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Status of residence · 特定活動

Designated Activities visa (特定活動): No. 46, job hunting, J-Find, digital nomad

Designated Activities is a flexible status for cases the regular visas do not cover. The activity you may do is set for each sub-type. Here are the sub-types that matter most for graduates, job seekers, remote workers and young travelers.

Sub-types

Job hunting after graduation

Checked against the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on 7 October 2026 · Change of status

Job hunting after graduationUp to 1 year

J-FindUp to 2 years

Japanese for No. 46JLPT N1 or BJT 480+

Certificate of EligibilityFree

Sub-types

One status, many purposes

Each sub-type has its own conditions, its own ISA page and its own documents. The passport carries a designation (指定書) that says what you may do.

After studying in Japan, or for top graduates

For remote workers and young travelers

  • Digital nomad (No. 53)
    Remote work for clients or an employer abroad, up to 6 months, income of ¥10 million+
  • Working Holiday
    Ages generally 18–30 from 32 countries and regions: a holiday with some work, up to 1 year

ISA lists many more sub-types on its Designated Activities page. Some are set individually by the Minister of Justice.

Conditions

Who each sub-type is for

According to the ISA pages for each sub-type.

No. 46

Graduates of Japanese universities

  • A Japanese university or graduate school; also a junior college (短大) or college of technology (高専) followed by a bachelor’s degree from NIAD-QE (大学改革支援・学位授与機構), or a certified vocational-college course with the 高度専門士 title
  • Japanese: JLPT N1 (or the old Level 1) or BJT 480+; or Japanese as your major at a university in Japan or abroad — a qualification from Japan is needed in any case
  • A full-time job where you use Japanese with people, with pay at least equal to a Japanese employee
  • Spouse and children can come on their own Designated Activities status

More about No. 46

Job hunting

After graduation — 6 months + one extension

  • Graduates of Japanese universities, graduate schools, junior colleges and colleges of technology
  • Vocational-college (専門学校) graduates with the 専門士 title, if the studies relate to a work status
  • Language-school graduates only with a degree from a university abroad and a school that meets ISA’s conditions
  • A recommendation from your school and job hunting already started while studying; part-time work up to 28 h a week with permission
  • A second year (again 6 months + one extension) for participants in local-government job-support programs (地方公共団体が実施する就職支援事業)

More about the job-hunting visa

J-Find (No. 51)

Graduates of top world universities

  • A university in the top 100 of at least two of three rankings: QS, THE and Shanghai (ARWU)
  • No more than 5 years since the degree
  • At least ¥200,000 in your own account when you apply
  • Up to 2 years to look for work or prepare a business; spouse and children can come too
  • Age 18 or over; the 2 years include time on the job-hunting status and in start-up programs

More about J-Find

No. 53

Digital nomad

  • Remote work for an employer or clients abroad, with income of ¥10 million or more a year
  • Only nationals of countries and regions on ISA’s list: visa-exempt for Japan and with a tax treaty (or similar) with Japan
  • Private medical insurance for the whole stay, with treatment cover of at least ¥10 million
  • 6 months, no extension, no residence card; you can come again 6 months after leaving

More about the digital nomad visa

Waiting for employment

Waiting for the job to start after an offer

If you got a job offer while studying or on the job-hunting status and the job starts later, you can change to Designated Activities until it starts. ISA’s condition: you are hired within 1 year of the offer and within 1 year 6 months of graduation, and the employer signs a pledge. Part-time work up to 28 hours a week is possible with permission (資格外活動).

Working Holiday

A holiday with some work

Japan has Working Holiday arrangements with 32 countries and regions (MOFA, 1 April 2026), among them Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Korea and Taiwan. Ages are generally 18–30 (Australia, Canada, Korea and Ireland: 18–25, up to 30 in some cases), the stay is up to 1 year, and work is allowed only to fund the trip. On arrival you receive Designated Activities. Details: Working Holiday visa and MOFA’s page.

Forms and documents

Official forms and the documents you need by sub-type

Each sub-type has its own ISA page, forms and documents. The Certificate of Eligibility is free; a change of status and an extension carry a fee.

Choose the sub-type and the procedure: the buttons open the ISA forms and the list shows the documents for your case. Not every sub-type has every procedure: job hunting and waiting for employment are reached only from inside Japan, and the digital nomad status is not extended.

Sub-type:

No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities: Graduates of a Japanese university or graduate school (also a junior college (短大) or college of technology (高専) with an NIAD-QE degree, or the 高度専門士 title) with Japanese at JLPT N1 (or the old Level 1) or BJT 480+, in a job that uses Japanese with people.

job hunting after graduation: Graduates of Japanese universities and vocational colleges (専門学校), and of language schools if they hold a degree from a university abroad. 6 months + one extension; one more year for participants in local-government job-support programs.

