The Designated Activities Visa and Job Hunting in Japan

Finding the right job takes time, especially in Japan where the job search process can be complex. If you’re an international student who hasn’t secured employment before graduation, you might worry about having to leave the country. Fortunately, Japan offers a solution through the Designated Activities Visa, which allows you to continue your job search legally after your student visa expires. This guide explains everything you need to know about this visa and how to use it effectively.

What is the Designated Activities Visa?

Overview of the Tokutei Katsudou Visa

The Designated Activities Visa, known in Japanese as “Tokutei Katsudou” (特定活動), is a special residency status in Japan. Unlike standard visa categories that clearly define specific activities, this visa serves as a flexible “catch-all” category for activities that don’t fit into other visa types. The Minister of Justice grants this status to foreign nationals whose planned activities are legitimate but don’t match any existing visa category.^[1]

This visa covers a wide range of situations including working holiday participants, diplomatic household staff, EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) nurses and care workers, professional athletes, interns, and importantly for graduates, job hunting activities. For international students seeking employment, the relevant type is “Designated Activities (Job Hunting).”^[1]

What is the Purpose of the Visa?

The main purpose is to give international students sufficient time to find appropriate employment in Japan after graduation. The job search process can be lengthy, and forcing students to leave immediately after graduation would waste their educational investment. This visa provides peace of mind, allowing students to focus on finding the right job rather than accepting any offer just to maintain legal status.

The visa is specifically designed for those who were actively searching for employment before graduation and want to continue that search. Applicants must demonstrate they’ve been engaged in the job search process while still enrolled in school.^[2]

Who is the “Designated Activities Visa” for?

For Graduates Looking For Employment

The job hunting version is primarily for international students who have graduated from educational institutions in Japan but haven’t yet secured employment. To be eligible, you must have graduated from a recognized institution including universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, vocational schools, or approved Japanese language schools (for overseas degree holders).^[2]

The most critical requirement is demonstrating active job hunting before graduation, typically by showing applications to at least six companies while in school. You must maintain genuine intention to work in Japan and show financial stability to cover living expenses during the job hunting period.

For Refugees In Need of Residence Status

Japan grants Designated Activities status to refugees and displaced persons in certain situations. While Japan maintains a strict refugee recognition process, it provides protection through Designated Activities status for those who cannot safely return home. Citizens of Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Ukraine have received this status during recent crises.^[3][4]

This status allows holders to stay for six months to one year with renewal possibilities and permits work up to 28 hours per week. However, it differs from formal refugee recognition and maintains government discretion over protection decisions.

Others that Apply for the Visa

The visa also covers working holiday participants, digital nomads, high-income earners under J-Skip, family members of highly skilled professionals, EPA nurses and care workers, professional athletes, and cultural performers.^[1]

Needed Documentation

Needed By All Applicants

Potentially Needed Based on Specific Activities

Applying for Designated Activities

Where Can I Apply?

If you’re already in Japan with valid residence status, apply at the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over where you live. Find your nearest office through the Immigration Services Agency website or call 0570-013904. If applying from outside Japan, the process differs—most categories require first obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility through a sponsor in Japan, then applying at a Japanese embassy or consulate.^[5]

Apply before your student visa expires, ideally using a certificate of expected graduation if graduating soon. You cannot apply for status change if you’ve already left Japan after graduation.^[5]

About the Application Process Itself

Gather all required documents well in advance. When you submit, you’ll receive a receipt—keep it safe. The review typically takes two weeks to one month. If your current visa expires while pending, you’re granted up to two months to remain legally while awaiting the decision.^[6][7]

Immigration may request additional documents during review—respond promptly. After graduation, you cannot work part-time while your application is pending. Only after receiving your Designated Activities card and obtaining separate work permission can you resume part-time work.^[8]

Tips for a Successful Application

Start early—begin gathering documents two to three months before graduation. Demonstrate genuine job hunting effort by keeping detailed records of applications, interviews, and job fairs. Maintain strong communication with your school’s career services office. Ensure all documents are properly formatted with accurate Japanese translations. Be honest and consistent across all documents. Consider consulting an immigration specialist for complex situations. Have a backup plan in case of denial.

After the Application

Waiting Period After You Apply

The review typically takes two to four weeks for straightforward cases. Application periods around March-April see higher volumes and slower processing. If your visa expires during review, you have a grace period of up to two months to remain legally in Japan. However, you cannot work part-time during this period if your student visa has expired. Continue job hunting actively and respond quickly to any document requests.

Receiving the Approval Notification

When approved, you’ll be notified by postcard, phone, or online. The notification instructs you to visit the immigration office to collect your residence card—bring your passport, application receipt, and any specified documents. You must collect it in person.

If rejected, you won’t receive detailed reasons, but common causes include insufficient job hunting evidence, inadequate financial resources, or lack of school cooperation. Consider reapplying after addressing issues, or consult an immigration lawyer.

