Got approved for a SE Japan Visa (15 days) within 6 days!

Booked an appointment with VFS Makati on April 13. I initially applied on April 15, 2026. Had to return because of some missing documents. VFS gave me a return stub, maximum was a week. So I went back April 22 to submit my application. Got an email from VFS on April 28 that my passport was ready to be picked up. Got my passport back on April 29.

About my application:

- I’m a freelancer

- It’s my first time ever applying for a visa

- Not much of a travel history

- I have a guarantor (who is also the inviter)

- Guarantor and I have only met twice in person. With only one photo together.

- Supporting documents: cover letter (explaining why I don’t have an ITR- income falls below threshold, reason for the trip, that the guarantor/inviter is covering everything, my relationship with guarantor, that I have ongoing work to go back to), proof of relationship with guarantor/inviter (photo together, screenshots of chats and call logs) 3 months’ worth of invoice.

Tips:

- get extra services, particularly the printing and photocopy fee for your convenience

- make sure your birth certificate was issued by PSA within the past year (but if not, there’s a PSA office in Ayala Circuit Mall, same building)

- print the vfs appointment pdf beforehand (if not, there’s a place where you can print for ₱20/page)

- don’t bring a laptop (not allowed, you’ll have to leave it in a locker. Fee is ₱100)

- no need to pay for the premium lounge. VFS staff is very friendly and will help you out with the application form

Tbh I thought my application was gonna be denied. It seemed like a long shot. I think I got approved simply because my guarantor had a strong bank statement (seven figures in PHP) 😅