Change from Student Visa to Designated Activities No.46 (for International Students)

2. Requirements and Cautions by Pattern

What immigration officers emphasize in screening for Designated Activities No.46 varies depending on your academic background and career status. Below we summarize, by pattern, the requirements for obtaining No.46 and the key cautions to avoid refusal when changing from a Student Visa to Designated Activities No.46.

1. University / Graduate School Graduates

This is the typical pattern for graduates of universities or graduate schools who will start practical work or OJT related to their academic major.

Applications assume you will begin “educationally oriented practical work” at a company or research institute, leveraging your academic background.

Example Requirements

• Objective relevance between major and activities (substantiated with transcripts, syllabi, and a Job Description)
• Existence and continuity of the host organization’s business (registry, financials, organization, business plan)
• Reasonableness of compensation (equivalent to or above Japanese peers and commensurate with duties)

Cautions

• Insufficient linkage explanation between research/thesis theme and job duties is a refusal risk—prepare a matrix mapping “research summary × job requirements.”
• OJT/training plans must state specific goals, duration, and supervisors.
• If your status expiry is near, file earlier and allow buffer time for possible amendments.

2. Vocational College Graduates

For vocational graduates, screening focuses on practical abilities such as technical skills and produced works.

Under Designated Activities No.46, it is important to plan activities as OJT/production/practical training where your acquired skills are directly utilized.

Example Requirements

• Show job-ready capability via practicums, works, and portfolios
• Explain how job duties are directly tied to learned skills (map the Job Description to completed coursework)
• Clarify the host’s mentoring framework (assigned mentor and evaluation methods)

Cautions

• “Broad relevance” is weak—demonstrate skill fit with a concrete workflow.
• Prepare evidence for compensation (pay rules, market wage data for the role).
• If you have extensive part-time (authorized) activity history, explain lawful compliance (hours, content, income consistency).

3. No Job Offer Yet / Exploring Career Options

This applies when the job offer is not fixed, and you explore your path via major-related practical training, research, or OJT.

Unlike a general “Designated Activities for Job Hunting,” this aims at planned practical/OJT activities under a host or supervisor.

Example Requirements

• A feasible activity plan (timeline, objectives, schedule, supervision/hosting structure)
• A reasonable pathway that can lead to future work status (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
• Proof of living foundation and financial capacity (funding plan, housing, insurance)

Cautions

• Abstract plans risk refusal—present weekly/daily milestones and expected outputs at a granular level.
• State a clear plan to comply with part-time eligibility and hour limits (align income with living costs).
• Clarify involvement of a proper host (supervisor, evaluation method, health & safety).

This pattern is close to a “post-graduation internship” that leverages your major while exploring options.

If there is a host and concrete activity details, cases may be considered even without a job offer—but you must clarify that the purpose is educational OJT, not mere job hunting.

3. Key Points When Changing from a Student Visa to Designated Activities No.46

Changing from a Student Visa to Designated Activities No.46 is widely used by graduates who want to start working or gain practical experience immediately in Japan.

However, when switching from a Student Visa to a Designated Activities visa, immigration screening focuses on several key points: application timing, presence or absence of a job offer, explanation of activity content, and the relationship to part-time/unauthorized activities.

Below we summarize practical points for a smooth change of status from the perspectives of “when to apply,” “job offer status,” and “part-time restrictions.”

1. Application Timing (Before/After Graduation)

In principle, apply for Designated Activities No.46 right before or immediately after graduation.

Because you must complete the change before your current Student Visa expires, it’s ideal to start preparing 1–2 months before the graduation ceremony.

If you can obtain a certificate of expected graduation, you may file even before graduation. Submitting documents that prove your student status—such as transcripts and attendance—will further enhance credibility.

Screening usually takes about 1–2 months, but it tends to be longer during busy seasons (Jan–Mar). If you file too close to expiry, reapplying after a refusal becomes difficult, so keep at least one month of buffer.

2. Job Offer Status and Supporting Documents

If you have a job offer, center your explanation on the offer letter, employment confirmation, and Job Description, clearly showing how activities relate to your major.

If you will conduct OJT/training, attach a detailed activity plan stating content, term, supervisors, and evaluation methods—this is essential.

If a job offer is not yet confirmed, you can still apply with a rational plan toward future employment. In such cases, submit a Statement of Purpose and a job-hunting schedule with a list of target companies to show feasibility as “Designated Activities.”

When a company serves as the host, have them prepare corporate registry, financials, and documents explaining the hosting structure to demonstrate the reality of the activity.

3. Notes on Part-time Work and Activity Restrictions

Designated Activities No.46 is, in principle, limited to major-related practical work or job preparation. Therefore, the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” (up to 28 hours/week) granted under Student Visa is not automatically carried over.

If you temporarily continue part-time work during screening, you may need a separate permission even while your status change is pending. Continuing without clarity risks being deemed “unauthorized employment.”

