Australia visas for foreign children living in Japan – school trips (Shugakuryoko), homestays and summer schools (Visitor visa subclass 600)

School trips (Shugakuryoko), homestays, summer schools and short study programs (Visitor visa subclass 600)

If your child:

• holds a non-Japanese passport,

• is living and studying in Japan, and

• is about to join:

  • a Japanese-style school trip to Australia (Shugakuryoko, 修学旅行)

  • a short English study program or summer school, or

  • a homestay or international exchange program in Australia,

then in most cases they will need to obtain the right Australian visa before departure.

This page is written by a gyoseishoshi (Japanese administrative lawyer) for parents from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and English-speaking African countries (for example Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, etc.) who are now living in Japan.

We explain how foreign children under 18 who reside in Japan can obtain the appropriate Australian Visitor visa (subclass 600 – Tourist stream) for school trips, short study programs and homestays.

1. Even for “school trips” (Shugakuryoko) and summer schools, a visa is usually required

Even if the program is organised by a Japanese school or education provider – for example:

• a Japanese school trip (Shugakuryoko, 修学旅行) to Australia,

• a short exchange program between a Japanese and Australian school,

• a summer school / English course with homestay, or

• an international exchange tour organised by a local government or education board,

your child will normally need:

Visitor visa (subclass 600 – Tourist stream)
i.e. a short-term visitor / tourist visa for Australia.

The Japanese school or organiser will often ask parents to submit:

• proof that the visa has already been granted, or

• at least proof that the visa application has been lodged.

If your child has been looking forward to their once-in-a-lifetime school trip or summer program,
it would be heartbreaking if they had to cancel only because the visa was not ready in time.

To avoid that, our office provides end-to-end support for short-term Australian visas for children who live in Japan.

2. For applicants under 18, a birth certificate is essential

For applicants under 18, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will, as a rule, require a birth certificate.

The issue date of the document does not matter very much. What matters is that you can submit an official birth certificate that shows the child’s details and the parents’ names.

• If your child was born in Japan
  You will need to obtain the following document from your city or ward office (市役所 / 区役所):

  出生届記載事項証明書 (Shussei Todoke Kisai Jiko Shomeisho)

  This is the certificate showing the full contents of the birth registration (child’s name, date of birth, parents’ names, etc.).
  The simple receipt 「出生届受理証明書」 is usually not sufficient.

• If your child was born outside Japan
  You will need the birth certificate issued in the country of birth,
  clearly showing the full names of both parents.
  In most cases a copy (scan) is acceptable, but in almost all cases an English translation is required.

For minor applicants, the birth certificate is one of the core documents in the visa file.
We strongly recommend that you obtain it early, not just a few days before lodging the application.

3. Who is this page for?

Yokoyama Legal Service Office primarily supports families who:

• have children studying in elementary, junior high or high school in Japan,

• or youth studying at senmon schools, kosen, colleges, or universities in Japan,

• and who hold non-Japanese passports and legally reside in Japan.

Typical nationalities include, for example:

• India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey,

• English-speaking African countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa,

• as well as China, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mongolia, Russia and others.

These children:

• live their everyday life and go to school in Japan, but

• wish to visit Australia during holidays for short English study programs, summer schools or homestays, or

• join a Shugakuryoko or exchange tour organised via their Japanese school.

Our main target group is therefore:

Foreign children living in Japan with non-Japanese passports,

and we support them in obtaining the correct short-term Australian visa (usually Visitor visa subclass 600).

4. Why many South Asian and African families choose Australia for short programs

In recent years, programs such as:

• short-term overseas study,

• English camps and summer schools, and

• homestay programs

have become very popular among families across Asia and Africa.

Parents from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and many African countries who are now living in Japan often:

• have high expectations for their children’s education,

• are keen to give their children early real-world English exposure, and

• actively look for safe, structured experiences abroad.

Typical goals include:

• widening their children’s world view,

• building confidence and independence, and

• letting them use English in real-life situations, not only in the classroom.

Among many possible destinations, Australia is often chosen because it offers:

• high quality of life,

• relatively good safety, and

• a strong multicultural environment where foreign children do not feel out of place.

5. Advantages of Australia for short-term study programs

For one-month English programs or several-week summer schools, Australia offers many advantages:

• Beautiful natural environment and relatively clean air;

• People are friendly, relaxed and open-minded;

• Public safety is relatively good, with strict gun control laws;

• The climate in many regions is comfortable, with plenty of sunshine.

Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to Japan:

• During the hot Japanese summer, some Australian cities are cooler and more pleasant;

• Children may feel less tired from the heat, and can concentrate better on studying and activities.

Australia is also a highly multicultural society:

• A large proportion of residents are born overseas;

• Many ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds live together;

• Diversity and mutual respect are widely valued.

For a child in a short-term program, this means:

• It is easier to make friends from many countries, even if their English is not perfect;

• They are less likely to feel “different” or isolated;

• The environment naturally encourages confidence in using English.

6. What kinds of schools and courses are suitable for short stays?

For short-term study and summer programs, we often suggest:

• private English language schools, or

• English language centres attached to universities or colleges in Australia.

Their common features include:

• Flexible start dates – some schools have new intakes every week or every month;

• Flexible duration – from 1 week up to 4, 8 or 10 weeks;

• General English classes with level placement tests;

• In vacation periods, many programs combine
  English lessons + activities (sports, sightseeing, workshops, cultural experiences, etc.).

For children who:

• do not yet need a heavy academic program, but

• want a safe, enjoyable English environment with real-world experience,

these short English + activity programs are often ideal.

7. Approximate costs for short-term study in Australia

Total costs for a short-term program (summer school, English course plus homestay, etc.) often fall roughly in the range:

about 300,000 to 800,000 Japanese yen

This is only a very general estimate. Actual costs depend on the city, school, program design and season.

Main cost components:

• Visa-related costs

  • If you apply yourself, the Australian government’s visa application charge for Visitor 600 is usually around the equivalent of 30,000 JPY, depending on exchange rates.

  • If you ask our office to handle the entire process,
    our professional fee (including guidance and required translation of Japanese documents)
    usually starts around 55,000–60,000 JPY per main applicant, and varies with case complexity.

• Return airfare Japan–Australia

  • For example, Tokyo–Sydney flights booked early with a low-cost carrier might be from around 80,000 JPY upwards.

  • In peak seasons or with full-service airlines, the cost is usually higher.

• Tuition fees

  • 1-week programs: around 60,000 JPY;

  • 2-month programs: around 300,000 JPY or more, depending on the institution.

• Accommodation (homestay or student residence)

  • 1–2 weeks: around 50,000 JPY;

  • 2 months: around 200,000–250,000 JPY.

• Living expenses and pocket money

  • Typically, families prepare around 50,000–100,000 JPY,

  • depending on the length of stay and the child’s spending habits.

Again, these amounts are for reference only.
Real costs will vary significantly depending on city, school, program and timing.

8. How to enrol in the program (Shugakuryoko / study tour / summer school)

Parents can enrol their children in programs in Australia through:

• international exchange organisations, foundations or NGOs;

• study abroad agencies and educational travel companies;

• programs directly coordinated between a Japanese school and an Australian school;

• or school-organised Shugakuryoko / overseas school trips.

Yokoyama Legal Service Office does not sell study tours or travel packages.
Our role is strictly on the visa side:

Once your family has chosen the school, program or organiser,
we support the preparation and lodging of the appropriate Australian visa application
(usually Visitor visa subclass 600) for your child.

9. For short-term programs, do we need a tourist visa or a student visa?

For most programs of up to about three months:

You generally do not need a long-term Student visa.
In many cases, the Visitor visa (subclass 600 – Tourist stream) is sufficient.

However:

• even for a two-week school trip (Shugakuryoko),

• or a one- to two-week English camp or summer school,

if your child holds a foreign passport
they will still need to obtain a visa before entry into Australia.

For many families, this visa requirement feels like a big first hurdle,
and that is exactly where we can help.

(On the positive side, your child might get to see some very cute animals in Australia –
for example the famous quokkas 😊)

10. Common documents for minor children (Visitor 600 – school trip / summer school cases)

If your child is not travelling with both parents,
or is travelling only with one parent, with relatives, or just with the school group,
the required documents will usually be more complex than for an adult.

