Change from “Student visa” to “Designated Activities (Job hunting) visa”/ Visa extension

What is “Designated Activities (Job hunting)” visa?

It is a visa for international student who graduated from a university, etc. wishes to continue “job hunting” after the student visa expired.

Note: You cannot find a job with an expired student visa.

You have to meet any of the conditions below for Designated Activities (Job hunting) visa

1. University students
   A foreign student graduated from a university (including junior colleges and graduate schools) with a residence status of “College Student” who wishes to stay in Japan for the purpose of continuing job hunting and has been engaged in job hunting before graduating. (the same applies to foreigners who have graduated from a college of technology.)
   However, students in short-term course, auditors, credited auditors and research students are excluded.
2. Vocational school student
   A foreign student graduated from a vocational school with a residence status of “Student” who wishes to stay in Japan for the purpose of continuing job hunting and has been engaged in job hunting before graduating.

Note: the specialized course they have acquired in must be related to one of the qualifications :“Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”

Period of stay

6 month in general

However, if the employment is not decided during that period, and you have graduated for less than one year, plus there is no problem with your status of residence, your period of stay will be extended by “6 ​​months”.(maximum period of 1 year)

*special rule under coronavirus/ permission for part-time job:
With the status of residence of “Designated Activities (Job hunting)”, you can continue finding a job even after one year. And you can renew the visa every 6 month.

Proceeding

University students

1. Application for permission to change status of residence: 1 copy
   * Forms are available at the local immigration office. You can also obtain it from the website of the Ministry of Justice.
2. Photo (4 cm x 3 cm): 1 leaf
   * No hat, no background and clear photograph taken from the front within 3 months before application.
   * Enter the applicant’s name on the back of the photo and attach it to the photo field of the application form.
3. Passport and residence card
4. Documents certifying the applicant’s ability to pay all expenses while in residence Appropriately
   * When a person other than the applicant pays the expenses, a document certifying the person’s ability to pay and the process by which the person came to pay Please submit a document to clarify.
5. Documents (such as agency certificate, copy of family register, etc.) certifying your identity
   * Regarding 5 above, those other than the applicant ( please refer to this page for those who can submit an application . ) When submitting, it is necessary to confirm whether you can submit the application.
   * In addition, even if a person other than the applicant submits the application documents, it is necessary to show “3. Applicant’s passport and residence card” above.
6. Diploma (copy) or graduation certificate from the university you were enrolled in immediately before
7. One letter of recommendation for continued job hunting by the university you were enrolled in immediately before
   * letter of recommendation [PDF]
8. Materials that make it clear that you are continuing your job hunting

Vocational school student

1. Application for permission to change status of residence: 1 copy
   * Forms are available at the local immigration office. You can also obtain it from the website of the Ministry of Justice.
2. Photo (4 cm x 3 cm): 1 leaf
   * No hat, no background and clear photograph taken from the front within 3 months before application.
   * Enter the applicant’s name on the back of the photo and attach it to the photo field of the application form.
3. Passport and residence card
4. Documents certifying the applicant’s ability to pay all expenses while in residence Appropriately
   * When a person other than the applicant pays the expenses, a document certifying the person’s ability to pay and the process by which the person came to pay Please submit a document to clarify.
5. Documents (such as agency certificate, copy of family register, etc.) certifying your identity
   * Regarding 5 above, those other than the applicant( please refer to this page for those who can submit an application.)
   *When submitting, it is necessary to confirm whether you can submit the application. In addition, even if a person other than the applicant submits the application documents, it is necessary to show “3. Applicant’s passport and residence card” above.
6. Certificate of having the title of specialist issued by the special training school you were enrolled until immediately before: 1 copy
7. Diploma (copy) or graduation certificate and transcript of the vocational school you were enrolled until immediately before
8. One letter of recommendation for continuous job hunting by the special training school you were enrolled until immediately before
   * letter of recommendation [PDF]
9. Materials to clarify that you are conducting continuous job hunting
10. Material that clarifies the details of what you have learned in the specialized course: 1 copy
    * Please note that in addition to the above, materials may be required during the examination process by the authorities after application.

Extension of application period

In view of the various circumstances associated with the impact of coronavirus infection, as a measure to alleviate the congestion at the residence application window, foreign residents[excludes “Designated Activities (departure preparation period)”. )] whose residence of status expire in March, April, May or June will be able to renew the period of stay until 3 months after the expiry date.

Other special rules under coronavirus/ permission for part-time job

*For those who have been granted “Designated Activities (Job hunting) visa”

the period for job hunting are generally allowed within a year of graduation.

However, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, you can extend your period of stay beyond that period.

In addition, it is possible to apply for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously(資格外活動の許可)” ; which allows you to do part-time jobs during the period.

*For those who already have a job offer and have been granted “Designated Activities (Job hunting) visa” the period of stay is generally one year after they got a job offer and within a year and half of graduation.

However, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the scheduled date of adoption might change, you can extend your period of stay beyond that period.

In addition, it is possible to apply for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously(資格外活動の許可)” ; which allows you to do part-time jobs during the period.

Note: Both ① and ② will be examined based on the application for permission to renew your period of stay and the statement of reason created by the individual.