J-Find (No. 51): Graduates of universities in the top 100 of world rankings, aged 18 or over — up to 2 years to look for work or prepare a business (including time on similar statuses).

waiting for the job to start: You have a job offer but the job starts later: you must be hired within 1 year of the offer and within 1 year 6 months of graduation.

digital nomad (No. 53): Remote work, income of ¥10 million or more a year, up to 6 months. Only for nationals of the countries and regions on ISA’s list.

Change of status — you are already in Japan, for example after your studies

You file yourself before your current status expires — or an employee of the company or school approved by immigration, or an administrative scrivener (行政書士), files for you. Job hunting is reached from the Student status; waiting for the job to start, from Student or from the job-hunting status.

Application formPDF · 在留資格変更許可申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formPDF · 在留資格変更許可申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · 在留資格変更許可申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · 在留資格変更許可申請書 · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp

Immigration has no such procedure for this option — choose another tab.

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status of residence 在留資格変更許可申請書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesFor No. 46 ISA has two sets of forms: of the two PDF buttons (and two Excel buttons) the first is for the graduate, the second for the family.
  2. Application for change of status of residence 在留資格変更許可申請書job hunting after graduation, J-Find (No. 51), waiting for the job to start
  3. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities, job hunting after graduation, J-Find (No. 51), waiting for the job to startFrom 14 June 2026 a photo is needed for everyone aged 1 and over.
  4. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities, job hunting after graduation, J-Find (No. 51), waiting for the job to start
  5. Working conditions — copy of the employer’s document 労働条件を明示する文書（写し）No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities
  6. Employer’s letter on the reason for hiring 雇用理由書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesFree format, from the company. Not needed if the working conditions already show that the job involves communicating in Japanese.
  7. Diploma of a Japanese university or graduate school with a degree — copy, or a graduation certificate 卒業（修了）証書（写し）又は卒業（修了）証明書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesGraduates of a junior college (短大) or college of technology (高専) with a bachelor’s degree from NIAD-QE (大学改革支援・学位授与機構): also the degree document; graduates of vocational college (専門学校) courses certified under the 外国人留学生キャリア形成促進プログラム program: a document on the 高度専門士 title.
  8. JLPT N1 or BJT 480+ certificate — copy 日本語能力試験Ｎ１又はＢＪＴ４８０点以上の成績証明書（写し）No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesIf Japanese was your major at a university abroad: that university’s diploma.
  9. About the company: brochure, copy of its website or registration certificate 事業内容を明らかにする資料No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities
  10. Declaration about the company’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiestemplate · PDF
  11. Proof that you can pay your living costs in Japan 在留中の一切の経費の支弁能力を証する文書job hunting after graduation, waiting for the job to startIf someone else pays: their documents and an explanation of why they support you.
  12. Diploma (copy) or graduation certificate 卒業証書（写し）又は卒業証明書job hunting after graduationVocational college (専門学校) graduates: also the 専門士 certificate, transcript and course description; language-school graduates: the degree from a university abroad and an attendance certificate. Details on the job-hunting visa page.
  13. Recommendation letter from your school 継続就職活動についての推薦状job hunting after graduationtemplate · PDF
  14. Proof that you are job hunting 継続就職活動を行っていることを明らかにする資料job hunting after graduationFor example, job applications and interview invitations.
  15. University or graduate school diploma — copy, or a graduation certificate 大学又は大学院の卒業（又は修了）証書（写し）若しくは卒業（又は修了）証明書J-Find (No. 51)The university must be in the top 100 of at least two of three rankings (QS, THE, Shanghai ARWU); the degree must be no older than 5 years.
  16. CV 経歴書J-Find (No. 51)ISA form · PDF
  17. Stay plan 滞在予定表J-Find (No. 51)ISA’s form is on the J-Find page.
  18. Statement of the current balance of your own account — at least ¥200,000 申請人名義の預貯金口座の現在残高が分かる資料J-Find (No. 51)For example, a copy of your bank book or a bank statement.
  19. For family: proof of relationship — marriage or birth certificate 申請人と扶養者との身分関係を証する文書J-Find (No. 51)Filed by the spouse and children of a J-Find holder instead of the diploma, CV, plan and bank statement. Foreign documents need a Japanese translation.
  20. For family: copy of the J-Find holder’s residence card or passport 扶養者の在留カード又は旅券の写しJ-Find (No. 51)
  21. Documents for the later change to a work status 就労に係る在留資格への在留資格変更許可申請に必要な資料waiting for the job to startAs for the work visa of your future job. Even Category 1 and 2 companies add a letter: company name, place of work, activity, pay and duties.
  22. Document showing the job offer and its date 採用内定の事実及び内定日を確認できる資料waiting for the job to start
  23. Pledge to report on progress 誓約書waiting for the job to startISA form · PDF
  24. Training program before the start of employment — if there is one 採用までに行う研修等の内容を確認できる資料waiting for the job to start

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
1–2 months
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Extension of period of stay — Designated Activities

You file yourself from 3 months before your period of stay ends and no later than its last day. The job-hunting status is extended only once — for 6 more months.

