Introduction
Foreign university students who conduct internships at Japanese companies under the status of residence “Designated Activities (Internship)” often ask whether they can extend their stay when they receive remuneration for the internship.
This article explains, in light of official information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and other public sources, how paid internships relate to the extension of the status of residence “Designated Activities (Internship)” and what to watch out for.
Basics of “Designated Activities (Internship)”
“Designated Activities (Internship)” is a category under the status of residence “Designated Activities,” which allows foreign students enrolled in foreign universities to engage in internship activities at Japanese companies or organizations as part of their academic program.
According to the Immigration Services Agency’s page “Status of Residence ‘Designated Activities’ (Internship, Summer Job, International Cultural Exchange),” the relationship to the student’s academic program and the educational position at the university (such as credit recognition) are key requirements.
Are Paid Internships Allowed?
The Immigration Services Agency’s guidelines for “Designated Activities (Notification No. 9: Internship)” indicate that, under certain conditions, internships in which remuneration is paid by the host organization can also be accepted under “Designated Activities (Internship).”
In such cases, the main premise is that the activities are conducted for the purpose of training and practical learning within the academic framework, and that they are regarded as part of the academic program rather than ordinary employment, even if remuneration is paid under a contract.
Key Conditions for Paid Internships
Summarizing the information from official sources and related explanations, the following conditions are commonly mentioned for paid internships under this status.
- The person must be a student enrolled in a foreign university (proof of enrollment required).
- There must be a contract with the host company or organization which includes the payment of remuneration (such as an internship agreement or employment contract).
- The internship period is generally limited to no more than one year and, in total, no more than one-half of the standard period required for completion of the university program, according to typical expert explanations.
- The internship duties must be related to the student’s major, and the internship should be positioned within the university’s curriculum, such as through credit recognition or academic evaluation.
Because “Designated Activities” is determined on an individual basis, the actual permitted content (period, scope of activities, whether remuneration is allowed, etc.) must always be checked on the “details of permission” stated on the back of the residence card and in the permission notice.
Can the Status Be Extended While Receiving Remuneration?
Whether an extension of period of stay is granted depends on whether the foreign national has properly engaged in the activities for which permission was previously granted and whether there is a continuing need to engage in the same type of activities.
For the internship (Notification No. 9), the guidelines indicate that the period is usually no more than one year, so if the activity becomes de facto long-term work comparable to ordinary employment, the authorities may consider that it goes beyond the original framework of “internship as part of academic study.”
Therefore, in cases such as the following, a change to another status of residence (for example, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”) may be more appropriate than simple extension.
- The student wishes to continue full-time work at the same company after the internship ends, essentially as an employee.
- The internship has shifted to work-focused duties, and its position as an educational activity within the university curriculum has weakened.
On the other hand, if there is a reasonable academic basis to continue a similar educational internship (such as an extension of the same curriculum) and the period requirements are still met, applying for an extension of period of stay may be possible.
Hypothetical Case to Illustrate
Below is a purely hypothetical example, prepared to avoid any misunderstanding that it reflects actual cases or firm results.
-Case of Mr. C (a German university student)-
Mr. C, a third-year information engineering major at a German university, comes to Japan for a six-month paid internship at Company D, an IT company, under “Designated Activities (Internship).”
The internship is a compulsory part of his university program and is recognized for academic credit, and he has an internship contract with Company D specifying remuneration and working hours.
If, after six months, the university approves an extension of the internship as part of the same curriculum and Mr. C plans to continue for an additional six months at Company D under similar educational conditions, it may be possible to apply for an extension of the period of stay.
However, if the internship course at the university is already completed after the first six months and Mr. C wishes to continue working full-time at Company D in essentially the same way as regular employees, a change to a work-related status of residence such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” would generally be more appropriate than extending “Designated Activities (Internship).”
Difference from Other Statuses of Residence
“Designated Activities (Internship)” is designed for educational and training purposes for foreign students, not for general employment in Japan.
By contrast, work-related statuses such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” are intended for post-graduation employment in Japan based on an employment contract and payment of remuneration, and therefore the purpose of stay clearly differs.
In addition, when international students in Japan engage in internships, some cases are handled under the “Student” status of residence with permission for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted,” while other cases involve changing to “Designated Activities (Internship).” Which is appropriate depends on the student’s enrollment status and the academic position of the internship.
Practical Points When Considering Extension
When considering an extension of period of stay under “Designated Activities (Internship),” regardless of whether the internship is paid or unpaid, it is advisable to organize the following points.
- Documents from the university
- Documents from the host company
- Clarification of period and timing
Based on these factors, it is then necessary to decide whether an extension of the current status is appropriate or whether a change to another status of residence (such as a work-related “Designated Activities” or other work status) should be considered.
Official English Name
On the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency websites, the English name of “特定活動” is shown as “Designated Activities,” which is used as the official English designation of this status of residence.
Similarly, on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, categories such as “Future creation human resources” are also described under the status of residence “Designated activities,” confirming the uniform usage of this English term in relation to this status.
Conclusion
Even for paid internships, there is a framework under which such activities can be permitted as “Designated Activities (Internship),” and if the relevant requirements are met, an extension of the period of stay may be considered.
However, because this status is premised on internships as part of academic study, if the actual purpose shifts to long-term practical employment or post-graduation full-time work, it may be necessary to consider changing to another status of residence such as a work-related status.
Since the optimal option varies depending on the individual’s circumstances—including enrollment status, internship contents, period, and remuneration conditions—it is advisable to check the latest official information and consult a professional when planning to extend or change a status of residence.
