Comprehensive Guide to the Designated Activities No. 46 Visa Application/Japan Immigration Support for HR

Japan Immigration Support for HR ＞ Corporate Services ＞ Application for Designated Activities No. 46

On May 30, 2019, the Ministry of Justice revised the relevant public notice (*1). As a result, foreign students graduating from Japanese universities are now permitted, under specific conditions, to work in general service industries (restaurants, retail, hotels) as well as in certain manufacturing roles.

*1 Revision of “Designation of Activities under Item (ii) of Paragraph 1 of Article 7 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Supplementary Table 1, Section 5” dated May 30, 2019.

Previously, employment in service or manufacturing positions—such as restaurants or retail shops—was not permitted under standard work-related statuses of residence.

However, with the growth of inbound tourism and the increasing demand for personnel able to bridge communication gaps with foreign employees and technical interns, Japanese companies have sought to hire foreign graduates with advanced Japanese skills and diverse academic backgrounds.

Currently, only about 30% of foreign students in Japan secure domestic employment. Under the “Japan Revitalization Strategy 2016,” the government set a target of 50%. Expanding employment opportunities for highly capable foreign graduates of Japanese universities and graduate schools is seen as critical to retaining global talent and revitalizing Japan’s economy and society.

In line with these policy goals, graduates of Japanese universities are now eligible for a wider range of roles that utilize their academic expertise and advanced Japanese proficiency. These activities are authorized under the “Designated Activities (Public Notice No. 46)” status of residence.

Unlike the conventional “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status, which does not allow general service or manufacturing roles, this framework permits such employment if specific requirements are satisfied (*2).

*2 Positions requiring a legally mandated professional license, as well as work in the adult entertainment industry, remain excluded.

The permitted period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, or 3 months. As a general rule, the initial change from “Student” status and the first renewal are granted for one year.

1. Educational Background

Eligible applicants are graduates of four-year Japanese universities or Japanese graduate schools.
Graduates of junior colleges, vocational schools, or overseas universities/graduate schools are not eligible.

2. Remuneration Equal to Japanese Nationals

There is no fixed minimum salary; instead, pay is evaluated against the local labor market, the company’s salary structure, and parity with Japanese employees in similar positions. Salaries (including raises) are generally benchmarked against those offered to Japanese university and graduate school graduates.

If the candidate has prior professional experience in their home country or elsewhere, compensation should reflect that experience.

3. Japanese Language Proficiency

(1) Passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1, or scoring 480 or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test.

(2) Graduation from a university or graduate school with a Japanese language major.
This is considered equivalent to (1).
Foreign graduates with a Japanese language major are also recognized under this condition, provided they have also graduated from a Japanese university or graduate school.

4. Utilizing Knowledge and Skills Acquired in Japan

The role must involve tasks that require an academic foundation comparable to those under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status, at a professional level.

Examples include positions in product planning, technology development, sales, management, public relations, and education.

The position must require smooth communication in Japanese, typically involving translation/interpretation or active interaction with third parties.

Purely passive tasks—for example, only following instructions without independent communication—do not qualify.

Examples of Approved Cases

For the “Designated Activities No. 46” status, the place of employment is specified as the “designated activity.” This is reflected in the passport as a “Designation Letter.”

The organization named in the Designation Letter is the contracting employer. If an employee is transferred within the same corporate entity (same registration number), no new application is required. However, if the contractual employer changes due to a job change, a new Designation Letter must be issued and a change of status of residence is required.

● Sample Designation Letter (simplified)

This status applies exclusively to full-time employees of the designated organization. Part-time, casual (“arubaito”), or temporary employment is not permitted.

Work is strictly limited to activities for the contracting organization. Employment as a dispatched (temporary staffing) worker at client sites is not allowed.

Because the contracting organization is responsible for proper employment management, immigration authorities may request confirmation of compliance matters, such as enrollment in social insurance programs.

1. Residence Procedures

When applying for a Change of Status of Residence or an Extension of Period of Stay, the following factors are reviewed in addition to eligibility:

1. Good Conduct

Applicants must demonstrate good conduct. Violations will be treated as a negative factor.
Example: Repeatedly working more than 28 hours per week in violation of the conditions attached to “Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Status of Residence.”

2. Compliance with Immigration Reporting Obligations

Applicants must have complied with obligations under Articles 19-7 through 19-13 and Article 19-15 of the Immigration Control Act. These include notifications of changes to residence card details, applications to renew the residence card validity period, applications for reissuance in case of loss, and returning the residence card when required.

2. Family Members

Spouses and children of individuals holding this status may also reside in Japan under the “Designated Activities” category (for family members of Japanese university graduates) and engage in everyday activities.

The required documents for “Designated Activities” (Japanese university graduates) and “Designated Activities” (spouses, etc. of Japanese university graduates) are listed in a separate appendix. Additional supporting documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.

