What Is the Difference Between a 30-Day and 31-Day “Designated Activities (Departure Preparation)” Status?
Many foreign nationals staying in Japan under the “Designated Activities (Departure Preparation)” status believe that simply filing an application to change their status to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services allows them to remain in Japan until the immigration decision is made.
However, the rules differ significantly depending on whether the period of stay granted under the Designated Activities (Departure Preparation) status is 30 days or 31 days or longer.
Although the difference is only one day, it can determine whether you are permitted to remain in Japan while your application is under review. Anyone planning to apply for a change of status should understand this distinction before submitting an application.
1. What Is the Difference Between 30 Days and 31 Days or Longer?
The key difference is whether you may continue to remain lawfully in Japan after your period of stay expires.
| 30-Day Period of Stay | 31 Days or Longer |
|---|---|
| ❌ You cannot remain in Japan after your period of stay expires. | ✅ You may be allowed to remain lawfully in Japan until a decision is made on your application. |
| ❌ Not covered by the deemed extension of stay. | ✅ Covered by the deemed extension of stay. |
| ❌ As a general rule, you must leave Japan before your period of stay expires. | ✅ You may remain in Japan for up to two months after the expiration date, or until a decision is made on your application, whichever comes first. |
This distinction is based on whether the applicant is eligible for the deemed extension of the period of stay under Article 20, Paragraph 6 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
2. What Happens If Your Period of Stay Is 30 Days?
For example:
📌 Status of Residence: Designated Activities (Departure Preparation)
📌 Period of Stay: 30 days
📌 Expiration Date of Period of Stay: July 31
📌 Application to Change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Filed: July 25
In this case, if no decision has been made by August, the applicant’s lawful stay in Japan ends on July 31, the expiration date of the period of stay.
In other words, even if an application for a change of status has been filed, the applicant is not permitted to remain in Japan simply because the application is still under review.
As a general rule, the applicant must leave Japan on or before the expiration of the authorized period of stay.
3. If Your Period of Stay Is 31 Days or Longer, You May Remain in Japan While Waiting for the Immigration Decision
On the other hand, consider the following example:
📌 Status of Residence: Designated Activities (Departure Preparation)
📌 Period of Stay: 31 days
📌 Expiration Date of Period of Stay: July 31
📌 Application to Change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Filed: July 25
In this case, if the application for a change of status is properly filed before the expiration of the authorized period of stay, the applicant may remain lawfully in Japan even after July 31 while waiting for the immigration decision.
This deemed extension of the period of stay continues until the earlier of:
- two months after the original expiration date, or
- the date on which the Immigration Services Agency makes its decision.
As a result, the prospective employer may also benefit, as the applicant may be able to remain in Japan and wait for the outcome without having to leave the country.
4. Why Does a Difference of Just One Day Change the Rules?
Many people wonder, “What difference can just one day make?”
The answer lies in the eligibility requirements for the deemed extension of the period of stay under Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
If the authorized period of stay is 30 days or less, the applicant is not eligible for the deemed extension of the period of stay.
On the other hand, if the authorized period of stay is 31 days or longer, and the statutory requirements are satisfied, the applicant may continue to remain lawfully in Japan even after the original period of stay has expired.
In other words, the difference between 30 days and 31 days—just a single day—can have a significant impact on how an application for a change of status of residence is handled after it is filed.
5. If You Plan to Change to the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Status, Be Sure to Check This First
It is not uncommon for international students or former holders of a work-related status of residence who are currently staying in Japan under Designated Activities (Departure Preparation) to receive a job offer and apply to change their status to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.
When preparing your application, you should check not only the required documents but also the authorized period of stay shown on your current Residence Card.
📌 Is your period of stay 30 days?
📌 Or is it 31 days or longer?
This distinction may determine whether you are permitted to remain lawfully in Japan while your application is under review.
When planning your application schedule, it is essential to take your current period of stay into account.
For Those Seeking to Obtain a Status of Residence in Japan
✅ Let the Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita Office assist you with your visa application.
✅ We provide comprehensive support for a wide range of immigration procedures, including work visas, Dependent status, permanent residence applications, and the “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” status of residence.
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