Can International Students in Japan Apply for a Work Visa Before Graduation If They Have a Job Offer?
Can International Students in Japan Apply for a Work Visa Before Graduation If They Have a Job Offer?
Yes, you can apply before graduation. For students graduating in March, the Immigration Bureau in Tokyo and Osaka accepts applications from December of the previous year. In other regions, applications start in January.
Changing from Student Visa to Work Visa Before Graduation
If you’re an international student in Japan with a confirmed job offer from a Japanese company, you must change your current Student visa to a work visa category such as
Engineer / Humanities / International Services or
Highly Skilled Professional. The good news is that you can apply for this change even before graduation.
Because many applications are submitted in March, Japan’s Immigration Bureau allows students expecting to graduate in March to file their change of status applications as early as December (in Tokyo and Osaka) or January (in other areas). This helps prevent processing delays that could prevent you from starting your job on April 1.
However, applying early does not mean your new status will be granted before graduation. You’ll need to submit documents such as a certificate of expected graduation and academic transcripts. After your school officially confirms your graduation, you must submit a graduation certificate to finalize the visa change.
Processing times for visa changes typically range from a few weeks to two months, depending on factors such as the size of the hiring company and the applicant’s profile. To avoid delays, it’s best to start preparing around November and submit your application as soon as the Immigration Bureau begins accepting them. Otherwise, you may risk missing your intended start date in April.
Can Students Be Granted a Work Visa While Still Enrolled?
In some cases, international students currently enrolled in a Japanese graduate program who already hold a degree (bachelor’s or master’s) from a foreign university may qualify for a work visa while still studying. This applies when the student’s academic responsibilities are minimal and their primary activity becomes employment. Eligible visa types may include Engineer/Humanities/International Services or Business Manager.
What If Your Work Visa Isn’t Approved Before Your Start Date?
Even if you have a job offer, you cannot begin working until your visa status has officially changed. Working without an approved visa constitutes unauthorized employment and is a violation of immigration law.
If your work visa is not approved by your company’s designated start date—often April 1—you must delay your start date until the visa is granted. It’s critical to apply early enough to avoid this issue.
Some companies include conditional clauses in their job offer letters stating that the offer will be void if the visa change isn’t approved in time. As a result, international students should take this seriously and prepare early.
Also, remember that the validity of a Student visa ends upon graduation. This means that any Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (which allows part-time work) also becomes invalid. Even if you’re within the 28-hour weekly limit, you may not work after graduation until your new work visa is approved.
Additionally, if you worked over 28 hours per week during school, violating your visa conditions, this may affect your work visa application. In fact, many companies include cancellation clauses in their offer letters in anticipation of such risks.
Learn more about work restriction violations for international students
About the Author
Masakazu Murai
Former investment banker with Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, a joint venture between Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Morgan Stanley, where he advised on corporate finance and M&A.
While serving in the field, he also held leadership roles in the labor union, promoting diversity and improving work environments for foreign nationals and women. He now specializes in immigration and financial consulting for foreign residents in Japan.
Certified Immigration Agent (Gyoseishoshi),
Executive Board Member, Minato Ward Gyoseishoshi Association,
Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan.
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