designated activities graduate school international students required documents change of status

Designated Activities (Stay Until Graduate School Enrollment) - Required Documents

Designated Activities (Stay Until Graduate School Enrollment) - Required Documents

This page provides guidance on required documents for the Designated Activities visa status application for international students who have graduated from Japanese universities and wish to stay in Japan until their graduate school enrollment.

For details on eligibility and requirements, please refer to Status of Residence for International Students Who Will Enroll in Graduate School After Graduating from University (Japanese).

Required Documents by Application Type

Important Notes Before Applying

  • For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
  • Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
  • All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
  • Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
  • In principle, submitted documents will not be returned. If you wish to have originals returned that are difficult to reacquire, please request this at the time of application.
  • Additional documents not listed on this page may be requested during the examination process.

Application for Change of Status of Residence

This application is for those already residing in Japan who wish to change their activities to those under this status. If you wish to engage in activities under a different status of residence, please apply promptly. Your status of residence may be revoked if you are not engaging in activities based on your original status of residence.

Common Documents

1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

Prepare a photograph meeting the specified requirements and attach it to the application form. Not required for those under 16 years old. Also not required when changing to a status of residence that does not qualify as a mid-to-long-term resident.

3. Passport and Residence Card

Present at the counter.

4. Documents proving the ability to cover all expenses during the stay (as appropriate)

If someone other than the applicant is bearing the expenses, submit documents proving their ability to cover expenses and documents clarifying the circumstances leading to the expense bearing.

5. Copy of graduation certificate or graduation certificate from the most recently enrolled university - 1

6. Documents issued by the planned graduate school confirming the expected enrollment and enrollment date - 1

Submit documents such as a letter of acceptance clearly stating the expected enrollment and enrollment date.

7. Written oath from the planned graduate school regarding compliance with regular contact, etc. - 1

Submit the prescribed form of oath.

For Former International Students Residing for the Purpose of Continued Job Seeking

The following additional documents are required:

8. Documents proving that job-seeking activities are continuing (as appropriate)

9. Statement of reasons for changing from continued job seeking to waiting for graduate school enrollment

Need to apply for or change your status of residence in Japan?

Easily create your Japanese status of residence application.

Try it