Introduction
The special measures of the status of residence “Designated Activities (COVID-19 special measures)” have been phased out, and ordinary rules on statuses of residence are now being applied by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Foreign nationals who have been staying in Japan under such special “Designated Activities” as so-called “departure difficulty” are now required to shift to ordinary “Designated Activities” or other appropriate statuses of residence before the expiration of their current period of stay.
This article, written from a general informational perspective, explains key points on how to smoothly change from COVID-19 related special “Designated Activities” to ordinary “Designated Activities.” Individual cases may differ, so it is recommended to check the latest government information and consult a specialist when necessary.
What were COVID-19 special Designated Activities?
“Designated Activities (COVID-19 special measures)” were temporary relief schemes based on the status of residence “Designated Activities” for foreign nationals who had difficulties returning to their home country or who had lost their jobs due to the impact of COVID-19, including Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Workers.
For example, those who had difficulties in returning home due to COVID-19 were allowed to stay under “Designated Activities (six months, not permitted to work),” while some dismissed Technical Intern Trainees were allowed to work for up to one year under “Designated Activities (employment permitted).”
These special measures were clearly temporary, and the Immigration Services Agency has officially announced that “the special measures for those who have difficulty returning home have ended.”
Accordingly, even if a person currently holds “Designated Activities,” future applications will basically be handled under the ordinary schemes of “Designated Activities,” such as for job hunting or employment support.
Possible options after the end of special measures
Available options after the end of COVID-19 related special measures depend on each person’s circumstances.
- Change to ordinary “Designated Activities (for job hunting)”
This is typical for those who studied in Japan and wish to continue job hunting after graduation by changing from “Student” to “Designated Activities (for job hunting).” - Change to “Designated Activities” for employment or re-employment support
Under certain conditions, dismissed Technical Intern Trainees may be allowed to work for a limited period under “Designated Activities (employment permitted)” to continue or restart employment in Japan.
Such ordinary “Designated Activities” frameworks can still be used as transitional schemes from Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker. - Change to a regular working status (such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”)
If the new job meets the requirements for a working status of residence, the person may apply to change to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or other working statuses rather than remaining under “Designated Activities.” - Departure from Japan (including short-term stay for preparation to depart)
If the person does not wish to continue residing in Japan or does not meet the requirements for any status, departure, possibly after a short period for preparation, may be the only option.
Because each option has different requirements and necessary documents, it is essential to confirm the current status and period of stay before deciding which path to take.
Practical steps to shift to ordinary Designated Activities
The general steps to change from COVID-19 related special “Designated Activities” to ordinary “Designated Activities” or other statuses of residence are as follows.
- Confirm your current status of residence
- Clarify your future activities
- Identify possible statuses of residence
- For continued job hunting: ordinary “Designated Activities (for job hunting)” is a typical option.
- For temporary employment before re-employment: you may consider ordinary “Designated Activities (employment permitted)” available for those who were Technical Intern Trainees or Specified Skilled Workers, subject to conditions.
- For long-term professional work: a working status such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” may be more appropriate.
- Prepare required documents
- Application for Change of Status of Residence (official form of the Immigration Services Agency).
- Passport and residence card.
- Documents proving your activities, such as employment contract, job offer letter, or other evidence from the employer.
- For graduates: certificate of graduation, recommendation letter, and documents showing your job-hunting activities.
- Manage the application deadline
In principle, you must submit the application for change of status of residence before the expiration of your current period of stay, otherwise you may become an illegal overstayer.
Since the special measures have ended, you should not rely on any exceptional treatment and instead manage your schedule carefully to apply in good time.
Typical scenario and important cautions (hypothetical case)
The following is a purely hypothetical case and does not represent any actual person or case handled by any office.
- Hypothetical case: after finishing Technical Intern Training
Mr. B, a fictional national from Country X, completed three years of Technical Intern Training but could not renew his contract because of his employer’s financial difficulties and was allowed to stay under COVID-19 special “Designated Activities (employment permitted).”
As the special measures were coming to an end, he wished to continue working in the same industry and therefore considered ordinary “Designated Activities” or “Specified Skilled Worker” as options while gathering information from supervising organizations and potential employers.
In such a case, important points include:
- Certain notices state that a person may change to “Designated Activities” in order to continue the same type of work at a different employer, if conditions are met.
- To shift to “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” later, the person needs to pass relevant skills and Japanese language tests.
Permission for change of status of residence is always subject to individual examination by the immigration authority, so approval is never guaranteed. It is important to confirm the latest official information and seek professional advice where necessary.
Conclusion
COVID-19 related “Designated Activities” were temporary relief measures implemented by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, and the special measures for those who had difficulty returning home have already ended.
From now on, ordinary “Designated Activities” and other regular statuses of residence will be applied, so it is crucial to review your current situation and future plans and to consider appropriate options at an early stage.
Official names and basic frameworks of statuses of residence are provided on the websites of the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Services Agency, and it is important to always refer to the latest information and consult a specialist if you have any doubts.
