Internship Visa (Designated Activities No. 9 / No. 12)
When a Japanese company hosts students enrolled at overseas universities as interns, the status of residence required depends on whether they are paid and for how long. Paid internships fall under Designated Activities: Internship (Notice No. 9) or Summer Job (Notice No. 12).
Differences between No. 9 and No. 12
Main requirements
- The student is enrolled at an overseas university (an institution that awards a degree on graduation or completion)
- The internship forms part of the student's studies, for example by earning credits (No. 9)
- The work is related to the student's field of study
- The host company has adequate arrangements for receiving and supervising the student
- An internship agreement has been concluded between the overseas university and the Japanese host company
Unpaid internships
Unpaid internships fall under Cultural Activities if they last more than 90 days, or Temporary Visitor if 90 days or less.
Main documents
- The internship agreement between the overseas university and the host company
- A letter of approval or recommendation from the university, and a certificate of enrollment
- Documents showing the internship is part of the curriculum, such as an internship plan with credit
- A document describing the activities, period, pay and other conditions in Japan
- For a summer job, a document showing the university's vacation period
We can help design the program, review the agreement with the university and apply for the Certificate of Eligibility. Please also consult us about hosting interns as part of your global recruitment.
Differences between No. 9 and No. 12
| Item | Internship (Notice No. 9) | Summer Job (Notice No. 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Practical training at a Japanese company as part of the student's studies | Work at a Japanese company that helps the student's studies and future career |
| Timing | No set timing | Summer break or other periods without classes |
| Length | Up to 1 year, and no more than half the university's standard program length | Up to 3 months |
| Pay | Paid | Paid |
| Extension of stay | Possible | Not possible |
- The student is enrolled at an overseas university (an institution that awards a degree on graduation or completion)
- The internship forms part of the student's studies, for example by earning credits (No. 9)
- The work is related to the student's field of study
- The host company has adequate arrangements for receiving and supervising the student
- An internship agreement has been concluded between the overseas university and the Japanese host company
Unpaid internships
Unpaid internships fall under Cultural Activities if they last more than 90 days, or Temporary Visitor if 90 days or less.
Main documents
- The internship agreement between the overseas university and the host company
- A letter of approval or recommendation from the university, and a certificate of enrollment
- Documents showing the internship is part of the curriculum, such as an internship plan with credit
- A document describing the activities, period, pay and other conditions in Japan
- For a summer job, a document showing the university's vacation period
We can help design the program, review the agreement with the university and apply for the Certificate of Eligibility. Please also consult us about hosting interns as part of your global recruitment.