Designated Activities (Internship, Summer Jobs, International Cultural Exchange) - Required Documents
The Designated Activities (Internship, Summer Jobs, International Cultural Exchange) visa status is for foreign university students to engage in internship, summer job, or international cultural exchange activities in Japan.
- Internship: Activities involving practical training at Japanese companies, etc. as part of academic studies (Public Notice No. 9)
- Summer Jobs: Activities involving work at Japanese companies, etc. during summer vacation or similar periods (not exceeding 3 months) that contribute to academic pursuits and future employment (Public Notice No. 12)
- International Cultural Exchange: Activities involving lectures on international cultural exchange at elementary and junior high schools, etc. in Japan as part of an international cultural exchange program conducted by a Japanese local government, during a period not exceeding 3 months when university classes are not in session (Public Notice No. 15)
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
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.
- The requirements for foreign nationals engaging in internship, summer job, or international cultural exchange activities and their host organizations are stipulated in the Ministry of Justice Public Notice, so please refer to it.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This application is for those who wish to enter Japan with this status of residence for the first time. In addition to the common documents, additional documents differ depending on the activity type (internship/summer job/international cultural exchange).
Common Documents
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Certificate of enrollment of the applicant - 1
Additional documents for Internship
5. Copy of internship contract between the foreign university and the Japanese host organization - 1
Please refer to the guidelines and ensure all required items are included.
6. Approval letter and recommendation letter from the foreign university for the internship
7. Documents proving that the internship is conducted as part of the educational curriculum, such as credit acquisition (internship implementation plan)
This may be included in the contract in item 5 above.
8. Documents describing the activities in Japan, including content, period, remuneration and other conditions - 1
9. Documents clarifying past stay history for internships
If the applicant has never stayed in Japan for an internship before, submit a document (free format) stating so.
10. Documents clarifying the duration of study at the enrolled university
11. Explanatory document regarding items specified in the guidelines
Additional documents for Summer Jobs
5. Documents proving the applicant’s vacation period - 1
6. Copy of contract between the foreign university and the Japanese host organization - 1
7. Documents describing the activities in Japan, including content, period, remuneration and other conditions - 1
Additional documents for International Cultural Exchange
5. Documents proving the applicant’s vacation period - 1
6. Copy of contract between the applicant and the Japanese host organization - 1
7. Documents prepared by the local government proving that the requirements for accepting foreign university students are met (business plan, etc.) - 1
Documents proving compliance with the requirements stipulated in Appendix 4 of Ministry of Justice Public Notice No. 15.
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This application is for those already residing in Japan with a different status of residence who wish to change their activities to those under this status.
Common Documents
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Certificate of enrollment of the applicant - 1
Additional documents for Internship
5. Copy of internship contract between the foreign university and the Japanese host organization - 1
6. Approval letter, recommendation letter from the foreign university, and documents proving that the internship is conducted as part of the educational curriculum
7. Documents describing the activities in Japan, including content, period, remuneration and other conditions - 1
8. Documents clarifying past stay history for internships
If the applicant has never stayed in Japan for an internship before, submit a document (free format) stating so.
9. Documents clarifying the duration of study at the enrolled university
Additional documents for Summer Jobs
5. Documents proving the applicant’s vacation period - 1
6. Copy of contract between the foreign university and the Japanese host organization - 1
7. Documents describing the activities in Japan, including content, period, remuneration and other conditions - 1
Additional documents for International Cultural Exchange
5. Documents proving the applicant’s vacation period - 1
6. Copy of contract between the applicant and the Japanese host organization - 1
7. Documents prepared by the local government proving that the requirements for accepting foreign university students are met (business plan, etc.) - 1
Documents proving compliance with the requirements stipulated in Appendix 4 of Ministry of Justice Public Notice No. 15.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This application is for those already residing in Japan with this status of residence who wish to continue their activities. Extension applications are only applicable for those engaged in “Internship” activities.
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Approval letter from the foreign university or other documents proving the extension of the activity period in Japan
Reference Links
Need to apply for or change your status of residence in Japan?
Easily create your Japanese status of residence application.