Hi everyone
I am in a bit of a time- situation and could really use some advice from people who know the IT job market or have transitioned from a Dependent visa to a Work visa.
My Background:
I have been living in Japan since 2018. I went to a middle school and high school so I am very comfortable with the Japanese culture and language.
I graduated from an IT-related Senmon Gakko in March 2025.
I speak Japanese and English. I have a JLPT N2 certificate. I am planning to take the N1 test this year. I also have a 940 TOEIC score.
Currently I am on a Dependent Visa. My parents are moving back to our home country later this year so I need to switch to a work visa as soon as possible.
The Problem:
After I graduated in March 2025 I did not get a job away. I spent the year studying programming, like Python and React to get ready for a job but now I am realizing I might have missed the chance to get hired as a fresh graduate.
I have tried using Mynavi, Rikunavi, LinkedIn, TokyoDev and even Hello Work to find a job. Most companies say they want someone with an N1 certificate or they are not willing to sponsor a visa for someone without experience even though I have a Senmon degree in the field.
My Questions:
About my visa status: since I graduated from a Senmon Gakko can I get a Designated Activities visa for job hunting even though I graduated a year ago?. Do I have to stay on my Dependent visa until it expires?
I am not sure if I should apply for -career jobs or try to get a job as a fresh graduate. I have no IT experience but I have a degree.
I would like to know if there are any recruiters that can help Senmon graduates who're already in Japan. Hello Work has not been very helpful for tech jobs.
I am also wondering if having an N1 certificate is really necessary for entry-level jobs. Is my N2 certificate, 940 TOEIC score and Japanese high school diploma enough to convince companies to hire me?
I feel like I made a mistake by taking time to study of getting any job and now time is running out. If anyone knows of IT companies that hire foreigners locally that would be a help.
I am looking for a job in the IT field. I am hoping to find a company that will sponsor my work visa. I am looking for companies that're friendly to foreigners and will hire someone with my skills and experience. Japan IT jobs are what I am looking for. I hope someone can help me. IT jobs, in Japan are my goal. I am hoping to find a company that will give me a chance.
TL;DR: Nepali national, raised in JP schools, Senmon IT grad. N2/TOEIC 940. Need to switch from Dependent to Work visa but struggling to find entry-level IT companies that sponsor.
by Spidergay-