Graduating soon? Don't let your visa expire. We explain the "Designated Activities" visa for job hunting and the standard Work Visa.

You graduated! Congratulations. Now, how do you stay? Here are your working in Japan after graduation visa options.

1. The Work Visa (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities)

• Requirement: A job offer (contract) from a company.
• Process: You change your status from "Student" to "Work".
• Degree: Your job must be related to your degree (University) or Diploma (Vocational School).

2. The "Job Hunting" Visa (Designated Activities)

• Scenario: You graduated but haven't found a job yet.
• What it is: A special 6-month visa (renewable once for total 1 year) to continue job hunting.
• Requirement: A recommendation letter from your university. You MUST ask for this before you graduate.

3. The "Specified Skilled Worker" (SSW)

• Scenario: You want to work in a blue-collar field (Restaurant, Hotel, Nursing).
• Requirement: Pass a skills test and a Japanese test.
• Pros: Easier to get than a Humanities visa for non-office jobs.

Warning

Do not overstay your student visa even by one day. Go to Immigration early.

👉 Job Hunting Tips: Job Hunting (Shuukatsu) Guide for International Students