Change of Status of Residence
Status of Residence to a "Working Visa"
International Students who have received a job offer to work in Japan after graduation are required, by law, to change their status of residence from a 'college student' visa to a 'working visa'. Please read through the following documents carefully.
- Materials for the 'Changing the Status of Residence' Guidance (Japanese)
- Materials for the 'Changing the Status of Residence' Guidance (English)
(June 25, 2024 Guidance Handouts)
【Remarks:】
Please note that the Student Office cannot apply for your visa status to be changed on behalf of students. Each Student is responsible to contact the company where they will be employed to obtain the necessary documents.
Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau, Oita Branch Office
- Address: 1st floor, Oita Homu Sogo Chosha, 7-5 Niage-machi, Oita City (Access Map)
- TEL: 097-536-5006
Status of Residence for the Purpose of Job Hunting after Graduation
There is a system in place making it possible for international students to apply to the Immigration Bureau for a change in visa status to stay in Japan after graduation for the purpose of job hunting. APU students wanting to apply for a change in visa status for this purpose must first be issued a 'Recommendation Letter' by the university. In order for APU to issue this letter the student must meet the criteria set down in the below file. Please read through the following document carefully.
- For Undergraduate Students
- For Post-Graduate Students
- For Undergraduate Students
- For Post-Graduate Students
Status of Residence for the Purpose of Job Hunting after Graduation (Japanese):
Status of Residence for the Purpose of Job Hunting after Graduation (English):
(Updated June 2024)
Required Documents for 'Recommendation Letter' Application
Please read all information on the document above carefully before you submit your application to the Student Office.
- 1. Written Oath for the Recommendation Letter Application Form (PDF) *Handwritten and stamped with personal seal.
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2.
- Application Form for Undergraduate Applicant (docx)
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- a. General Information
- b. General Statement regarding your job hunting in Japan
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c.
Statement regarding your current job hunting activities *Please attach both i. and ii. as evidence.
- i. English CV and Japanese Rirekisho
- ii. Screenshot of email/ correspondence from companies
- d. Detailed job hunting plan for immediate future
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3.
- Application Form for Post-Graduate Applicant (docx)
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- a. General Information
- b. General Statement regarding your job hunting in Japan
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c.
Statement regarding your current job hunting activities *Please attach both i. and ii. as evidence.
- i. English CV and Japanese Rirekisho
- ii. Screenshot of email/ correspondence from companies
- d. Detailed job hunting plan for immediate future
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4.
- Transcript of Academic Records
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- * Click here for more details
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5.
- Certificate of Prospective Graduation
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- * Click here for more details
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6.
- Copy of your bank book that shows the account balance and the account name (first page of the bankbook)
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- * Please DO NOT send a copy of receipt or screenshot of bank app
*Click Here for more information on how to fill out the Application Form
【Remarks:】
- 1. Students must apply for their change in status of residence in person at the Immigration Bureau. The issuance by the university of a 'Recommendation Letter' DOES NOT automatically lead to the applicant being granted a 'designated activity visa' status of residence by the Immigration Bureau. For details, please refer to the Ministry of Justice website. (Japanese only)
- 2. Application for a change in visa status to 'temporary stay' must be made to the Immigration Bureau before the current 'college student' visa expires.
- 3. The university will issue one letter per student only. Students who receive a 'Recommendation Letter' from the university, and who are successfully granted a 'temporary stay' status of residence by the Immigration Bureau, must report any job offers to the Student Office as soon as possible.