When receiving compensation, it must be the proper consideration for duties—not living-cost support. If pay is extremely low, it may be treated as “practice/training” rather than work and deemed inconsistent with the visa’s purpose.

Accordingly, for activities under No.46, document that the purpose is educational/practical and that there is an appropriate pay structure and hosting system.

4. Required Documents to Change from a Student Visa to Designated Activities No.46

1. Standard Documents for the Residence Status “Designated Activities (No.46)”

Because required documents may change frequently due to legal or policy revisions, always check the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency website.

If you engage ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we will prepare the optimal set of documents—based on those listed on the Immigration website and tailored to your situation—to maximize the approval rate.

2. Key Document Points for a Student Visa → Designated Activities No.46 Change

When changing from Student to Designated Activities No.46, the documents you must prepare are clearly divided between the applicant (student) and the host company/research institution. Below are the documents emphasized in screening and tips for their preparation.

1. Documents Prepared by the Applicant (International Student)

Applicant-side documents mainly prove academic performance and the objective purpose of activities.

The Activity Plan is the most important document. It must clearly explain the link between your major and the planned practical work/OJT. Prepare the following and double-check consistency and accuracy.

• Residence Card & Passport
  Present originals at filing and submit copies. Renew if expiry is approaching.
• Certificate of Graduation or Expected Graduation
  Submit an “Expected Graduation” certificate if filing before graduation; submit a “Graduation Certificate” if filing after graduation.
  Ensure issuance dates and student status do not conflict with your visa expiry.
• Transcripts & Attendance Certificate
  These may be required to confirm relevance between major and job duties.
  Attaching a course list/syllabi strengthens the explanation.
• Curriculum Vitae (in Japanese or English)
  Include education, qualifications, and any work history with photo. Use a format that highlights relevance to the activity purpose.
  Add overseas experience, awards, or items evidencing expertise in your field.
• Activity Plan (including Statement of Activity / OJT plan)
  Specify content, period, workplace, supervision, and whether compensation is paid.
  As a core document, clarify what you will do, how, and for how long, with concrete examples showing academic relevance.
• Application for Change of Status of Residence
  Obtain from the official website or counter. Ensure school name, host details, and activity content are error-free.

2. Documents Prepared by the Host Company / Research Institution

The host prepares documents explaining the supervision system for practical training and the reasonableness of compensation.

Because Designated Activities No.46 is positioned as “educational OJT,” how the company will supervise and train is a key screening point.

• Company Profile (Certificate of Registered Matters & materials explaining business)
  Required to confirm the host’s existence and continuous operation.
  Add a company brochure or website printouts as supplementary explanation.
• Financial Statements or Recent Accounts
  Submitted to confirm business stability. For newly established companies, a business plan may substitute.
  If in deficit, add notes explaining no impact during the activity period.
• Offer/Employment Notice & Job Description (JD)
  Specify duties, compensation, work location, and hours, showing relevance to the applicant’s major.
  Explain that the duties align with an educational purpose to distinguish from full work visas.
• OJT Plan or Training Implementation Plan
  This is one of the most emphasized documents for No.46.
  Clearly state period, supervisors, training themes, evaluation methods, and milestones.
  If feasibility and educational nature are clear, screening evaluation improves.
• Hosting Structure Statement
  Describes responsible supervisors, management system, and labor management methods.
  Include safety/health management to enhance credibility.

3. Additional Documents by Case

Depending on your background and activity content, additional materials may be required.

Attaching the following will help demonstrate reliability and specificity to the examiner.

• If no job offer yet: Job-hunting plan, list of target companies, school recommendation
• For vocational graduates: Practicum reports, portfolio, work samples (skill proof)
• If the activity involves research: Research summary, acceptance letter, supervisor/professor recommendation
• If preparing for entrepreneurship: Business plan, funding plan, office lease, etc.

Prepare documents in Japanese or English. When attaching foreign-language materials, add a brief Japanese translation if possible.

Verify consistency (periods, amounts, objectives) before submission to avoid amendments. Also tidy formatting (page numbers, dates, signatures), as presentation is considered in screening.

5. Process & Screening Period for Changing from a Student Visa to Designated Activities No.46

International students cannot engage in employment activities under a Student Visa after graduation.
Therefore, you must apply to change to Designated Activities No.46 around the time of graduation to officially conduct major-related practical work, training, or preparation.

This section explains a smooth changeover flow based on the standard procedure at ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office.

As a general guide, the period from filing to approval is about 1–2 months.
However, during graduation season (Feb–Apr), applications increase; early preparation and prior consultation can determine the outcome.

1. Step-by-Step Flow for Changing to Designated Activities No.46

Pay special attention to the timing of issuing the Graduation or Expected Graduation certificate.
Since many schools issue official certificates in February–mid-March, you usually file with an Expected Graduation certificate in December–January, and later submit the official certificate upon Immigration’s request.

Because the OJT Plan and hosting documents require company preparation, share schedules early among the school, company, and applicant to ensure filing before your visa expiry.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we provide end-to-end support from job-offer/OJT acceptance to approval so students can start confidently.
We handle a wide range of cases, including vocational, junior college, and overseas university graduates.

