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Can I change from a Student Visa to a Work Visa in Japan?
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Yes. International students who have received a job offer from a Japanese company may be able to change their status of residence from “Student” to a status of residence that allows them to work in Japan.
However, there is no single “Work Visa” in Japan. The appropriate status of residence depends on your job and individual circumstances.
Which Work Visa is Right for You?
The appropriate status of residence depends on the type of work you will do in Japan.
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
IT Engineer — ITエンジニア
Sales — 営業
Marketing — マーケティング
Accounting — 経理
Human Resources — 人事
Interpreter / Translator — 通訳・翻訳
Designer — デザイナー
The Most Important Point: Does Your Education Match Your Job?
When applying for a work-related status of residence, it is important to consider whether your education and experience are appropriate for the job you will perform.
Immigration authorities may consider factors such as:
Education × Major × Job Duties × Employment Conditions × Company’s Business
These factors are considered together when determining whether the proposed employment is appropriate for the status of residence.
What Documents Do You Need?
Documents required for a change of status of residence vary depending on your status of residence, employer, and individual circumstances.
Common documents may include:
Application form
Passport
Residence Card
Photograph
Graduation certificate
Academic transcript
Employment contract or notification of employment conditions
Documents relating to the employing company
Documents explaining your job duties
When Should You Apply?
If you are graduating from a university or vocational school in Japan and have received a job offer, you should prepare your change of status of residence application well in advance.
Do not wait until the last minute.
What If I Haven’t Found a Job Yet?
If you graduate from a Japanese university or other eligible educational institution without finding a job, you may be able to continue your job-hunting activities in Japan by changing your status of residence to “Designated Activities,” if you meet the requirements.
What Is Designated Activities No. 46?
Designated Activities No. 46 is a status of residence available to certain international students who have graduated from Japanese universities or other eligible institutions and meet the relevant requirements.
It may allow a wider range of employment activities than the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services status in certain circumstances.
Can I Work Part-Time While I Am a Student?
International students generally need permission to engage in activities outside their permitted status of residence when working part-time.
Permission to work part-time as a student is different from obtaining a status of residence that allows full-time employment after graduation.
Not Sure Which Status of Residence Is Right for You?
Every case is different.
We carefully review your education, major, job duties, employment conditions, and your employer’s business and consider whether the proposed status of residence is appropriate.
If you are planning to work in Japan after graduation, please feel free to contact us.