Summer-Job Visa Japan (Designated Activities): A 5-Minute Blueprint for Global Students

Ready to explore a summer working in Japan? This 5-minute blueprint will guide global students through the essentials of the Summer-Job Visa (Designated Activities), from experiencing Japanese life to gaining experience at leading companies. First, let's break down what this visa entails in the table below.

What	Details
Official label	Designated Activities – “Summer Job” (告示12号)
Who it’s for	Under-grad or graduate students currently enrolled at an overseas accredited university who will work in Japan for ≤ 3 months during their official summer break
Work scope	Paid, career-related tasks at a single sponsoring employer; wages must meet local minimums
Stay length	90 days (usual) – up to 3 months*1
Processing time	5+ working days, if no issue with the documentation*2

1 | Why This Visa Exists—and Why It’s Not a Working Holiday

Japan’s Ministry of Justice carves out a Summer-Job slot so foreign students can earn hands-on experience linked to their studies without falling into the broader “Working Holiday” scheme (which demands bilateral agreements and is quota-limited). The visa is single-entry, tied to one employer, and capped at a single university vacation window (under 3 months, and cannot be extended). 

2 | Eligibility Snapshot for the Summer-Job Visa

To successfully secure a Summer-Job Visa, it's crucial to meet specific criteria set by the Japanese government. These requirements ensure that the program's intent – providing career-relevant experience to global students – is maintained. Before gathering your documents, confirm you tick all the following boxes:

1. Enrollment – You must be actively pursuing a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) outside Japan.

   
   

2. Academic Break – The job must fall wholly within your university’s official summer recess.
   

3. Relevance – Duties need a believable link to your field of study or future career path.
   

4. Compensation – A written contract showing wages at or above prefectural minimum wage.
   

5. Sponsor – A Japanese company/organization willing to file your documents and provide supervision.
   

6. Financial Buffer – Proof you can cover flights & living costs (bank statement or sponsor guarantee).

3 | Necessary Documents - Checklist

Make sure you have all the documents listed in the ISA website*3 to apply, as insufficient applications often take longer to review, and hence a longer waiting time for your visa to be issued. 

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Available on ISA’s website): 1 copy
   

2. Photo - 1 sheet that meets the following requirements: 
   

   1. Photo size
      

   2. 4cm long, 3cm wide
      

   3. A photograph of the applicant only
      

   4. Hatless and facing forward
      

   5. No background (including shadows)
      

   6. Something that is clear
      

   7. Must have been taken within 6 months prior to the date of submission
      

   8. Your name written on the back (excluding cases where you print the photo directly into the photo attachment section of the application form and submit it) 
      

   9. See more specific requirements in the ISA website*4
      

3. One reply envelope (a standard-sized envelope with the address clearly written on it and the necessary amount of postage stamps (for registered mail) affixed)
   

4. Student certificate of the applicant: 1 copy
   

5. Documents certifying the applicant's leave period: 1 copy
   

6. A copy of the contract between the applicant's overseas university and the Japanese host institution
   

   1. The contract can be signed by any representative of the university (your lecturer, resident dean, university admin office, etc) 
      

   2. If unsure, check with your host institution if they want a certain member of the university to sign the contract
      

7. One document detailing the applicant's activities in Japan, period, remuneration, etc
   

   1. Ask your host institution for the information you need to prepare this document - the host institution may be able to prepare this for you 
      

   
   

4 | Common Pitfalls (and Fixes)

Navigating the visa application process can be complex, and certain common mistakes can lead to delays or even rejection. By proactively addressing these potential issues, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful application.

1. Late filing → Give yourself some buffer. During the busy season, the time required for visa issuance can vary. Plan ahead and prepare the documents you need early.

   
   

2. Mismatch to studies → Have your professor sign a statement tying the job to your degree.
   

3. Multiple work sites → Not allowed. If your project spans branches, list them all in the “Application for Certificate of Eligibility”
   

4. Unpaid offer → Immigration expects paid summer jobs; unpaid gigs belong under a Temporary-Visitor visa.

5 | Some tips for Summer-Job applicants

Beyond meeting the essential requirements and avoiding common pitfalls, a strategic approach can significantly boost your chances of success and enrich your overall experience. Consider these insider tips to position yourself for the best possible outcome:

• Target companies that already run Japan-based summer internships (e.g., AI labs, fintech start-ups, semiconductor fabs)— they know the Summer-Job application drills.

  
  

• Bundle proof: transcript + CV + relevance memo—hand this to HR to speed their internal legal review.

  
  

• Leverage your uni’s global office: some Japanese employers ask the school for a “co-supervision MOU”; your career center can template it overnight.

  
  

• Start Japanese language prep: even N4 basics impress HR and ease daily life.

  
  

• Have a post-summer plan: alumni often convert this visa into a Job-Hunting (Designated Activities ‘Future Creation’) status after graduation.

6 | Key Takeaways and Conclusion

• The Summer-Job visa is laser-focused: enrolled students, ≤ 3 months, one employer, paid work.
  

• Nail the relevance link between studies ↔ duties and submit a tidy document pack—approval rates are high when the story is clear.
  

• Treat the placement as a launch pad: the experience, payslip, and contacts you earn in three months often unlock future J-Find or regular Engineer/Specialist visas.

Japan's Designated Activities – “Summer Job” visa offers a unique and highly valuable opportunity for global students to gain career-relevant experience during their official summer break. Success hinges on meticulous preparation, including a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria, the alignment of your studies with your work duties, and the timely submission of all required documentation. By leveraging the tips provided, such as targeting experienced companies and preparing your relevance link, you can significantly enhance your application's success. 

Ultimately, this visa is more than just a temporary work permit; it serves as a strategic launchpad, providing invaluable professional experience, a payslip, and crucial contacts that can unlock future career opportunities and long-term engagement with Japan.

(Editor：Jelper Club Editorial Team）

Sources

1・3. “Internship / Summer Job / Cultural Exchange" (Immigration Services Agency (ISA)) : https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/designatedactivities03.html?hl=en

２. “Visa Processing Time” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan): https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/procedure/day.html

４. 「提出写真の規格」(Immigration Services Agency (ISA) ): https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/photo_info_00002.html?hl=en