Getting the Visa in Your Hands

At the immigration office, present required documents and answer verification questions. You’ll receive a residence card valid initially for six months, renewable once for six more months (maximum one year total). Register your address at your local municipal office immediately, and carry your residence card at all times.^[10][17]

To work part-time, apply separately for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.” Without this, you cannot legally work. If you find employment, apply to change status to an appropriate work visa immediately—don’t wait until your Designated Activities visa expires.^[11][8]

What To Be Careful About

As With All Visas: The Expiration

Your residence card displays your expiration date. Mark it prominently and set reminders. Apply for renewal at least one month before expiration. Overstaying even by one day makes you an illegal resident, resulting in detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Japan for several years.

Employment Under the Visa: Work Restrictions

Your primary activity must be job hunting, not working. To work part-time legally, obtain separate permission allowing up to 28 hours per week. Certain work is prohibited: adult entertainment establishments, bars, nightclubs, pachinko parlors, and jobs requiring professional licenses you don’t hold.^[8]

If you receive a full-time job offer, you cannot start working immediately. You must first apply to change your status to an appropriate work visa. Starting work before approval is illegal and can result in deportation.^[5]

Maintaining Communication and Meeting the Reporting Requirements

Report any address change to your municipal office within 14 days. After graduation, notify the Immigration Bureau within 14 days that you’ve left your school. When you find employment, notify immigration again. Respond promptly if immigration contacts you. Keep documentation of job hunting activities organized and accessible.^[12][13]

About Job Hunting in Japan

Job Market Overview: What Jobs Are In Need?

Technology leads demand—METI projects that the IT talent shortfall could range from about 164,000 to 787,000 by 2030 depending on productivity and demand scenarios (mid-case ~449,000).^[16]

Healthcare needs nurses, caregivers, and medical technicians due to Japan’s aging population. Education, particularly English teaching, maintains steady demand with attractive benefits. Finance seeks professionals in investment banking, accounting, and fintech. Engineering roles in robotics, automotive, and renewable energy are expanding.

Understanding the Job Application Process

Japanese applications require specific resume formats including personal information like age and photo. Many large companies follow “Shinsotsu-saiyo” hiring cycles, though mid-career hiring for foreigners operates more flexibly.

Interviews are notably formal. Wear conservative business attire (“recruit suits”). Arrive exactly 5-10 minutes early. Bow when greeting, wait to be invited to sit, and maintain proper posture. Use polite language (“keigo”) if speaking Japanese. Japanese interviews often ask personal questions about family or interests to assess cultural fit—answer honestly and briefly.

Companies typically conduct three to five interview rounds including HR screenings, technical assessments, and management interviews. Send thank-you emails within 24 hours, but avoid repeatedly following up. Japanese hiring processes take longer than in other countries—demonstrate patience. Be prepared to discuss your long-term commitment to Japan.

Useful Resources for Job Hunting

Major job boards include GaijinPot Jobs, Jobs in Japan, Daijob, CareerCross, and TokyoDev. LinkedIn is increasingly used. Recruitment agencies specializing in foreign talent can match your skills with opportunities. University career centers offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and company connections. Networking events and industry meetups provide valuable personal connections in Japan’s relationship-focused business culture.

FAQ

Can I stay after graduation?

Yes, by changing status from Student to Designated Activities. You cannot remain on your student visa after graduation. Apply before your student visa expires, demonstrating active job hunting (typically six company applications) with a school recommendation letter. Without this status change, you must leave Japan at graduation.^[2]

How long can I stay?

Initially six months, renewable once for six more months (maximum one year total). To renew, demonstrate ongoing job search activities and maintain financial stability. Time on similar visas like J-Find counts toward the maximum. If you secure employment, change to a work visa before beginning full-time work.^[2]

Can I do part-time on the visa?

Yes, but you must first obtain “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” at the immigration office. With permission, you can work up to 28 hours weekly. Your primary activity must remain job hunting. Adult entertainment establishments, nightclubs, bars, pachinko parlors, and jobs requiring specific licenses are prohibited. Working without permission or exceeding hours is illegal.^[11][8]

What happens if my visa expires?

You become an illegal overstayer facing detention, deportation, and five to ten year re-entry bans. Even one day overstaying creates this status. If your visa nears expiration without employment, find and accept a job quickly to apply for status change, or leave Japan voluntarily before expiration. Leaving voluntarily allows potential future return. Track your expiration date and make decisions at least one month ahead. For unavoidable circumstances, consult an immigration lawyer immediately.^[7]

Conclusion

The Designated Activities Visa provides international students with up to one year to navigate Japan’s job market after graduation. Success requires understanding visa requirements, following proper application procedures, maintaining compliance with reporting obligations, and never letting your visa expire.

Japan’s labor shortages in technology, healthcare, and engineering create favorable conditions for skilled foreign workers. However, success requires more than technical qualifications—understanding Japanese business culture, following interview etiquette, and demonstrating genuine commitment all play crucial roles.

Use your visa period wisely by actively applying to positions, attending networking events, improving Japanese language skills if needed, and maintaining detailed job search records. If you secure employment, congratulations—your next step is changing to a work visa for a long-term career in Japan.

The path from student to working professional requires patience, persistence, and careful attention to immigration requirements. With proper preparation and dedication, you can transform your student experience into a rewarding professional career. Best of luck with your job hunting journey in Japan!