- ■ Introduction: What’s Changing as International Students Reach a Record 330,000?
- ■ New University Initiatives to Enhance the “Quality” of International Students
- ■ An 87% Employment Rate: The Strong Link Between University Education and Career Outcomes
- ■ What Immigration Authorities Look for When Reviewing Status Change Applications
- ■ What Employers Need to Know About Hiring Foreign Talent
- ■ Advice for International Students: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Post-Graduation Visa Procedures
- ■ Toward a Multicultural Society: Collaboration Among Universities, Employers, and Specialists Is Key
- ■ Conclusion: If You Have Questions About Hiring International Students or Visa Applications
■ Introduction: What’s Changing as International Students Reach a Record 330,000?
In fiscal year 2024, the number of international students in Japan surpassed 330,000—an all-time high. This represents a 1.8-fold increase compared to fiscal year 2014, just a decade ago. With the Japanese government targeting 400,000 international students by 2033, the presence of foreign students in Japanese society is only set to grow.
However, simply increasing the numbers is not enough. What truly matters is whether these students can build long-term lives in Japanese society after graduation. This question is now gaining increasing attention.
A report published by the Asahi Shimbun in April 2026 highlighted universities that are investing in programs designed to help international students build careers in Japan after graduation. As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) specializing in visa and residence status applications, this article examines how these developments are affecting the landscape of foreign talent recruitment.
■ New University Initiatives to Enhance the “Quality” of International Students
The Asahi Shimbun article highlighted Seigakuin University, located in Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture. Approximately 25% of its 1,700 students are international students from countries such as Nepal, China, and Vietnam. In the Faculty of Political Science and Economics, nearly half of the more than 500 students are international students.
Since fiscal year 2018, the university has introduced two specialized curricula for international students.
The first is a course called “Japanese Society.” Using junior high school civics textbooks, it covers a broad range of essential topics including Japanese culture, geography, the Constitution, and the social security system—all of which are fundamental knowledge for anyone living and working in Japan. After each class, Japanese language instructors review and provide feedback on students’ notes to build their writing skills simultaneously.
The second is “Academic Japanese,” a course designed to develop the specialized vocabulary needed to take advanced university courses. Students at the intermediate level who have not yet passed the highest level (N1) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) are required to attend these classes regularly.
These courses are not merely about learning the Japanese language. They provide a foundation for understanding the rules and values of Japanese society, enabling students to progress into specialized academic study.
■ An 87% Employment Rate: The Strong Link Between University Education and Career Outcomes
The results of these educational efforts are clearly demonstrated in employment outcomes. Among Seigakuin University’s international students who sought employment, the job placement rate reached 87%. Notably, many of these graduates secured positions at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local Saitama area, contributing to the local workforce.
Similarly, at Osaka University of Tourism, where 70% of students are international students from 16 countries and regions across Asia, the university offers practical courses in business Japanese and classes focused on the theme of “working.” Among international students who graduated in March 2025 and sought employment, the job placement rate exceeded 80%.
These universities are significantly outperforming the government’s target of raising the domestic employment rate for international students to 60%.
From a visa application specialist’s perspective, the high employment rates are closely tied to the quality of education these students receive at university. This is because the content of a student’s university education is a key factor in the immigration review process for changing residence status.
■ What Immigration Authorities Look for When Reviewing Status Change Applications
To work in Japan after graduation, international students must change their residence status from “Student” to a work-eligible status. In most cases, this means applying for “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” (commonly known as the “gijinkoku” visa).
When reviewing these status change applications, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan primarily examines the following three factors:
- Relevance Between Academic Background and Job Duties
Authorities closely examine whether there is a meaningful connection between the applicant’s field of study at university and the duties they will perform at their prospective employer. For example, an economics graduate working in trade administration would likely demonstrate sufficient relevance, whereas a graduate assigned to simple manual labor unrelated to their studies would face a significant risk of denial. - Japanese Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient Japanese language ability to perform their job duties. This assessment goes beyond JLPT scores; practical Japanese communication skills in a business context are also evaluated. - Stable Employment Conditions
The terms of the employment contract must be appropriate, including remuneration equal to or exceeding what a Japanese national would receive for comparable work.