1. At Initial Application (Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Status of Residence)

(1) Application form (Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Status of Residence)
(2) Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
(3) Self-addressed return envelope
(4) Passport and residence card (for change of status applications only)
(5) Copy of document specifying employment conditions
(6) Statement of reasons for employment
If the employment contract clearly indicates that the duties involve Japanese language use and otherwise qualify under this program, submission may not be required. The statement must be prepared by the organization in any format, but must include the organization’s name and the representative’s name and seal.
(7) Copy of diploma or graduation certificate (must confirm the degree earned)
(8) Copy of JLPT N1 certificate or BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score report (480 points or higher)
For graduates of foreign universities who majored in Japanese, a diploma or certificate indicating faculty/department or graduate school is required.
(9) One of the following to show business details:

① Company brochure (including history, executives, organizational structure, business activities, and major clients/transactions)
② Equivalent documents prepared by the company
③ Printout of the company’s website (business overview page is sufficient)
④ Certificate of Registered Matters

* For status changes due to job change, items (7) and (8) are not required.

2. At Extension of Period of Stay

(1) Application form (Extension of Period of Stay)
(2) Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
(3) Passport and residence card
(4) Taxation and tax payment certificates

If tax certificates cannot be issued for part of the relevant period, copies of withholding tax slips, payslips, or payroll ledgers must be submitted instead.

1. Process for Change of Status of Residence at the Immigration Services Agency

The following outlines the process for changing to Designated Activities No. 46 at the Immigration Services Agency.

2. When Recruiting and Inviting a Foreign Graduate from Overseas

When hiring a foreign graduate currently residing overseas, the employer must submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to the Immigration Services Agency branch with jurisdiction over the company’s location.

The COE application is submitted by the employer (or a legal representative) on behalf of the prospective employee.

1. Service Overview

This service supports corporate clients in obtaining the “Designated Activities No. 46” status of residence from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

We focus on maximizing approval rates and ensuring a smooth, compliant application process for Designated Activities No. 46 cases.

Typical support cases include:

With over 30 years of experience, ACROSEED’s immigration specialists provide end-to-end services, enabling HR and administrative teams to save time, reduce costs, and minimize workload.

Please share your hiring plans and requirements. Our experienced consultants will recommend tailored services and solutions to fit your company’s needs.

2. Scope of Services

1. Advisory on Hiring and Onboarding Schedules

2. Guidance for Prospective Employees

(Confirming departure schedules, providing instructions on required documents, and managing onboarding timelines)

3. Visa Application Procedures

(Document review, preparation, submission, receipt of results, and issuance of residence cards)

4. Overseas Dispatch of COE via EMS/DHL

When hiring from overseas, we send the COE directly to the prospective employee. With digitization, email delivery is also possible.

5. Post-Application Support

(Application tracking, liaison with Immigration, and submission of additional documents as required)

We also handle a wide range of other scenarios. Please contact us for further details.

3.Benefits of Choosing ACROSEED

• Established in 1986, with an industry-leading record of over 40,000 visa applications
• Trusted by more than 1,000 corporate clients
• No travel expenses – nationwide service at a flat rate
• Services available in English and Chinese
• ISO 27001 certified – ensuring strict compliance

40,000 Visa Applications Since 1986 – One of Japan’s Most Experienced Providers

ACROSEED has specialized in immigration services since 1990, when legal reforms allowed administrative scriveners to handle immigration procedures. As of March 2025, we have processed over 40,000 visa applications.

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa cases annually, with immigration visits twice a week to stay current on screening trends and regulation changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you benefit from the most up-to-date insights and extensive hands-on experience in the industry.

Our Track Record

ACROSEED’s track record in corporate services, publications, media coverage, and seminars

Trusted by Over 1,000 Corporate Clients

ACROSEED’s dedicated corporate team handles all visa-related and licensing procedures associated with foreign employee hiring.

We offer two distinct service types:

We customize our support based on your company’s structure, challenges, and employment needs, referencing real-world examples.

Our services are trusted by a wide range of clients, from publicly listed corporations to small and mid-sized businesses.

Case Studies

We present case studies of companies that actively promote the employment of foreign nationals by utilizing ACROSEED’s services.

Nationwide Flat-Rate Service with No Travel Costs

Our office is based in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we serve immigration offices across Japan with no additional travel costs.

We also offer online consultations via Zoom or Skype, allowing face-to-face communication from any location.

English and Chinese Language Support

Our bilingual staff can communicate directly with foreign employees in English or Chinese.

We assist with application explanations, status tracking, and employee coordination — reducing the burden on HR teams and improving the applicant experience.

ISO 27001 Certified for Information Security Compliance

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security management (ISMS).

ACROSEED was an early adopter of this certification in our field, demonstrating our commitment to secure and compliant client service.

This gives even highly regulated, publicly listed companies the confidence to trust us as their immigration partner.

4. Service Fees for Designated Activities No. 46 Applications (Excl. Tax)

・Fees vary depending on the requested service scope, application volume, and details. We offer free consultations and quotations.

*ACROSEED’s services are available nationwide.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application (For invitations from overseas)	Approx. ¥120,000
Change of Status of Residence Application	Approx. ¥120,000
Extension of Period of Stay Application	Approx. ¥80,000

ACROSEED’s Track Record
Why Many Corporations Choose ACROSEED
View Service Case Studies
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