Status of Residence:
Designated Activities

The “Designated Activities” status of residence is one of the visa categories defined under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. It applies to activities that do not fall under the clearly defined categories of other residence statuses, but are specially designated by the Minister of Justice. For example, it may be granted to those participating in a working holiday program, students undertaking internships, or foreign students who wish to stay in Japan after graduation to continue job hunting. In other words, this status serves as a flexible framework that allows activities not covered by existing residence categories.

The scope of Designated Activities is very broad, as it is determined individually by the Minister of Justice. The permitted activities vary from person to person, depending on the specific purpose of stay. Examples include stays for medical purposes, participation in company-specific projects, or preparatory activities before shifting to a Highly Skilled Professional status. In recent years, provisions have also been made to allow foreign students more time to stay in Japan for job-hunting after graduation. Through this system, diverse groups of people are able to take part in Japanese society.

However, obtaining this status requires a detailed application specifying the intended activities, followed by an individual examination and approval. While the Designated Activities status provides great flexibility, the scope of activities and length of stay are limited on a case-by-case basis. It does not mean that one can engage in any activity freely, but rather that one must comply with the conditions set by the Minister of Justice. In this sense, the Designated Activities status plays a unique and supplementary role within Japan’s immigration system.

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or a period designated by the Minister of Justice (not exceeding 5 years)