been to basic countries like Korea, China, Thailand.
Finances: Each has a savings book from 80-100 million VND (mostly opened close to the date, 6-month term. Deposited gradually, not all at once).
Documents to prepare: Basically no different from what the entrusted services require: Original passport, Visa application form, Leave request form, 6-month salary statement, Work confirmation, Savings book balance confirmation, Itinerary, Flight booking. In addition, we made a Cover Letter and Proof of relationship. - SUBMISSION PROCESS
We planned to go end of March 2026, submitted about more than 1 month in advance.
Normally submitting all 4 together is easy, but our group was split into 3 phases.
Originally I was to submit with the first group of 3, but at the last minute discovered the signature on the Passport was in the wrong place, afraid of rejection so I had to get a new passport. I let the other 2 submit first then join later. When I had the new passport, the other 2 had already passed.
When it was my turn to submit, I attached 1 Cover Letter in English. Content like: I planned to go with group friends A & B but had to renew passport so submitting later. Currently the 2 friends already have Visa, I request to submit supplement to join the group. I attached photocopies of Visa face + Passports of friends A & B right after my application form to prove. After 1 week, approved.
For the 3rd batch, friend D is my university friend, not acquainted with the other 2 A & B. D submitted visa when I still didn't have results (about 4 days after I submitted). If not declared carefully, would be suspected of fake group. D still declared the same itinerary with the group of 4, wrote another Cover Letter explaining: I am friend of.... I am joining this trip with her group of friends. Due to late work arrangement, I submitted last. Result is D also passed after 8 days. - LESSONS LEARNED
When the application has something unusual (late submission, staggered submission, passport change...) must have a short explanation letter attached at the front. Also need to prepare carefully proof of relationship (friends, with photos together, clearly noting time throughout).
Personal finances must be transparent. Our group all have real savings books (not services) and stable jobs so the Embassy didn't question anything.
Sign in the CORRECT PLACE on the passport, important point to repeat 3 times.
Wish everyone good luck with visa application.
Cre: Bích Ngọc
