Changing Status of Residence
Detailed guide for foreign students transitioning from a student status to a work-related status or continuous job hunting in Japan.
Procedure for Changing Your Status of Residence
Foreigners reside in Japan under one of 29 status of residence categories, and the activities they may engage in are determined strictly by their status of residence.
Transitioning to Full-Time Work
If a foreign student plans to work full-time in Japan, they must change their status of residence from Student to one that allows full-time work, such as Specialist in the Humanities/International Services or Engineer.
Continuous Job Hunting
Even if your job is not decided until graduation, you may continue finding full-time employment for up to one year by changing your status of residence from Student to Designated Activities. This status is granted for six months with a one-time extension for a maximum of one year.
Where and How to Apply
To change your status of residence from Student to one of the various types of employment, you must generally visit the nearest regional immigration bureau, bureau branch, or branch office in person. We suggest that you call in advance to confirm their opening hours and specific procedures.
Documents for Work Visas (Specialist in Humanities / Engineer / etc.)
i) Documents you need to prepare
- Passport (or travel document) in your name
- Residence card
- Application for Change of Status of Residence (Forms available at the counter)
- Resume / CV (in any format, containing accurate information on your educational background and job history)
ii) Documents you need to obtain from your employer
- A copy of your employment contract (A letter of resignation/employment with details of work type, duration, and compensation is acceptable)
- Certified copy of the commercial register of the employing company (issued within the last 3 months)
- Financial reports (balance sheets and income statements) of the company
- Company brochures or other official materials describing the business activities
iii) Documents you need to obtain from your university
- Original certificate of graduation (or certificate of expected graduation)
Documents for Designated Activities (Continuous Job Hunting)
Required Documents Checklist
- Application form for permission for change of status of residence (available at regional immigration bureau)
- Photograph (recent, meeting passport photo standards)
- Passport
- Residence card (or alien registration certificate regarded as equivalent)
- Document certifying your ability to pay all of your expenses during your stay in Japan (bank statements, remittance slips, etc.)
- Document to authenticate your status and continuous search details
Note on Eligibility Differences
Necessary documents vary depending on the individual and whether the student graduated from a university specified by the School Education Act of Japan or obtained a diploma and finished a specialized course of a professional training college.
Want to see official Ministry of Justice details?
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidelines, check the official Ministry of Justice website.
Visit Ministry of Justice Website