How to change the status of residence from “Student” to “Designated activity (Job-Hunting) VISA”

【Evidence to Submit】
If you are seeking employment at a company:
→ Submit evidence from two companies showing that you have been invited to an interview.
If you are seeking only academic positions (e.g., researcher or professor):
→ Submit two pieces of evidence showing that you have applied to a university, research institute, or research position (including corporate research positions).
Screenshots of application pages (e.g., researcher recruitment websites) or postal receipts for sending application documents are also acceptable.
If you are seeking both company positions and academic positions:
→ Submit evidence from two companies showing that you have been invited to interviews (same requirement as for company employment).

【Requirements for the Evidence】
・Submit copies of emails from companies/universities/research institutes, or screenshots of application pages (e.g., Mynavi).
・The evidence must include: Name of the company / university / research institute, Student’s name, Date of interview or application, Email sent/received date
・Submit two pieces of evidence dated within the past six months.
・If you only have evidence older than one year, you must also submit one piece of evidence from within the past six months. (Example: one item older than one year + one item within six months is acceptable.)

【How to Submit】
Submit printed copies at the Division of Student Exchange counter, or send them by email to the Division of Student Exchange (email forwarding, PDF files, etc. are acceptable).

Preparation of the Recommendation Letter Request Form is not allowed until the Division of Student Exchange approves your job-hunting evidence in Step 1.

➀【Application Form for issuing the letter of recommendation】(download)　　
・Please fill in either the English or the Japanese version.
・Green sections：to be completed by the student..
・Yellow sections：please ask your academic supervisor to provide comments and a signature (or seal) regarding your job hunting. Please refer to the example for the comments.
※Documents proving your job hunting are not required, as you have already submitted them in Step 1.

➁Copy of residence card (both sided)
※The Residence Card must show your latest registered address.
The address written on the Recommendation Letter Request Form must match the address on your Residence Card. If you are planning to move, please consult the Division of Student Exchange in advance.

③Copy of passport (face photo page)

It usually takes about 1–2 weeks to issue the recommendation letter after all required documents are received in Step 2. You will receive an email from the Division of Student Exchange once it is ready. In the meantime, please prepare the following documents for immigration.

①Application for Change of Status of Residence
②Photo (4cmX3cm)
③Passport and Residence Card
④Proof of your financial resources to support your life in Japan
⑤Certificate of Graduation
If you apply for this visa at the immigration before your graduation, you need to submit “certificate of expected graduation” instead of ⑤. You can print it out from the certificate machine by yourself.
The immigration eventually requires you to submit ⑤ when you receive new residence card.
⑥Letter of Recommendation for your job-hunting activities issued by the university
⑦Documents to prove your job-hunting activities before graduation
⑧Application for the permission of part time job (For students who wish to work part-time)

                                 　　
※You cannot apply for the Job-Hunting visa online.
After gathering all necessary documents, please visit the Immigration Bureau by yourself as early as possible. (Normally it takes 3weeks~a few months for document screening at the Immigration Bureau. It differs depending on the situation of each applicant.)

The Immigration Bureau has several offices.
Visit the Immigration Bureau that has jurisdiction over the address registered on you residence card. (Locations of the Immigration Bureau)
　　Address in Ibaraki Prefecture：Tokyo Shinagawa Immigration Bureau, Mito Immigration Bureau
　　Address in Tokyo or other Kanto areas：Tokyo Shinagawa Immigration Bureau etc.　

After submitting your application to the immigration office, please report it to the Division of Student Exchange by email.　

If you do not submit your new Residence Card, we may not be able to provide necessary support, such as for future renewals. Please submit the copy as soon as you receive it.

If you have a My Number Card, make sure to renew its expiration date (and address if necessary) at your city or ward office.

Submission of the monthly report (sample) is a requirement for issuing the recommendation letter.
If you do not submit the report, the recommendation letter required to renew the “Designated Activities” visa for continued job hunting will not be issued.
If you are unable to submit the report on the 1st of the month for any reason, please consult the Division of Student Exchange in advance.

If you receive a job offer:
Please report the following information to the Division of Student Exchange:
➀Official name of your employer
➁Employer’s address
③Your job title or position
➃Employment start date
⑤Status or plan of your work visa application

After receiving your Residence Card with a work-related status of residence from the immigration office, submit a copy of both sides to the Division of Student Exchange.

If you are returning to your home country:
Please report your planned departure date to the Division of Student Exchange.
You must return your Residence Card to the immigration officer at the airport when leaving Japan.
Even if your residence period has not expired, do not take your Residence Card out of Japan.