Graduating international students in Japan can transition from a Student residence status to a full-time work visa, such as Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Engineer, or extend their stay for job hunting under a Designated Activities status. To request a change, applicants must submit personal paperwork, university documents, and employer records in person at a regional immigration office. This guide covers the required documentation, immigration steps, and options available for university graduates navigating their transition into the Japanese workforce in 2026.
How do international students switch to a work visa in Japan?
Foreign residents in Japan reside under one of 29 status of residence categories. Under a Student visa, full-time employment is not permitted. If an international student plans to take up full-time employment in Japan after completing their studies, they must change their status of residence to an employment-based category, such as Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Engineer.
Where and how do you submit your visa application?
To apply for a change of status from Student to an employment category, you must visit your nearest regional immigration bureau, bureau branch, or branch office in person. Applicants are advised to call their local office in advance to confirm official operating hours and administrative arrangements before submitting paperwork.
What documents are required from you, your school, and your employer?
When applying for a work status such as Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Engineer, applicants must gather documentation from three separate sources:
- Personal documents: Your passport (or travel document), residence card, completed Application for Change of Status of Residence (available at the immigration counter), and a resume in any format listing accurate details of your educational history and job categories.
- University documents: Original certificate of graduation or certificate of expected graduation.
- Employer documents: A copy of your employment contract (a letter of employment or letter of resignation from the employing company is acceptable) detailing the nature of the work, employment duration, and compensation amount; a certified copy of the commercial register issued within the last 3 months; financial reports including balance sheets and income statements; and company brochures describing business operations.
For official updates and details on changing status, you can check Study in Japan.
What if you haven't found a job by graduation in 2026?
How long can you stay in Japan to continue job hunting?
If you have not decided on a job by the time you graduate in 2026, you can still remain in Japan to pursue full-time employment. You can do this by changing your status of residence from Student to Designated Activities. This status is granted for an initial period of 6 months and can be extended once for a maximum total duration of up to one year of continuous job hunting.
What paperwork is needed for the Designated Activities status?
To apply for the Designated Activities status for post-graduation job hunting, you must prepare the following documents:
- Application form for permission for change of status of residence (available at the regional immigration bureau).
- A passport-style photograph.
- Your passport and residence card (or alien registration certificate regarded as equivalent).
- A document certifying your financial ability to cover all living expenses during your stay in Japan.
- Documents authenticating your identity.
Required documents vary depending on whether you graduated from a university specified by the School Education Act of Japan or earned a diploma from a professional training college. Applicants should consult official guidelines on the Ministry of Justice website. Please note that individual circumstances differ, and readers must confirm specific requirements directly with official immigration authorities as this guide does not constitute personal legal advice.
Finding a place to stay
When transitioning from student life to full-time work or continuous job hunting in Japan, organizing your accommodation timeline is important. You should typically arrange housing after receiving your Certificate of Eligibility or visa approval, and before your employment start date or job search phase begins. Moving between school accommodations and professional housing requires flexibility during visa processing. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card with no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee. Groups, longer stays and students can ask for a quote; a special price is often possible. Securing a move-in ready apartment simplifies your transition so you can focus on your professional career in Japan.
FAQ
How can international students stay in Japan to look for a job after graduation?
Students who have not secured employment before graduation can change their status of residence from Student to Designated Activities, allowing them to remain in Japan for up to one year for continuous job hunting.
What documents must the hiring company provide for a work visa application?
The employer must provide a copy of the employment contract detailing job tasks, duration, and pay, a certified copy of the commercial register issued within the last 3 months, balance sheets and income statements, and company brochures.
Where must students apply to change their status of residence?
Applicants must present their documents in person at their nearest regional immigration bureau, bureau branch, or branch office in Japan.
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Changing Status of Residence｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-23)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.