Hello! This is Sakura from Five Gyoseishoshi Law Firm.
Today, I will explain the process of changing from a student visa to a work visa, such as the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Specified Skilled Worker” visa.
※Although “visa” and “residence status” have different definitions, I will use “visa” in this article as it is commonly understood.
Table of Contents
1. When a Student Needs to Change Their Residence Status
① About the Student Visa ② Can International Students Work in Japan? ③ What is Permission for Engaging in Activities Other Than Those Permitted by the Status of Residence? ④ When a Student Needs to Change Their Residence Statu
2. Types of Residence Status That Allow You to Work in Japan
① About the Work Visa ② Criteria for Work Visa Approval
※In the next article, I will continue with: 3. How to Apply for a Residence Status Change 4. Points to Consider When Changing Residence Status 5. Important Considerations When Changing Residence Status
When a Student Needs to Change Their Residence Status
① About the Student Visa
The student visa (residence status: “Student”) allows foreign students to stay in Japan for educational purposes at schools, universities, or vocational institutions.
Therefore, once a student graduates and is no longer engaged in educational activities, they cannot remain in Japan under a student visa.
Some international students return to their home countries after graduation, while others choose to work in Japan. In such cases, they must change from a student visa to a work visa (a residence status that allows employment).
② Can International Students Work in Japan?
Since the main purpose of a student visa is education, working is generally not allowed. Working without proper authorization is considered illegal employment and may result in visa cancellation or deportation.
③ What is Permission for Engaging in Activities Other Than Those Permitted by the Status of Residence?
However, students can apply for Permission to engage in activities other than permitted under the status of residence, which allows them to work part-time.
It is important to note that even with this permission, working hours are limited. Students can work up to 28 hours per week, and during long school vacations (such as summer break), they may work up to 40 hours per week (8 hours per day). However, this permission does not allow full-time employment like that of a regular employee.
④ When a Student Needs to Change Their Residence Status
When an international student graduates and secures employment at a Japanese company, they must change their student visa to a suitable work visa. This process allows them to legally work full-time in Japan.
Common work visas include “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” and “Specified Skilled Worker”.
2. Types of Residence Status That Allow You to Work in Japan
① About the Work Visa
Foreigners must obtain an appropriate work visa to work in Japan.
There are 16 types of work-related residence statuses (excluding status-based residence permits like Permanent Resident). Each visa type is defined by specific job roles. For more details, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
We have learned that a work visa (a residence status that allows employment) is required to work in Japan. However, simply applying for a residence status that matches the job description does not guarantee approval of a work visa.
For example, the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa applies to jobs requiring specialized knowledge or technical skills, whereas the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa is granted for skilled jobs in designated industries.
It is essential to choose a work visa that closely matches the job responsibilities.
Conclusion
Today, I explained:
When a student needs to change their residence status
Types of residence status that allow you to work in Japan
In the next article, I will cover: 3. How to apply for a residence status change 4. Points to consider when changing residence status 5. Important considerations when changing residence status
At Five Gyoseishoshi Law Firm, we provide support for residence status applications.
\The first consultation is free!/
Feel free to contact us—we also offer services in English.