Student Visa to Work Visa in Japan: Changing Status After Graduation

Quick answer (30 seconds): Finishing your studies in Japan and want to stay and work? You change your status of residence from "Student" to a work visa — most often "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" (gijinkoku). Two important things: your degree/major should relate to the job, and you should apply before you start work (ideally while still a student, for an April start). If you graduate before landing a job, you can switch to a "Designated Activities" visa to keep job-hunting for about 6–12 months. Rules are tightening in 2026 — confirm the current criteria with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).

Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. Immigration criteria are changing in 2026 and each case differs — confirm current requirements with the Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁) or a licensed immigration specialist (行政書士).

The main path: Student → "Engineer/Humanities/International Services"

The most common work status for new graduates is "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" (技術・人文知識・国際業務, often "gijinkoku"). It covers a wide range of office/professional/engineering roles. To switch into it from a student visa:

• You need a job offer from an employer, and
• the work must relate to what you studied (your major/degree must connect to the role), and
• the employer and role must meet immigration's requirements.

You apply for a "Change of Status of Residence" at immigration — you do not leave Japan to do this.

Timeline: apply before you start (April-start logic)

Japan's hiring year centers on an April start. If you have a job lined up, apply to change your status in the months before April (the window typically opens the prior winter). Processing can take weeks to a couple of months, so start early — you want the new status approved before your first working day.

In November 2025, ISA announced new application criteria for international students starting work in April 2026. Check the current rules for your start date.