University curricula like those at Seigakuin University—which systematically teach the structure of Japanese society and build specialized vocabulary—are precisely the type of education that cultivates graduates who meet these review criteria. When preparing application documents for a change of residence status, such educational content serves as strong supporting evidence.
■ What Employers Need to Know About Hiring Foreign Talent
As labor shortages intensify across Japan, more companies are considering hiring foreign workers each year. However, many business owners and HR managers have concerns: “We want to hire, but the visa process seems too complicated,” or “We’re worried about potential issues after the employee joins.”
Here are several key points worth keeping in mind.
First, the advantage of university graduates. A particularly insightful comment in the article came from the chairman of Osaka University of Tourism: “International students who have gone through university are far more likely to settle in Japan than those accepted directly as labor through programs like the Technical Intern Training Program.” This observation aligns with practical experience in visa practice.
International students who have spent several years studying the Japanese language and culture while living in Japan already understand the rules and customs of Japanese society. After joining a company, communication gaps tend to be smaller, and they are more likely to become long-term assets for the organization.
Second, preparation should begin before hiring. In some cases, it is too late to start thinking about visa procedures only after extending a job offer. A status change application requires numerous documents, including the employment contract, a detailed description of job duties, the company’s certificate of registered matters, and financial statements. Understanding visa requirements early in the recruitment planning stage and preparing accordingly is key to improving approval rates.
Third, mitigating the risk of denial. If a status change application is denied, the international student may be unable to work in Japan and, in some cases, may be forced to return to their home country. For the employer, this means the hiring plan is effectively lost. To prevent such outcomes, it is strongly recommended to consult with an administrative scrivener who specializes in visa applications at the earliest possible stage.
■ Advice for International Students: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Post-Graduation Visa Procedures
For many international students, working in Japan after graduation is a major goal. However, even when the job search is successful, problems can arise during the residence status change process. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of.
Insufficient explanation of the relevance between your major and your job duties. For instance, if you graduated from a literature department and are joining an IT company, it may initially appear that there is no relevant connection. However, if you can clearly explain how the logical thinking and language skills developed through your studies will be applied in your work, approval is still possible. The way you frame this explanation is extremely important.
Incomplete documentation leading to processing delays. Missing documents or inconsistencies in the information provided can result in requests for additional materials, significantly extending the review period. It is essential to begin preparing well before graduation.
Be mindful of gaps in your residence status. The “Student” status of residence loses its legal basis upon graduation. If you continue job hunting after graduation, you will need to change to “Designated Activities” status. Missing the timing for this transition can create a gap in your legal residence status, putting you at legal risk.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to consult with a specialist about your residence status approximately six months before graduation.
■ Toward a Multicultural Society: Collaboration Among Universities, Employers, and Specialists Is Key
In the article, President Koike of Seigakuin University stated: “For international students to build long-term lives in Japanese society and thrive in a multicultural environment, it is essential that they learn the norms of Japanese society—which may not exist in their home countries—and acquire specialized skills that enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.”
This insight applies not only to university education but equally to workplace integration by employers and to professional support with visa procedures.
For international students to study in Japan with confidence, build fulfilling careers at their chosen companies after graduation, and live in Japanese society for the long term, the ideal scenario involves a three-way collaboration: quality education by universities, understanding and support from employers, and expert assistance with residence status procedures.
As administrative scriveners, we aim to play an integral role in this framework. Our mission is to provide international students with a solid legal foundation for the careers they envision in Japan, and to support employers so they can welcome foreign talent with confidence. That is the role we are committed to.
■ Conclusion: If You Have Questions About Hiring International Students or Visa Applications
As the number of international students grows and university education continues to evolve, hiring foreign talent will become an increasingly common practice. However, residence status procedures require specialized knowledge, and a single mistake can lead to serious complications.
“We want to hire an international student, but we don’t know which visa is required.”
“What should we do if a status change application is denied?”
“I’m an international student and would like to consult about post-graduation visa procedures.”
If any of these concerns resonate with you, please feel free to reach out. As visa application professionals, we are here to support the success of foreign talent and help build a truly multicultural Japanese society.
Original article: https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASV3V3S2RV3VUTIL00FM.html