Application formPDF · 在留期間更新許可申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formPDF · 在留期間更新許可申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · 在留期間更新許可申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · 在留期間更新許可申請書 · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp

Immigration has no such procedure for this option — choose another tab.

Immigration has no such procedure for this option — choose another tab.

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for extension of period of stay 在留期間更新許可申請書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesFor No. 46 ISA has two sets of forms: of the two PDF buttons (and two Excel buttons) the first is for the graduate, the second for the family.
  2. Application for extension of period of stay 在留期間更新許可申請書job hunting after graduation, J-Find (No. 51)
  3. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities, job hunting after graduation, J-Find (No. 51)Not needed for an extension of up to 3 months.
  4. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities, job hunting after graduation, J-Find (No. 51)
  5. Declaration about the company’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiestemplate · PDF
  6. Resident tax certificates for the year (tax assessed and paid) 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書及び納税証明書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesFrom the city office where you lived on 1 January.
  7. Proof that you can pay your living costs in Japan 在留中の一切の経費の支弁能力を証する文書job hunting after graduationIf someone else pays: their documents and an explanation of why they support you.
  8. New recommendation letter from your school 継続就職活動についての推薦状job hunting after graduationtemplate · PDF
  9. Proof that you are still job hunting 継続就職活動を行っていることを明らかにする資料job hunting after graduation
  10. Proof of job hunting or business preparation 就職活動又は起業準備活動を行っていることを明らかにする資料J-Find (No. 51)
  11. Stay plan 滞在予定表J-Find (No. 51)ISA form · PDF

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
2 weeks – 1 month
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — coming from abroad

For No. 46 the employer in Japan files (a staff member or an administrative scrivener, 行政書士). For J-Find, a representative in Japan allowed by ISA rules or an administrative scrivener files the CoE; some Japanese embassies also accept a visa application without a CoE. A digital nomad abroad is advised by ISA to apply for the visa directly at a Japanese embassy or consulate: a CoE is not required, but with one the visa is, according to MOFA, usually issued within 5 working days. With the CoE you get the visa at a Japanese embassy, consulate or visa center.

Application formPDF · 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formPDF · 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 · moj.go.jp

Immigration has no such procedure for this option — choose another tab.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp

Immigration has no such procedure for this option — choose another tab.

