About status of residence after graduation

Upon graduation, your student residence status will become invalid and you will have to change to another residence status in order to remain in Japan. Below is a list of possible cases and residence status options for each.

１．If you are leaving Japan immediately

You do not need to do anything in regards to your residence status. However, make sure that you contact your ward office and follow the necessary procedures before you leave Japan.

２．If you will sight-see before leaving Japan

You can apply for a “Short-Term Stay” residence status. (90 Day Extension)
*Please contact The Immigration Bureau for details.

３．If you will continue your education (Masters, PhD, etc.)

Contact your school for details.
*Usually you will extend your student residence status.

４．If you will be employed immediately

You must change to a residence status allowing employment. You will need to contact the HR/Hiring department of the company for arrangements. Below are the two most common residence status that students receive.

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
  
  Engage in activities that requires skills and knowledge in the field of natural science, social science and humanities or activity which requires intercultural experience.
  
  Your educational background in the field you will be working in will be checked by immigration. Humanities majors looking to pursue IT related careers must be extra careful in regards to their residence status.
  「 日本での就職をご希望の留学生の方へ 」(Details in Japanese)
   
  
• Designated Activities(Japanese University Graduate)
  
  Engage in a wide variety of activities that make use of high Japanese proficiency, experience as a foreign student in Japan, and skills and knowledge acquired in a Japanese university. This residence status permits general work that is not allowed by the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status of residence. JLPT N1 or a BJT score of 480 or higher is required.
  「特定活動」（本邦大学卒業者）についてのガイドライン 」(Details in Japanese)

５．If you will be employed but will not start immediately

You can change to a “Designated Activities” residence status that will allow you to stay in Japan until your date of employment. You will need to contact the HR/Hiring department of the company for arrangements.
Ex: September graduates that received a job offer for the following April intake.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan Explanation

６．If you will continue to seek employment

You must change your residence status to “Designated Activities” . This residence status will allow you to stay in Japan for 6 months and can be extended an additional 6 months. In order to apply for this residence status you must apply for a recommendation letter from the Career Center.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan Explanation (Job Search)

Click the link below for information about the “Designated Activities” residence status for job-hunting.

About changing the status of residence after graduation to continue job hunting