VISA Information
Visa Q&A List - VISA Information
Regarding Job Hunting After Graduation for a Foreign Student
I’m in the second year at a vocational school and I have a college student visa. At present, I am busy job hunting, but haven’t been able to find a job yet. Is it possible for me to extend my stay in Japan after graduation in order to find a job? Furthermore, is there any possibility for me to go back home after graduation to see one of my parents who is sick?
It is possible for a foreign student who has not been given an assurance (formal or informal) of employment before graduation and who will continue job-hunting after graduation to apply for a change of visa status to “temporary stay,” if they satisfy certain requirements.
As for a foreign student who has graduated from a vocational school, a definite requirement is that the student must have been given a specialist title. The necessary documents for applying for a change of visa are: 1) A document that certifies the student can meet their expenses while staying in Japan. 2) A document to certify that the student has been given a specialist title by a school. 3) A vocational school certificate and a record of attendance and results. 4) A recommendation from a vocational school. 5) A document that shows the student is continuing to look for a job.
In your case, when you obtain a recommendation from a school, please also obtain a recommendation that you are suitable for a change of visa status and a permission of re-entry. It will enable you to go back home temporarily after getting re-entry permission.
Advisor: KUROKAWA Koji (Immigration Lawyer)
