Hello,
Let me start my post by saying: I have already spoken to CJS at Nanzan University in Nagoya (the school I am attending beginning January '26 through May '26,) the Japanese consulate in my home state, the Foreign Residents Support Center in Japan, and the main immigration office in Tokyo. I have gotten a variety of answers from these groups I have contacted to my following question: Am I allowed to change my student visa status to a Designated Activities – Job Search visa status after the semester?
I have already earned a Bachelor's degree in the States. My plan is to study for the JLPT N1 and look for employment in Nagoya during the semester. If I am unable to find employment during that time, I need to know if the Designated Activities/Job Hunting visa is possible so I can stay in Japan and continue my job search. Also, would I be required to leave Japan for a period of time for the visa status change?
I've contacted every resource I can think of, so any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
by katineko