Inquiries: Immigration Information Center
Tel: 0570-013904
Tel: 03-5796-7112 (from IP phones and overseas)
URL: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/consultation/center/index.html

For a college student to work in Japan after graduation depends on whether or not the status of residence can be changed. You may work if you carry out the designated procedures to change your status of residence at the Immigration Bureau and receive authorization. The following documents are usually required for these procedures:

1. Application for Change of Status of Residence
2. Reference material clearly describing the specific content of the activities in which you engaged and are going to engage in while in Japan.
3. Passport and residence card (or other equivalent official ID)

For authorization to change the status of residence, such matters as the subject the college student majored in, the knowledge and skills he/she has learned, whether or not the studies will be a part of his/her duties after employment, which apply to status of residence types (such as engineer/specialist in humanities/international services), the objective of future employment, and reason for wanting employment will all come under deliberation. In addition, the hiring company, the objective for hiring the college student and the need for the particular college student will also come under inspection.

April 1, 2023