To change from a student visa to a work visa in Japan, international students must apply for a change of status of residence at their local regional immigration bureau before their current student visa expires. Foreigners in Japan operate under one of 29 status of residence categories, and full-time employment generally requires moving to statuses such as Engineer or Specialist in Humanities/International Services. Because the application process involves compiling documentation from your university and your future employer, understanding the required steps early ensures a smooth transition into the Japanese workforce.
When should international students apply to change their visa status in Japan?
Graduating international students cannot remain in Japan under a student visa after their academic program ends and must promptly depart or submit an application to change their status of residence. You must submit your application before your current student visa expires. Applications must be submitted in person at the nearest regional immigration bureau, branch office, or bureau branch by the student, as university offices cannot submit status change applications on your behalf.
Processing times for visa change applications vary considerably based on the location of the immigration office. High-volume administrative centers such as Tokyo or Osaka generally experience longer processing durations compared to smaller regional offices like Oita. When you submit your application at the counter, your residence card will be stamped to indicate that a change of status is currently in process. This official stamp protects your legal status in Japan even if your original student visa expires while your application is still being processed by immigration officials.
What documents are required to switch to a work visa?
Switching to an employment-based status of residence, such as Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Engineer, requires gathering supporting documents from three parties: yourself, your employer, and your educational institution. Requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances, so applicants should verify exact details directly with official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or Study in Japan.
To prepare your submission, you will need to assemble the following items:
- Documents from yourself: Your valid passport (or travel document), your physical residence card, the official Application for Change of Status of Residence form, and a personal resume detailing your educational history and job roles in any standard format.
- Documents from your employer: A copy of your employment contract, job offer letter, or employment letter detailing your specific work duties, duration of employment, and compensation details; a certified copy of the company commercial register issued within the last 3 months; recent financial reports including balance sheets and income statements; and official company brochures or descriptive materials outlining business activities.
- Documents from your university: An original certificate of graduation or an official certificate of expected graduation.
What options exist if you have not secured a job or have a start date delay?
If you have not secured full-time employment before graduation, Japan offers a Designated Activities status of residence specifically for continuous job hunting. This status allows graduates to remain in Japan for up to one year to pursue job opportunities. The visa is initially issued for six months and can be renewed once for an additional six months. To obtain this status, you must secure a university recommendation letter. Universities enforce strict application schedules and screening procedures—such as designated application windows in June-July for September graduates or December-January for March graduates—alongside document reviews and interviews. Applicants must also provide proof of financial capability to cover living expenses during their stay.
If you have already secured a job offer but face a gap between graduation and your official start date (for instance, a September graduate scheduled to start work the following April), you may apply for a Designated Activities status for prospective employees, often referred to as a waiting visa. You should consult your university's career support team and the APU Career Support Guide for procedural overviews.
What rules apply to traveling or moving while your application is processed?
If you need to travel back to your home country while your change of status is being processed, you may do so provided you re-enter Japan before your current residence card expires. Before departing, you must inform the immigration bureau of your travel schedule and contact information. Never surrender your residence card at the airport upon departure; you must keep it with you and present it when returning to Japan. If you renew your passport while abroad, you must bring both your old and new passports when collecting your new residence card. If your home country retains old passports upon renewal, obtain an official letter certifying this fact alongside a copy of the old passport.
If you change your residential address during the application window, you must immediately report your new address to the regional immigration bureau where you applied. Immigration authorities notify applicants of approved visas by sending a postcard to their registered address, which is required when picking up your new residence card. For office locations, refer to the Regional Immigration Services Bureaus directory.
Finding a place to stay
When transitioning from student status to a work visa, arranging your living situation requires careful timing around your graduation and employment start date. During visa processing or job hunting periods, securing long-term traditional leases can be challenging before your new residence status is finalized. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing their visa procedures and waiting for work to begin. 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 required. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing), giving international graduates flexible, hassle-free accommodation while completing immigration formalities.