Navigating post-graduation life in Japan requires planning your immigration status carefully. International university graduates who wish to continue seeking employment after graduation can transition from a "Student" visa to the "Designated Activities" (特定活動) visa status. This status offers an initial 6-month stay and can be extended once for an additional 6 months, allowing up to 1 year of job hunting in Japan.
What is the "Designated Activities" visa for job hunting in Japan?
The "Designated Activities" visa allows international graduates to remain in Japan while actively seeking work. According to guidelines from HOSEI University Global Education Center and Sophia University Web Piloty, this option is designed for students who began job hunting during their studies and need more time after completing their degree.
Who is eligible to apply for this status?
Eligibility is primarily limited to regular degree students graduating from a Japanese university or graduate school. Non-regular students, non-degree students, research students, and auditors are not eligible. However, graduate students who were unable to conduct job hunting during enrollment due to intensive academic research may still apply if their university or faculty advisor provides an official statement of reason.
How long can international graduates stay on this visa?
The visa grants a 6-month period of stay. If you need more time, you can apply for a single extension of 6 months, granting a total maximum stay of 1 year from your official graduation date (such as March 24 or September 16). Always check official guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency or your university's international support office to verify individual timeline details.
How do you apply for the initial visa change from "Student"?
Applying for the change of status requires preparation before or immediately following graduation.
What documents do you need for the first application?
To submit your application at the Immigration Services Agency, you must prepare the following items:
- Application for Change of Status of Residence (4 pages for the applicant)
- Graduation certificate or certificate of expected graduation (if applying prior to graduation, though final submission of the graduation certificate is required when picking up the new card)
- Proof of continuous job hunting activities, such as reservation emails for company information sessions, copies of entry sheets, interview notifications, or registration proof from Hello Work or the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners
- Recommendation letter issued by your university’s international or career center (printed in color)
- Proof of living expense support, such as a bank balance certificate or passbook copy covering approximately 6 months of living costs
- Valid passport and current residence card (plus student ID if still enrolled)
- Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (if planning to work part-time)
All certificates issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of submission.
What are the university recommendation and financial requirements?
University recommendation letters are mandatory. Universities usually accept recommendation requests starting around January of your graduation year. Applications require proof of active job hunting. Additionally, applicants must show proof of financial stability, typically a bank balance sufficient for 6 months of living expenses. If documentation is not in Japanese or English, a Japanese translation must be attached.
How do you extend the visa for a second 6-month period?
If you have not secured employment during the first 6 months, you may apply for a 6-month extension before your initial period expires.
What documents are required for the 6-month renewal?
Renewal requires a new application for extension of stay, an updated university recommendation letter, current proof of job hunting activities, and updated proof of financial support. Even if a graduate student used a university reason letter for the initial application, actual proof of job hunting activities is mandatory for the second 6-month extension. Some institutions, such as Sophia University, require graduates to participate in mandatory online career seminars (e.g., attending at least 3 monthly sessions) to receive the extension recommendation.
What are the key rules for part-time work and travel?
Holders of this visa may work part-time up to 28 hours per week, provided they obtain permission for activity outside status. However, part-time work or paid internships are strictly prohibited during the gap between graduation and receiving the new "Designated Activities" residence card. Crucially, if a student departs Japan before submitting the change application to immigration, or leaves after graduation without completing required procedures, they lose eligibility for this status change.
What administrative steps must you complete after approval?
Once approved, you must update several official records to remain fully compliant with Japanese regulations.
How do you update My Number, National Health Insurance, and pension?
Submit a copy of your new residence card to your university. First-time applicants must submit a notification of leaving their organization to immigration within 2 weeks of graduation. You must also update your My Number card at your local municipal office before your old residence period expires; otherwise, it will automatically invalidate. For National Pension, graduates no longer qualify for the Student Special Payment Exception and must pay regular premiums or apply for low-income exemption at city hall. Additionally, update your new residence card details with your bank to avoid account restrictions.
What are the 2026 fee changes and online application updates?
Starting June 14, 2026, applicants can choose an integrated "Specific Residence Card" combining residence status and My Number functionality. Furthermore, immigration review fees will see a significant increase starting October 2026. Counter applications require cash payment for revenue stamps at post offices, whereas online applications accept bank or convenience store payments with an additional 330 or 550 yen transaction fee.
Finding a place to stay
When transitioning to a job-hunting status, arranging stable housing in Tokyo is an important step. It is best to finalize your accommodation plans as soon as your visa extension or status change is processed so you can focus entirely on interviews and networking. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, making it simple to settle in without setting up long-term utilities. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi, allowing you to manage your job-hunting budget clearly without hidden costs.