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Designated Activities (Prospective Employee / Job Offer Holder)
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Designated Activities (Prospective Employee / Job Offer Holder)

Work Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥5,500–¥6,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

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 who have received a confirmed job offer to remain in Japan during the waiting period before their employment officially begins.

The Japan Designated Activities (Job Offer) status lets international graduates who have received a confirmed job offer (naitei) remain in Japan legally during the gap before their employment start date, typically the April fiscal year intake.

Stay is granted for up to 1 year and renewable. Part-time work up to 28 hours/week is permitted with a separate permission. Spouses and children may accompany under a paired Designated Activities status. The employer must submit a Written Pledge; this status does not lead to permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for international graduates of Japanese universities or vocational schools who hold a confirmed job offer and need to bridge the gap before their official employment start date.

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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 grant1 year
Extension increments1 year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Graduated from a Japanese university, graduate school, or vocational school.

Received a confirmed job offer (naitei) while enrolled or during job-hunting status.

Job offer must qualify for a standard work visa.

Employment must begin within 1 year of the offer and 18 months of graduation.

Hiring company must provide a Written Pledge.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application for Change of Status of Residence

Passport and Residence Card

ID Photo (4cm x 3cm)

Graduation Certificate

Job Offer Letter or Employment Agreement

Written Pledge from hiring company

Company registration and financial documents

Document proving ability to pay all expenses during stay

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows legal stay while waiting for employment start date
  • Facilitates transition to full work visa
  • Dependents can accompany applicant

Worth Knowing

  • Strict timeline requirements (18 months from graduation)
  • Requires active cooperation from the employer
  • Not a direct PR pathway
  • Job offer does not qualify for a work visa
  • Employment start date exceeds 18 months from graduation
  • Company fails to provide required pledge

Application Process

1

Receive job offer and coordinate with HR.

2

Obtain Written Pledge and company documents.

3

Gather personal documents.

4

Complete Form U.

5

Submit to Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

6

Receive notification postcard.

7

Pay fee via revenue stamp and collect Residence Card.

8

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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