Introduction

In recent years, more foreign residents who once worked in Japan under statuses such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” have been changing to “Designated Activities (for job hunting)” after resignation to continue searching for new employment.​
However, many people become anxious when they still have no job offer at the end of the initial six‑month period and wonder whether they can extend their stay and what documents are required.​

This article explains, in practical terms, the main points to consider when applying for an extension of “Designated Activities (for job hunting/re‑employment)” after the first six months if you still have not secured a new position.​

What is “Designated Activities” for job hunting?

“Designated Activities” is a status of residence that allows foreigners to engage in specific activities individually designated by the Minister of Justice, and one of these activities is job hunting after graduation or resignation.​
Former international students or certain workers wishing to continue job hunting can change from their previous status to “Designated Activities” in order to remain in Japan for a certain period while looking for a job.​

For job‑hunting purposes, the standard period of stay under “Designated Activities” is six months, and if specific conditions are met, it can generally be renewed only once for an additional six months, allowing a maximum stay of around one year from graduation or resignation.​

Conditions for extending after six months

According to many university guidelines and professional explanations, “Designated Activities” for job hunting is usually operated on the basis of “six months plus one extension of six months,” with one renewal as the standard.​
When examining an extension application, immigration authorities focus on whether you have been seriously continuing job‑hunting activities and whether you have a realistic plan to keep searching.​

In practice, the following factors are examined:

• Whether you have been continuously engaged in job‑hunting since graduation or resignation.​
• Whether you can show concrete records of your activities, such as applications and interviews.​
• Whether you have enough financial resources to support your life in Japan during the extended period.​

These points are consistent with the general framework for extension of period of stay under Japanese law, which looks at the intention to continue the permitted activities and the financial basis for staying in Japan.​

Key documents and practical tips for extension

To extend your period of stay, you must submit an “Application for Extension of Period of Stay” to the Immigration Services Agency before your current period expires; in many cases you may file from about three months before the expiry date if your period is six months or longer.​
The application is filed with the regional immigration services bureau, branch office or local office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.​

For extension of “Designated Activities” for job hunting, the following documents are typically required:

• Application for Extension of Period of Stay (prescribed form)​
• Passport and residence card​
• Records of job applications such as résumé, work history and list of companies applied to​
• Certificate of graduation or completion (or documents showing your resignation, if applicable)​
• Evidence of financial resources, for example a bank balance certificate or income documents of a financial supporter​
• In many cases for former students, a recommendation letter from the university is required, so you need to follow the procedures of your institution carefully.​

Since the exact combination of documents depends on your previous status and your job‑hunting situation, it is advisable to seek individual advice from a professional when necessary.​

Points to watch out for in the six‑month extension

A common problem in extension applications is insufficient explanation of your job‑hunting activities.
If you have applied to only a few companies or if your targeted positions are unrelated to your professional background, immigration may doubt the seriousness of your job search.​

To avoid this, consider the following:

• Keep a detailed list of companies, positions, application dates and results.​
• Record participation in career fairs, company information sessions and online interviews whenever possible.​
• Be ready to explain concrete efforts to improve your expertise and Japanese‑language skills, such as studying for certifications.​

Since last‑minute filing may cause serious problems if you are asked to supplement documents, preparing well in advance of your expiry date is crucial.​

Example scenario

The following is a purely fictional example and does not reflect any actual person or any particular office’s track record.

• Mr. B: early thirties, with IT engineering experience in his home country; worked in Japan under “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” for three years before resigning.​
• After resignation, he changed to “Designated Activities” for job hunting and applied to about ten companies during the six‑month period, but he had not yet received an offer when the expiry date approached.​

When filing his extension application, Mr. B prepared a list of applications, interview records and correspondence with recruitment agencies, and submitted financial documents demonstrating savings to cover his living expenses.​
By explaining that he has been mainly applying for IT‑related positions that match his past experience and has been maintaining and improving his Japanese‑language skills, he can more clearly show the continuity and seriousness of his job‑hunting activities.​

Options after the maximum one‑year period

Many university and professional sources indicate that “Designated Activities” for job hunting is normally limited to one year in total (six months plus a single extension of six months), and further extension is considered exceptional.​
Therefore, if you still have no job offer near the end of this one‑year period, you will need to consider your next steps.

Possible options include:

• Returning to your home country and continuing job hunting there.​
• Exploring whether you qualify for another status of residence, such as “Student” if you plan to pursue a new degree program.​
• Reviewing your career plan and changing your job‑hunting strategy, such as widening your target fields or locations.​

Each option has both advantages and disadvantages, so it is advisable to start planning early, taking into account your remaining period of stay and financial situation, and to seek professional advice as needed.​

Conclusion

• “Designated Activities” for job‑hunting purposes generally provides an initial six‑month period of stay, with the possibility of one additional six‑month extension if specific conditions are satisfied.​
• For extension, you should prepare sufficient evidence of continuous job‑hunting, financial resources and your background such as graduation or resignation, and file your Application for Extension of Period of Stay in good time before your expiry date.​
• If you still do not have a job offer after around one year, it is important to consider your future status of residence and career plan at an early stage, ideally with support from a qualified professional.​