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Designated Activities (Job Hunting for International Graduates)
JapanJapan•Asia
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Designated Activities (Job Hunting for International Graduates)

Work Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥5,500–¥6,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

180 to 365 days

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

This status of residence allows international graduates of Japanese universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools to remain in Japan for up to one year to continue their job search after graduation.

The Designated Activities (Job Hunting) status lets international graduates of Japanese universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools stay in Japan after graduation to continue their job search. Applicants must have held Student status at graduation and been actively job hunting beforehand.

The initial stay is 6 months, renewable once — capped at 1 year total. Part-time work up to 28 hours per week requires a separate permit. A school recommendation letter and proof of funds (¥500,000 for 6 months or ¥1,000,000 for a year) are required. There is no permanent residence pathway.

This visa is ideal for international graduates of Japanese institutions who need extra time to secure a job offer aligned with their field of study.

Japan

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Cost Breakdown

Application Fee (Online)JPY ¥5,500
Application Fee (In-person)JPY ¥6,000
TotalJPY ¥5,500–¥6,000

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months
Extendable up to1 year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Graduated from a Japanese university, junior college, or vocational school (specialist course).

Held valid 'Student' status at the time of graduation.

Actively job hunting prior to graduation.

Obtain a formal recommendation letter from the educational institution.

Possess sufficient funds (approx. ¥500,000 for 6 months, ¥1,000,000 for 1 year).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application for Change of Status of Residence

Passport and Residence Card

ID Photo (4cm x 3cm)

Graduation Certificate

Recommendation Letter from educational institution

Documents proving active job hunting

Documents proving financial capability

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows legal stay for job searching post-graduation
  • Part-time work permitted with authorization
  • Dependents can accompany applicant

Worth Knowing

  • Strict 1-year limit (unless in local government program)
  • Requires proof of prior job hunting
  • Not a direct PR pathway
  • Did not hold Student status at graduation
  • Did not engage in job hunting prior to graduation
  • Insufficient financial proof

Application Process

1

Consult school career center for Recommendation Letter.

2

Gather required documents.

3

Complete Form U.

4

Submit to Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

5

Receive notification postcard.

6

Pay fee via revenue stamp and collect Residence Card.

7

Apply for Part-time Work Permit if needed.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Change of Status of ResidenceFill online
Application for Extension of Period of StayFill online

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