From this time of year, international students begin applying for a work-related status of residence—“Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”—so that they can start working after April.
During this period, applications are submitted in large numbers. If an application is delayed, approval will also be delayed, so careful attention is required.
What happens if a student does not have a work-related status of residence as of April 1?
In that case, the individual must apply for “Designated Activities (Job-Seeking / Employment Waiting)” status.
However, this status is not granted automatically. The Immigration Services Agency carefully examines whether the applicant has actually graduated and whether the job offer is genuine.
As a result, even if an application for Designated Activities is submitted before the end of March, there is a possibility that it will not be approved by April 1.
If an application is filed within March, the applicant will not be considered in violation of immigration law for up to two months under the special provisions for applications under review. If there is a risk that the work-related status of residence may not be approved in time, it is essential to apply for Designated Activities as early as possible.
Then, if Designated Activities (Employment Waiting) status is granted, is it possible to work?
Employment is not permitted. Only when permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence is granted may the individual work, and even then, it is limited to up to 28 hours per week.
In any case, formal employment can begin only after the work-related status of residence has been approved.
Extreme care is therefore required when proceeding with employment.