Japan Student-to-Work Visa: Status Change Application Window

For international students planning to start work in April after graduation, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) advises applying early for a change of status of residence (from "Student" to a work-related status), given that such applications are typically concentrated between January and March each year (latest guidance as of July 2026).

• Recommended application window — For those wishing to begin work from April, the guidance advises submitting the application for a change of status of residence between 1 December and the end of January of the preceding year.
• Purpose: to allow sufficient time for examination — Where the required documents are incomplete or the application is submitted late, examination may not be completed by the intended start date of employment, so early application is recommended.
• Watch the expiry of the "Student" status — Where the period of stay under "Student" status expires on or before 31 January, and the person will continue student activities beyond that date, they should first apply to extend the period of stay under "Student" status, rather than applying for a change of status of residence within the window above.
• Eligible statuses of residence — These are mainly work-related statuses corresponding to the nature of the graduate's employment, such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Researcher, or Instructor.

As this guidance is published on a recurring annual basis, please check the latest information for the relevant year on the Immigration Services Agency website before applying.

For advice on hiring or accepting international students, please contact JAPAN POLARIS's Recruitment Support Service.

Source: For Those Planning to Apply for a Change of Status from "Student" to a Work-Related Status | Immigration Services Agency / Application for Change of Status of Residence | Immigration Services Agency