Tips for Switching from a Student Visa to a Technical/Humanities/Intl. Services Visa.
When an international student graduates and seeks employment in Japan, they must apply to change their visa status from a Student Visa to a “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” Visa (work visa). However, it is important to note that if they complete their language school course while waiting for approval, they will no longer be allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week.
📌 Points to Note Regarding Part-Time Work Restrictions After Completing a Language School Course
📍 The Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence (which allows part-time work up to 28 hours per week) is granted only while the individual is a student.
📍 Once a language school course is completed, the individual is no longer considered a student, meaning they lose the right to work part-time.
✅ Timing When Part-Time Work Restrictions Take Effect
❌ Even if the Student Visa remains valid, the Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence becomes invalid once a language school or vocational school course is completed.
❌ As a result, there is a possibility of having no income during the period until the visa change application is approved.
📝 Solution: Complete the Visa Application Before Finishing Language School!
✅ Complete the visa change application before finishing language school or vocational school!
✅ Discuss with your employer and prepare sufficient living expenses for the period until the visa change is approved!
✅ Gather all required documents in advance to ensure the visa change process moves forward immediately after graduation/completion!
📌 Other Key Points When Applying for a Visa Change
① Your Major and Job Duties Must Match
✅ Key Points:
🔹 Your university or vocational school major must have a certain degree of relevance to your job duties.
🔹 If the job is unrelated to your major, the visa application will likely be rejected.
🔹 Examples:
Mechanical Engineering Major → Restaurant Staff ❌ (Not Eligible)
Economics Major → Planning/Marketing Position ✅
IT Major → System Engineer ✅
② Check for Any Issues in Your Part-Time Work History
📍 Engaging in Illegal Work or Violating Visa Conditions Increases the Risk of Rejection
✅ Did you follow the permitted part-time work hours? (Maximum 28 hours per week)
✅ Did you avoid working in prohibited industries? (e.g., adult entertainment businesses, gambling establishments, or other illegal jobs)
③ Ensure the Employer is Financially Stable and Eligible
📍 The Stability of the Hiring Company is a Key Factor in the “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” Visa Review
✅ Is the company’s financial status stable? (Companies with continuous deficits may pose a risk)
✅ Is the company of a reasonable size? (Very small companies with few employees may face stricter screening)
✅ Has the company previously hired foreign workers? (If not, the immigration review process may be more stringent)
④ Ensure the Salary Meets Immigration Standards
📍 When Changing a Visa, a Salary That is Too Low May Lead to Rejection
✅ The salary must be “equal to or higher than that of Japanese employees” (A general guideline is at least ¥180,000 per month)
✅ The employment must be full-time (as a regular employee or contract employee)
⑤ Apply for the Visa Change Immediately After Receiving a Job Offer
📍 Apply for the Visa Change Promptly Before Your Residence Status Expires!
✅ You can apply up to 3 months before your current visa expires.
✅ The screening process usually takes 1 to 2 months, so early preparation is essential.
💡 For Those Aiming to Work in Japan!
✅ For Visa Application Support, Trust Taro Fujita Administrative Scrivener Office!
✅ Expertise in Work Visas, Specified Skilled Worker Visas, and Technical Visas!
✅ Free Consultation Available! We’ll Help You Obtain Your Visa Smoothly! ✨