Application formPDF · 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 · moj.go.jpApplication formPDF · 【PDF】 · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesFor No. 46 ISA has two sets of forms: of the two PDF buttons (and two Excel buttons) the first is for the graduate, the second for the family.
  2. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書J-Find (No. 51), digital nomad (No. 53)Digital nomads do not fill in the pages for the organization.
  3. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities, J-Find (No. 51), digital nomad (No. 53)
  4. Return envelope with your address and stamps for registered mail 返信用封筒No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities, J-Find (No. 51), digital nomad (No. 53)For paper applications.
  5. Working conditions — copy of the employer’s document 労働条件を明示する文書（写し）No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities
  6. Employer’s letter on the reason for hiring 雇用理由書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesFree format, from the company. Not needed if the working conditions already show that the job involves communicating in Japanese.
  7. Diploma of a Japanese university or graduate school with a degree — copy, or a graduation certificate 卒業（修了）証書（写し）又は卒業（修了）証明書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesGraduates of a junior college (短大) or college of technology (高専) with a bachelor’s degree from NIAD-QE (大学改革支援・学位授与機構): also the degree document; graduates of vocational college (専門学校) courses certified under the 外国人留学生キャリア形成促進プログラム program: a document on the 高度専門士 title.
  8. JLPT N1 or BJT 480+ certificate — copy 日本語能力試験Ｎ１又はＢＪＴ４８０点以上の成績証明書（写し）No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiesIf Japanese was your major at a university abroad: that university’s diploma.
  9. About the company: brochure, copy of its website or registration certificate 事業内容を明らかにする資料No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universities
  10. Declaration about the company’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書No. 46 — graduates of Japanese universitiestemplate · PDF
  11. University or graduate school diploma — copy, or a graduation certificate 大学又は大学院の卒業（又は修了）証書（写し）若しくは卒業（又は修了）証明書J-Find (No. 51)The university must be in the top 100 of at least two of three rankings (QS, THE, Shanghai ARWU); the degree must be no older than 5 years.
  12. CV 経歴書J-Find (No. 51)ISA form · PDF
  13. Stay plan 滞在予定表J-Find (No. 51)ISA’s form is on the J-Find page.
  14. Statement of the current balance of your own account — at least ¥200,000 申請人名義の預貯金口座の現在残高が分かる資料J-Find (No. 51)For example, a copy of your bank book or a bank statement.
  15. For family: proof of relationship — marriage or birth certificate 申請人と扶養者との身分関係を証する文書J-Find (No. 51)Filed by the spouse and children of a J-Find holder instead of the diploma, CV, plan and bank statement. Foreign documents need a Japanese translation.
  16. For family: copy of the J-Find holder’s residence card or passport 扶養者の在留カード又は旅券の写しJ-Find (No. 51)
  17. Plan of activities in Japan 申請人の滞在中の活動予定を説明する資料digital nomad (No. 53)Not needed if everything is described in detail in the application form.template · PDF
  18. Tax or income certificate for the year — ¥10 million or more 納税証明書又は所得証明書digital nomad (No. 53)From the country where you work.
  19. Proof of your current work: contract or employment certificate 雇用契約書・在職証明書digital nomad (No. 53)
  20. Description of your medical insurance cover 民間医療保険の補償内容に係る説明書digital nomad (No. 53)template · PDF
  21. Copy of the medical insurance certificate and policy terms 民間医療保険の加入証書及び約款の写しdigital nomad (No. 53)For the whole stay in Japan, with treatment cover of at least ¥10 million. Credit-card insurance is accepted if it covers the same.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau: for No. 46 the one for the place of work, for the others the one for your future address
Fee
Free
Standard processing period
1–3 months
Online
Possible for No. 46 and J-Find
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

FAQ

Designated Activities questions

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Ask us a question

What is the Designated Activities (特定活動) status?

A flexible status for cases that the regular statuses do not cover. The activity you may do is set by a numbered public notice or by the Minister of Justice — for example No. 46, job hunting after graduation, J-Find (No. 51) or Digital Nomad (No. 53).

Graduates of Japanese universities with Japanese at N1 can do a wider range of work than on the regular work visa — including service, sales and factory jobs where they use Japanese with people.

Up to 1 year — 6 months plus one extension. You need a recommendation from your school. Open to graduates of Japanese universities and vocational colleges (専門学校) and, as an exception, language-school graduates with a degree from a university abroad. Participants in local-government job-support programs can get one more year.

A status for graduates of the world’s top universities: you can come to Japan before you have a job and spend up to 2 years looking for work or preparing a start-up.

People who work remotely for an employer or clients abroad: a stay of up to 6 months, with an annual income of ¥10 million or more. It depends on your nationality — only nationals of countries and regions on ISA’s list can apply.

Only nationals of the countries and regions on ISA’s list: those that are visa-exempt for Japan and also have a tax treaty (or similar) with Japan — for example the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Nationals who need a visa for short stays, such as India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Nepal or China, are not eligible. Check the current ISA list before you apply.

A degree from a university in the top 100 of at least two of three world rankings (QS, THE and Shanghai ARWU), received no more than 5 years ago, and at least ¥200,000 in your own account when you apply. Age 18 or over. The total time on J-Find is up to 2 years, including time on the job-hunting status after graduation and in start-up programs. Your spouse and children can come with you.

Yes. Students and graduates on the job-hunting status with a job offer can change to Designated Activities for waiting for the start of employment. ISA’s condition: you are hired within 1 year of the offer and within 1 year 6 months of graduation. Part-time work up to 28 hours a week is possible with permission.

On the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA): each sub-type has its own page and document list. Choose the sub-type and the procedure on this page — the buttons open the ISA files directly, next to the letter templates and examples.

The Certificate of Eligibility is free. A change of status or extension filed by 30 September 2026 cost ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500); from 1 October 2026 the fee depends on the period granted, from ¥10,000 to ¥75,000, cheaper online, and it can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued. You pay after approval.

Sources

Where this information comes from

Facts and document lists were checked against the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) on 7 October 2026. Form links come from a register of ISA files that our server refreshes every week: when ISA publishes a new version of a form, the button opens the new file.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration decides each application and may ask for more documents. Where a rule is known only from practice, we say so.

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