Career and PR After Studying in Japan: How to Plan?

I often tell my students: don't wait until graduation to think about your career and PR (Permanent Residency) in Japan. Start planning from day one. Here's a realistic roadmap based on what I've seen working for Bangladeshi students over the years.

Job hunting timeline: what to do when

First year: language and internships

Pass JLPT N2 or at least N3 within your first year. Japanese companies value language skills heavily. Also, instead of a regular part-time job, look for internships from the second semester. One of my students interned at an IT firm in Shibuya and later got a full-time offer there, starting at 250,000 yen per month instead of the typical 100,000 yen from a convenience store.

Second year: start job hunting

In Japan, job hunting begins one year before graduation. Register on platforms like Rikunabi and Mynavi. Don't ignore small companies; they are often more willing to hire international students. Use your university's career center—they have connections with local firms.

After graduation: visa change

You can get a “Designated Activities” visa (特定活動) for 6 months to 1 year to continue job hunting. But if you don't land a job within 3 months, stress piles up. So network aggressively before graduating.

PR pathways: the points system

Generally, you need 10 years of residence to apply for PR, but with a “Highly Skilled Professional” visa, you can apply after 5 years if you score 70 points. Points are awarded for education, work experience, age, Japanese language (N1 gives 15 points, N2 gives 10), and other factors. For example, if you have a master's degree (20 points), 5 years of work experience (10 points), age under 30 (15 points), and N2 (10 points), you already have 55 points. Add a bonus for graduating from a Japanese university (10 points) and you hit 65—close to 70.

Real talk: trade-offs and challenges

• Salary: Starting salary for fresh graduates is around 18–22 lakh yen per year. It doubles in 3–5 years, but initial years can be tight, especially in Tokyo.
• Work culture: Overtime is common, especially in traditional Japanese companies. Remote work is growing but still limited. Protect your mental health.
• Language barrier: Even with N2, you'll struggle with keigo (honorific language) and business writing. Take extra courses if needed.

Practical tips for Bangladeshi students

• Choose a field with high demand: IT, engineering, or nursing. Japan faces labor shortages in these areas.
• Build a network: Join the Bangladesh Students Association in your city, attend local meetups. I've seen students get referrals simply by chatting at events.
• Consider regional cities: Companies in Osaka, Fukuoka, or Nagoya are often more open to hiring foreigners than Tokyo firms, and cost of living is lower.

Final nudge

Start planning now. Talk to seniors, research companies, and improve your Japanese every day. For more personalized advice, check our eligibility page or contact us. We've guided hundreds of students through this journey—you're not alone.