Examples of documents often required (actual requirements vary by case):

• Online visa application through ImmiAccount;

• Form 1229 – consent form for minors, signed by parents or legal guardians;

• If there is a migration agent or representative: Form 956, etc.;

• Colour scan of the child’s passport (bio page and visa/stamp pages);

• A recent passport-style photo (taken within the last 6 months);

• Front and back images of the child’s Japanese Residence Card;

• For some nationalities, a copy of a national ID card from the country of origin;

• Birth certificate:

  • If born in Japan: 「出生届記載事項証明書」;

  • If born outside Japan: the birth certificate issued in that country, showing both parents’ names;

• Certificate of enrolment at the school in Japan (在学証明書 – original);

• A detailed itinerary for the trip or program;

• Invitation letters or program outlines from the Japanese school and/or the Australian receiving organisation;

• Copies of passports and Residence Cards of the parents;

• Financial evidence – bank statements, balance certificates, proof of income, tax documents, etc.;

• A 住民票 (juminhyo) listing all family members.

If the family situation is more complex – for example:

• divorce, remarriage, single parent families,

• or sole custody held by one parent –

it may be necessary to provide additional documents related to:

• custody, and

• who has the legal right to decide international travel for the child.

For each family, we prepare a tailored document checklist,
to minimise the risk of missing crucial evidence.

11. Travel consent and custody issues

Australia takes child welfare and safety very seriously.

When a child under 18 enters or leaves Australia, it is often required that:

• a travel consent letter be provided,
  signed by any parent or legal guardian who is not travelling with the child;

• when neither parent is travelling,
  the authorities may also require a declaration from an adult (21+) in Australia
  – for example via Form 1257 – confirming they will take responsibility for the child during their stay.

Family law systems differ from country to country. For example:

• In some systems (including Japan), after divorce one parent may hold sole parental authority;

• In many other countries, joint custody is common, meaning both parents retain legal rights.

This means that:

• even after divorce, legally both parents may still have rights regarding the child;

• in such cases, one parent cannot unilaterally decide about international travel;

• therefore, we must carefully check the family law of the child’s country of nationality.

For programs like Shugakuryoko, summer schools, homestays, where:

• neither parent accompanies the child, and

• teachers, host families or program coordinators look after the child,

the Australian authorities will pay special attention to:

• parental consent documents,

• the custody status, and

• who is responsible for the child’s safety and welfare in Australia.

At Yokoyama Legal Service Office, our approach is to:

1. Check the family law of the child’s country of nationality regarding custody;

2. Identify who is currently the legal guardian / custody holder;

3. Analyse whose signature and consent are legally required,
   and in which situations certain consents are no longer legally necessary;

4. Prepare a clear written explanation in English regarding the legal situation,
   to attach to the visa application for the case officer.

This is one of our strengths as a Japanese gyoseishoshi office dealing with international family and minor cases.

12. Why you should consult a specialist as early as possible

Compared to adult visa applications, visa applications for minors:

• require more documents,

• involve birth certificates, custody and travel consent,

• require translation of Japanese (and sometimes other) documents into English, and

• small mistakes or omissions can lead to requests for further information or even refusal.

If your child has to cancel a:

• school trip (Shugakuryoko),

• summer school, or

• short-term exchange program

because of visa issues,
it is a major disappointment for both the child and the parents.

Therefore, we strongly recommend:

If you are considering sending your child to Australia –
whether for a school trip, short-term study program, summer school or homestay –
please consult a specialist early and allow enough time for preparation.

Since around 2016, Yokoyama Legal Service Office has handled many cases where:

• a parent travels together with the child for a short program;

• children travel only with the school group;

• students participate in international competitions and academic events in Australia;

• the family situation is complex (divorce, remarriage, single parent, multinational families, etc.).

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. My child has permanent residence (EIJUSHA 永住者) or long-term residence in Japan. Do they still need a visa for Australia?
A: Yes.

For Australia, the key point is the child’s passport nationality, not their Japanese residence status.
Even if your child is a long-term resident in Japan, if they hold, for example, an Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Afghan, Turkish or African passport, they must obtain an Australian visa before travel.

Q2. For school trips (Shugakuryoko), short-term study or summer schools, what type of visa is normally used?
A: In most cases, the appropriate visa is:

Visitor visa (subclass 600 – Tourist stream)

This visa type is usually sufficient for:

• school trips,

• short English courses, and

• school experience programs with homestay,

as long as the program meets the conditions for a visitor visa.

Q3. Is the visa application process entirely online?
A: Yes.

All applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount, where you:

• create an account,

• fill in the online form,

• upload scanned documents, and

• pay the visa application charge by credit or debit card.

Q4. How long does it usually take for the visa to be processed?
A: It depends on the case, but:

• many applications are decided within about two weeks,

• some take longer, especially if extra documents or health checks are requested.

