From Student Visa to Work Visa in Japan: A Guide for New Graduates

Introduction: Visa Challenges for International Graduates

For international students graduating from Japanese universities or vocational schools, the first major challenge in pursuing a career in Japan is the transition of visa status. A student visa is only granted for academic purposes and cannot be extended after graduation. Therefore, those who wish to work in Japan must apply for a work visa (Change of Status of Residence).

This article explains the application process, required documents, common rejection risks, and Osaka Immigration’s practical tendencies, based on actual experience.

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When to Switch from a Student Visa to a Work Visa

The timing of your application is critical because it directly affects your post-graduation path. If you miss the deadline, your visa may expire, and you could lose legal status in Japan.

• You can apply before graduation if you have a certificate of expected graduation.
• You must apply before the expiry date of your current student visa.
• March graduation season is particularly busy at immigration offices, so it is ideal to begin preparations as soon as you secure a job offer.

👉 The safest practice is to start gathering documents as soon as you receive a job offer.

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Types of Work Visas Available for New Graduates

Several types of work visas are available to international graduates. The type you can apply for depends on your job description and the employer’s business.

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
  　The most common category, covering engineers, office workers, sales, translation, interpretation, and more.
• Highly Skilled Professional
  　Available for applicants with higher academic backgrounds and salaries. This visa has the advantage of shortening the residency period required for permanent residency.
• Business Manager
  　Required if you intend to establish a company. However, it has stricter requirements, such as a minimum capital investment (currently JPY 5 million).

👉 Immigration authorities place strong emphasis on whether your field of study is related to your job duties, and this is particularly important for vocational school graduates.

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Required Documents (Official List + Practical Additions)

The following table shows the documents required for a Change of Status of Residence from Student Visa to Work Visa. While official lists are published by the Immigration Services Agency, in practice, additional supporting documents are often requested.

Category	Document	Notes
Applicant	Application for Change of Status of Residence	Official immigration form
	Photo (4cm × 3cm)	Taken within 3 months, name on reverse
	Passport & Residence Card	Originals must be shown; copies recommended
	Certificate of Graduation / Expected Graduation	Mandatory
	Transcript	Frequently requested at Osaka Immigration
Employment	Job Offer Letter / Employment Contract	Must specify duties, conditions, and salary
	Statement of Reasons for Hiring	Often requested in Osaka, explains necessity
Employer	Certificate of Registered Matters	Issued within the past 3 months
	Company Brochure / Website printout	To describe business activities
	Financial Statements (P&L, Balance Sheet)	To confirm financial stability
	Business Plan	Sometimes required for new ventures or small companies
Other	Self-addressed return envelope	Practical convention

👉 Having both officially required documents and practical supporting materials increases the chance of a smooth approval.

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Common Reasons for Rejection

Even for new graduates, work visa applications may be rejected under certain conditions. Typical examples include:

• Mismatch between major and job duties
  　(e.g., music major applying for a clerical position).
• Weak financial foundation of the employer
  　Deficits or insufficient capital.
• Work judged as simple labor
  　Factory line work, cashier, or convenience store staff.
• Incomplete or inaccurate documents
  　Missing graduation certificate, inaccurate job descriptions.

👉 The key is to clearly demonstrate how your studies are connected to your job.

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The Importance of Job Offer Letters and Employment Contracts

Immigration examiners closely check whether the employment relationship is well-documented and compliant with visa requirements.

• Job Offer Letter: The foundation for your visa application.
• Employment Contract: Must specify job duties, salary, and working conditions in detail.
• Risk of vague contracts: If job duties are too general, the application may be questioned as “simple labor” and additional documents may be required.

👉 Since job offers may sometimes be withdrawn, applicants with multiple offers should carefully select the company through which they apply.

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Osaka Immigration’s Review Tendencies

Although the basic standards are the same nationwide, regional differences exist in practical operations. At Osaka Immigration, the following tendencies are observed:

• Strict evaluation of the specificity of job descriptions.
• Frequent requests for additional documents, such as transcripts, hiring reasons, and business plans.
• Occasional follow-up questions or additional inquiries, which may delay processing if preparation is insufficient.

👉 Applicants should prepare extra supporting documents when applying at Osaka Immigration, rather than assuming standards will be identical to Tokyo.

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Processing Timeline

The review process takes time, so it is important to plan ahead.

• Standard review period: 1–3 months
• Graduation season (March–April) tends to be slower due to heavy workloads
• The safest approach is to apply before graduation, working backward from your employment start date

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I apply before graduation?

Yes, if you have a certificate of expected graduation.

Q2. What if I have multiple job offers?

You must choose one company for your application.

Q3. Does part-time job experience affect the review?

Not directly, but unauthorized work is a serious negative factor.

Q4. What if my application is rejected?

You may reapply if you correct the issues and provide stronger supporting documents.

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Conclusion: Keys to a Successful Work Visa for New Graduates

Transitioning from a student visa to a work visa is a significant milestone in building your career in Japan. To maximize your chance of approval, focus on the following points:

1. Start early (begin preparations with your expected graduation certificate).
2. Prove the link between your field of study and job duties.
3. Show your employer’s financial stability with company documents.
4. Prepare supporting documents proactively, especially for Osaka Immigration.

👉 With thorough preparation and well-documented evidence, you can secure your work visa and begin your professional career in Japan with confidence.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you would like to renew or change your work visa quickly and reliably, or if you feel uncertain about the application process, please feel free to consult with our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. We provide support for clients from all over Japan, making use of our extensive experience in dealing with the Immigration Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your work visa renewal or change of status smoothly and with confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

▶ Click here to see our fee schedule

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