Status of Residence after Graduation

anchor-link-01

1. Work

After accepting a job offer, your residence status will need to be changed to a work-related status. Please follow your company’s instructions.

anchor-link-02

2. Designated Activities (Job Hunting)

If you were unable to secure a job offer before graduation and wish to continue job hunting while staying in Japan, you need to change your status from "Student" to "Designated Activities" for job hunting.

For students wishing to continue job hunting in Japan

Follow the instructions below to apply for a recommendation letter, which is required as part of the application for a status change. We generally support status changes for students who meet all the requirements.

We will NOT consider your request in the following cases:

  • Applications submitted after the deadline
  • Reports showing only a short period of job hunting or job applications
  • Requests for reissuing or resending a recommendation letter due to loss or missing the visa expiration date

For those who plan to work as a part-time worker after graduation

After graduation, if you wish to continue job hunting in Japan and work part-time during your job search, you must obtain a work permit under the "Designated Activities" residence status.

Note: Working part-time under a Student residence status after graduation is illegal, even if you previously had a work permit. After graduation, you are no longer considered a student, and the Student residence status cannot be used for part-time work.

Eligibility
  • Students in their final academic year
  • Permitted to engage in job hunting and work in Japan after graduation
  • Have actively engaged in job hunting and applied to at least 6 companies or organizations in Japan
  • Maintain communication with the IUJ Career Support Team
Submissions Via online application form:
1. Complete the form to report six job applications
2. Attach proof of six job applications (emails or screenshots)
Deadline June Graduates: May 25–31, 17:00
August Graduates: July 25–31, 17:00
After Moving Send photos of both sides of your Residence Card with the updated address to IUJ Career Support.
At Immigration Office Please confirm all required documents in addition to the recommendation letter from IUJ.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Process for Changing Your Status of Residence

1
Job HuntingContinue job hunting and keep regular contact with Career Support Team.
2
Application for Recommendation LetterVia online application. Submit a report on job applications and provide proof of at least six applications (emails or screenshots).
3
MOVE-OUT ProcedureApply from 14 days before moving (follow OSS instructions). Submit the required form and documents to the Urasa City Office.
4
Graduation and MOVE-OUTReceive your graduation certificate after the ceremony.
5
MOVE-IN ProcedureRegister your new address at the city office. Update your address on your residence card and send photos (front and back) to Career Support Team.
6
Recommendation LetterReceive the recommendation letter by post and prepare all required documents.
7
Immigration ApplicationApply at the nearest Immigration Office within 14 days of moving.
8
New Residence CardReceive a notification card and visit the same Immigration Office to collect your new residence card.

anchor-link-03

3. Renewal for Designated Activities (Job Hunting)

Eligibility
  • An IUJ graduate with approximately one month remaining on their current residence status who wishes to continue job hunting for an additional six months
  • Has been actively job hunting and has applied to at least 6 companies or organizations in Japan
  • Maintains regular communication with the IUJ Career Support Team
Submissions Upload the following documents via Online Application form for class of 2025:

1. Proofs of six job applications (emails or screenshots)
2. Photos of both sides of the Residence Card with the current address
At Immigration Office Please confirm all required documents in addition to the recommendation letter from IUJ.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Process for Renewing Your Status of Residence

1
Application for Recommendation LetterVia online application. Submit a report on job applications and provide proof of at least six applications (emails or screenshots). Send photos (front and back) of your residence card.
2
Recommendation LetterReceive the recommendation letter by post and prepare all required documents.
3
Immigration ApplicationApply at the nearest Immigration Office before your period of stay expires.
4
New Residence CardReceive a notification card and visit the same Immigration Office to collect your new residence card.

anchor-link-04

4. Notification of the Accepting Organization

After graduation, if you plan to enroll in another school in Japan or apply for a different residence status, such as for job hunting or work, you must submit the "Notification of the Accepting Organization" to the Immigration Bureau within 14 days of graduation. This notification informs them that you have graduated from IUJ.

However, if you have applied for a change of residence status within the designated period, this procedure can be omitted.

How to apply online

This Notification can be submitted online through the Immigration Bureau e-Notification System.

For the "2A Left the organization", please enter the information below.

Date of left of organization Date of the graduation ceremony
Name of the organization International University of Japan
Address 777 Kokusai-cho, Minami Uonuma-shi, Niigata 949-7277
Tel 025-779-1111

Additionally, if you intend to stay in Japan for an extended period, please note that the same procedure is required when changing jobs, transferring to another office within the same company, or if there are any changes to the company's name or address.

For detailed information on specific cases, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency's website mentioned above.