For international students who graduate from a Japanese university or vocational school and take up employment, changing status of residence from “Student” to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” is one of the most important procedures. This article explains in detail the application schedule, required documents, and points of caution.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Permission to Change from Student Status of Residence to a Work Status”
Application Schedule
Applications for permission to change status of residence begin to be accepted from around December of the year before graduation. Early preparation is important.
| Timing | What to Do |
|---|---|
| October-November | Obtain a job offer, conclude an employment contract |
| December-January | Submit the application for permission to change status of residence |
| January-March | Screening period (1-3 months) |
| March | Graduation |
| April | Receive the change permission, begin work |
Point: Screening normally takes 1-3 months. To be in time for an April start, complete your application by the end of January at the latest.
List of Required Documents
Documents Prepared by the Applicant
- Application for permission to change status of residence
- ID photograph (4 cm high × 3 cm wide)
- Passport and residence card (to be presented)
- Graduation certificate (before graduation, a certificate of expected graduation)
- Academic transcript
- Résumé
Documents Prepared by the Company (varies by category)
Companies are classified into four categories according to business scale, and the required documents differ.
| Category | Example Companies | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Listed companies, national or local governments | Copy of Shikiho (securities report), etc. |
| Category 2 | Withholding tax of ¥10 million or more | Statutory payment record summary such as withholding tax slips |
| Category 3 | Companies that have filed a statutory payment record summary | Summary + company brochure + certificate of registered matters, etc. |
| Category 4 | All others | Summary + financial statements + business plan, etc. |
Company Documents Required in All Cases
- Copy of the employment contract
- Reason for employment letter (explaining the relevance between job duties and field of study)
- Certificate of registered matters (Categories 3 and 4)
- Company brochure or printout of the website
Difference from an Application for a Certificate of Eligibility
When newly inviting a foreign national from overseas, an “application for a Certificate of Eligibility” is filed, but for those already studying in Japan it is an “application for permission to change status of residence.”
| Item | Application for Change Permission | Application for Certificate of Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant | The person themselves (within Japan) | A proxy (company, etc.) |
| Where to file | The Regional Immigration Services Bureau having jurisdiction over the place of residence | The Regional Immigration Services Bureau having jurisdiction over the company’s location or the person’s residence |
| Screening period | 1-3 months | 1-3 months |
| Receipt of result | The person appears in person to receive it | Mailed to the proxy |
Measures If You Have No Job Offer After Graduation
Even if you do not secure employment by graduation, this does not mean you must return home immediately.
- Change to Designated Activities (continued job hunting) — With a letter of recommendation from your university, job hunting is permitted for up to one year after graduation
- Obtaining permission to engage in activities other than those permitted — Even with the Designated Activities status of residence, part-time work of up to 28 hours per week is possible
Caution: A recommendation from the university or similar institution is required for a change to Designated Activities. Consult your university’s career center before graduation.
Common Reasons for Denial and Countermeasures
- Insufficient relevance between field of study and job duties — Explain the relevance between your major subjects and the job duties concretely in a statement of reasons
- Job duties fall under simple labor — Restaurant floor work and factory line work are not accepted
- Doubts about the company’s stability — In the case of a newly established corporation, the future prospects must be explained in a business plan
- Incomplete documents — Always check for omissions before submission
Our Support
For consultations regarding Engineer visa applications, trust Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.
- 98% approval rate
- Languages: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
- Free initial consultation
- Serving Chiba, Tokyo, and nationwide (online consultation available)