Japan Mobility & Study Hub

A: Yes. By submitting the simple 'Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted' form at airport immigration upon arrival (or at the local immigration bureau), students can legally work up to 28 hours per week during academic semesters, and up to 8 hours per day (40 hours per week) during official summer and winter vacations. Working in adult entertainment or gambling establishments is strictly prohibited.

A: The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official clearance document issued directly by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Once your university admits you, they submit an application on your behalf in Japan. Once granted, the COE is sent to you, allowing your local Japanese embassy or consulate to issue your student visa quickly within 1 to 2 weeks.

A: Yes. Graduating students who have not yet secured employment can apply for the 'Designated Activities' (Tokutei Katsudo) visa for continuous job hunting. This visa is granted for 6 months and can be renewed once for a total of up to 1 year, with permission to continue working part-time up to 28 hours per week while attending job interviews.

A: The Japanese government offers a points-based system for researchers, technical specialists, and business managers. Points are awarded for education (graduating from a top-ranked Japanese or global university awards bonus points), Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1/N2), salary, and age. Scoring 70 points shortens the permanent residence qualifying period from 10 years to 3 years; scoring 80+ points shortens it to just 1 year.