2. Screening Period for Designated Activities No.46

The screening period follows the monthly “Processing Times” published by the Immigration Services Agency.
The average is about 1–2 months, but this varies depending on volume and document quality.
See the latest publication below.

6. Q&A: Changing from a Student Visa to Designated Activities No.46

Count back from your visa expiry and graduation date, and start preparation at least 1–2 months in advance. If you can obtain a certificate of expected graduation, filing prior to graduation is possible. During busy seasons (Mar–May / Sep–Oct), screening may take longer, so plan with sufficient buffer time.

Designated Activities No.46 is intended for practical work and job preparation related to your major; previous “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” (general part-time) is not automatically granted. If needed, consider a separate permission and design your activities and hours accordingly. Working without clarity may constitute unauthorized employment, so please confirm in advance.

Yes, if you have a clear activity plan and a hosting structure, you may be eligible for Designated Activities No.46.

For example, where a company, research institute, or supervisor will host major-related practical training or OJT, and you can submit an Activity Plan describing the period, content, and evaluation method.

However, if you are still only searching for a job without a host, the applicable status is “Designated Activities for Job Hunting”, not No.46.

In short, No.46 is a status to start practical training related to your major, not merely to extend your stay for job hunting.

First, request a “reason hearing” at the immigration office to identify shortcomings (e.g., specificity of the activity plan, explanation of major–activity relevance, hosting structure, pay reasonableness).

Then consider reapplying with improved materials. Avoid resubmitting the same content in a short period. Depending on deadlines and your current status, we will propose the best course, including the possibility of switching to another status if appropriate.

7. Overview of Application Support for Changing from a Student Visa to Designated Activities (No. 46)

1. Service Overview

Designated Activities (No. 46) is a status of residence granted to international students who have graduated (or completed) from Japanese universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, or colleges of technology (advanced courses), for the purpose of working at Japanese companies.
Even in cases where the job duties do not fit neatly under the conventional “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” category, employment may still be permitted if the work utilizes the applicant’s academic background and Japanese language proficiency.

On the other hand, applications for Designated Activities (No. 46) are subject to strict examination, particularly with regard to the relationship between the applicant’s academic studies and job duties, a sufficient level of Japanese language ability, and whether the actual work content aligns with the purpose of the system.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we organize the applicant’s field of study, degree obtained, Japanese language proficiency, and the job content at the prospective employer, and design applications that are appropriately evaluated under Designated Activities (No. 46), while also providing support with a view to future transitions to work visas or Highly Skilled Professional status.

Eligible Individuals and Companies

• International students who have graduated (or completed) Japanese universities or graduate schools and have received a job offer from a Japanese company
• Cases where the job content does not fully fall under “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”
• Those planning to work in positions that make use of their Japanese language skills
• Those who wish to securely proceed with a change of status of residence from a student visa
• Companies or HR managers who are uncertain whether to apply under Designated Activities (No. 46) or a work visa

2. Services Included

1. Eligibility assessment for changing from a student visa to Designated Activities (No. 46)
2. Organizing the relationship between academic studies/major fields and job duties
3. Structuring evidence regarding Japanese language proficiency (equivalent to JLPT N1, etc.)
4. Preparation and review of job description statements, statements of reasons, and related documents
5. Review and supplementary design of employment contracts and company-related documents
6. Filing/representation for the Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence with the Immigration Services Agency
7. Responding to requests for additional documents during screening and providing supplemental explanations
8. Advice with a view toward future transitions to work visas or Highly Skilled Professional status

3. Advantages of Requesting ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office

▼See the 9 Reasons ACROSEED Is Chosen for More Details

4. Ratings on Google Reviews

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office has received high evaluations for service quality from many clients, regardless of nationality or application category.

5. Fees for Changing from a Student Visa to Designated Activities (No. 46) (Excluding Tax)

・There are absolutely no additional charges based on the applicant’s individual circumstances.

・ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office provides services nationwide. Clients located far from our office can also request our services at the fees listed below.

・Payment by Visa and Mastercard is accepted.

8. Pages Frequently Read Together with Designated Activities Visa Applications”

For Students

[For Students] Guide to Changing from Student Visa to Work Visa (2025 Edition)
[For Students] Guide to Changing from Student Visa to Engineer / Humanities / International Services (2025 Edition)
[For Students] Guide to Changing from Student Visa to Highly Skilled Professional (2025 Edition)
[For Students] Guide to Changing from Student Visa to Designated Activities (No.46) (2025 Edition)

For HR Managers / Employers

[For HR Managers] Visa and Procedure Guide for Hiring International Graduates (April 2026 Entry)
[For HR Managers] Guide to Obtaining the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa
[For HR Managers] Applying for the “Highly Skilled Professional” Visa for Foreign Employees
[For HR Managers] Application for “Designated Activities (Notice No.46)” Visa