As a general rule, we recommend:

Starting preparation at least about 1.5 months before your planned departure date.
For large school groups, even earlier is better.

Q5. Our child’s school is asking for proof that the visa application has been lodged. Is that available?
A: Yes.

After you submit the application through ImmiAccount and pay the visa fee,
the system generates a PDF called “Acknowledgement of application received”.

You can print this and submit it to the school as proof that the visa application has been lodged.

14. Examples of past cases (for illustration)

Here are some examples of minor / student cases we have handled (a non-exhaustive list):

• Public high school student – 6-day homestay program in Brisbane (Chinese nationality);

• Private university student – 6-week English course in Sydney (Chinese nationality);

• Public junior high school student – 8-day exchange program in Sydney (Chinese nationality);

• Private high school student – 4-week homestay program in Brisbane (Chinese nationality);

• Private high school student – 15-day ESL program at a university in Sydney (Chinese nationality);

• Private high school student – 10-day program in Melbourne (homestay + partner school);

• Private high school student – 7-day World Scholar’s Cup program in Sydney (Chinese nationality);

• Kosen (technical college) student – approx. 1.5-month university program in Brisbane (Mongolian nationality);

• Private university student – 10-week university language centre course in Sydney (Chinese nationality).

In addition, we have supported many other cases with different nationalities and program types.

15. Service area and how to contact us

Service area: all of Japan

In most cases, we can complete the entire visa process via:

• email,

• phone, and

• postal / courier mail for original documents.

Our office is located in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
If you live nearby, you can book an in-person consultation.
If you live in another prefecture, the process can be handled 100% remotely.

In principle, we accept cases only for families whose children actually live in Japan,
with a valid 住民票 (juminhyo) and Residence Card.
We generally do not handle cases for people who are still overseas and have not yet started living in Japan.

16. Why ask Yokoyama Legal Service Office to handle the visa?

1. Reduced burden for busy parents

   • You do not have to write long emails in English to the Australian immigration authorities yourself;

   • You can communicate with us in Japanese, English or Chinese;

   • Based on your information, we prepare the necessary English explanations, forms and uploads.

2. Support for clients all over Japan

   • Our clients live not only in Tokyo, but also in Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Shizuoka, Aichi, Osaka, Hyogo, Fukuoka and many other regions;

   • Many cases are completed using only email + post, without any in-person visit.

3. Combined service: visa + translation of Japanese documents

   • You do not need to search separately for a translator for Japanese certificates;

   • We will tell you exactly which Japanese documents must be translated into English;

   • In many cases, the cost of necessary translations is already included in our visa service fee (details vary per case).

4. Extensive experience with Australian visas since around 2016

   • We have handled around 100–200 Australian visa cases per year for foreign residents in Japan;

   • Including higher-risk cases (short residence history, modest income, complex family situations, minors travelling without parents, etc.);

   • Based on our internal statistics, the overall approval rate exceeds 80%
     (this is an experience-based reference, not a 100% guarantee).

5. Clear and transparent fee structure

   • Before we accept your case, we send a written quotation;

   • It clearly explains the scope of work, whether translation is included, the fee amount and an approximate timeline.

6. Strict protection of personal information

   • As a registered gyoseishoshi office in Japan, we are legally bound by confidentiality obligations (守秘義務);

   • Sensitive data such as passport details, Residence Card, income, tax records, bank balances and family information
     are handled carefully in accordance with Japanese law.

17. A final message to South Asian, Turkish and African parents living in Japan

For foreign families living in Japan,
helping your children take their first steps towards the wider world
often begins with a single visa.

Applying for a visa does require time, effort and money.
But many parents accept this,
because they see it as an investment in their children’s education, future and personal growth,
and sometimes also as part of their own dream to see their children explore the world.

As a visa-specialised office,
Yokoyama Legal Service Office sincerely wishes to support foreign children living in Japan,
so that they can, starting with Australia,
take confident and safe first steps into a wider world.

If you are planning to send your child:

• on a school trip (Shugakuryoko) to Australia,

• to a short-term study program or summer school, or

• to a homestay or English course,

please feel free to contact us.

Yokoyama Legal Service Office

• Tel (Japan): 03-6264-9388

• Email: info@lawoffice-yokoyama.com

You can contact us in Japanese, English or Chinese.
We will do our best to make sure your child’s Australian study trip does not fail because of visa problems.