Designated Activities
1 What are "Designated Activities"?
The residence status "Designated Activities" was established to accept foreign nationals who intend to engage in activities other than those listed in the Immigration Control Act.
Whether a foreign national can engage in employment activities under the "Designated Activities" status depends on the specific activities designated by the Minister of Justice.
In real life, the activities performed by individuals are highly diverse, and it is impossible to categorize all of them in advance.
Therefore, by introducing the "Designated Activities" status, it becomes possible to offer greater flexibility in accepting foreign nationals.
2 Types of "Designated Activities"
There are two main categories of "Designated Activities": Noticed Designated Activities and Non-Noticed Designated Activities.
Noticed Designated Activities refer to activities that are pre-defined and designated by the Minister of Justice through public notice.
Examples include working holidays, paid internships, medical stays, long-term stays, and those for graduates of Japanese universities.
Non-Noticed Designated Activities, on the other hand, include activities such as job hunting after graduation, holding a job offer, preparations for departure, activities related to legal procedures, and bringing elderly parents (for the purpose of supporting the elderly parents of Japanese nationals or foreign nationals legally residing in Japan).
3 Benefits and Important Points Regarding the "Designated Activities" Status of Residence
The "Designated Activities" status of residence offers the advantage of granting permission for various activities that cannot be easily categorized under other visa types.
However, this does not mean that any activity will be automatically approved.
It is essential to carefully assess whether the intended activities in Japan qualify under the "Designated Activities" status. Additionally, the required documents vary depending on the nature of the activities being applied for.
Therefore, when applying for the "Designated Activities" status, it is important to properly collect and prepare the necessary materials.
4 Consult a lawyer for Matters
Regarding the "Designated Activities" Status of Residence As mentioned above, when applying for the "Designated Activities" status of residence, it is essential to properly collect and submit all required documents.
If there are any deficiencies or missing documents, not only can the application process be delayed, but in some cases, the application may be denied, which could result in the inability to remain in Japan.
To avoid such situations, it is advisable to proceed with the application while consulting a lawyer who is experienced in handling status of residence matters.












