A new ``specific activity'' has been established for international students (those on the waiting list) who are going on to graduate school after graduating from university.
Tamaki Kondo
■This time's rule change
Between graduating from university and entering graduate school, You will be able to stay in Japan as a “Specified Activities (Students waiting for higher education)” status.
<Target people>
An international student who has decided to go on to graduate school after graduating from university.
Those who will enroll in graduate school after the expiration of their "study abroad" period of stay.
Example: Those who will graduate from university in September 2023 and enter graduate school in April 9.
<Main requirements>
Students must pledge the following matters and submit a written pledge at the graduate school they will attend.
・Communicate regularly (at least once every three months)
・If any reason arises that requires cancellation of admission, please contact the Immigration Bureau without delay.
・Provide guidance on obtaining permission to change residence status for the purpose of studying abroad before enrolling.
・Other compliance with Japanese laws and regulations
■Background of the revision
Based on the "Initiative to promote study abroad for young people who will create the future" compiled by the Education Future Creation Council on April 27, 2021, this was newly established to encourage international students to go on to graduate school.
The number of foreign students accepted in Japan has decreased due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.
Improving the number of international students accepted has become an urgent issue.
By creating an environment for international students after they graduate, it is expected that we will be able to accept excellent international students and improve their chances of settling in Japan after graduation.
■Expert's perspective 〇Differences from conventional
Previously, even if you had decided to go on to graduate school after graduating from university, if your period of stay expired before you entered graduate school, you would, in principle, return to your home country and come back to Japan in time for your graduate school enrollment. There was a need.
However, with the new status of residence "Specified Activities (Students waiting for higher education)",
After graduating from university, you will be able to stay in Japan while waiting for admission to graduate school.
〇Permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted
If you obtain a "permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted" in addition to changing your status of residence for specific activities, you will be able to work part-time for up to 28 hours a week.
Previously, if you returned to Japan after graduating from university and then came back to Japan, you had to leave your part-time job, but because you can obtain permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence for "designated activities (students on the waiting list for higher education)," you can apply for graduate school. It will also be possible to continue working part-time while you continue your studies.
〇Relationship with permanent residence permit application
When applying for a permanent residence permit, as a general rule, it is necessary that you have continued to reside in Japan for 10 years or more.
Therefore, when you return to your home country after graduating from university, your residence history in Japan will be reset and will start counting from the day you came to Japan to enroll in graduate school.
However, after graduating from university, if you continue to stay in Japan as a designated student (on the waiting list) and then go on to graduate school, your residence history in Japan will start from the day you first arrived in Japan.
■Points to master rule changes
Being able to stay as a designated activity student (waiting for admission to higher education) has the above-mentioned benefits.
〇For international students
Specified Activities (admission waiting list) is a status of residence that requires the cooperation of the graduate school to which you wish to proceed.
If you wish to apply, please first consult with someone at the graduate school.
With the cooperation of the graduate school, we can support your application!
〇University/graduate school personnel
For specific activities (students on the waiting list for higher education), applications can be handled by an administrative scrivener.
