I could not graduate from my vocational school and I failed the test. Can I stay in Japan?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 28 May 2026　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Answer

Extending or changing a status of residence inside Japan in order to sit the test again is extremely difficult in practice. The 「特定活動」 for preparing to move to 「特定技能」 assumes that you have already passed the test and already have a job offer. In addition, not graduating because of poor grades is a serious minus in future screening. Above all, never let yourself fall into illegal residence.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from a student whose expiration date of period of stay is very close and who has also failed the test.

Type of enquiry: change of status of residence (urgent)
Application type: change from 在留資格「留学」 (Student) to 「特定活動」 (Designated Activities) or 「特定技能」
Situation: Nepalese national, 24 years old. Was enrolled at a 2-year IT vocational school in Japan, but because of poor grades could not graduate on schedule and has not graduated. The company that had made a job offer withdrew it. Now wants to switch to 在留資格「特定技能1号」 (Specified Skilled Worker (i)) in nursing care and work, and an agency has introduced a nursing care facility. Sat the 「特定技能」 test for nursing care but failed. Wants to try the next test, but the expiration date of the 「留学」 period of stay is approaching.
Question: To sit the test again inside Japan, which status of residence do people usually change to in order to extend their stay? How much of a minus in future screening is it that I could not graduate because of poor grades?

Can I stay in Japan in order to sit the test?

No. There is no status of residence you can use while you have not passed the test.

You may have seen information saying that there is a 「特定活動」 for preparing for 「特定技能」. It comes with strict conditions.

「特定活動」 for preparing to move to 「特定技能」 (6 months)　As a rule, it is granted only where you have already passed the tests (the skills test and the Japanese-language test) and your next employer is already decided. If you have not passed the test, and the workplace is still only at the introduction stage, you do not come within it
Change to 在留資格「短期滞在」 (Temporary Visitor)　An application saying "I want to change just so that I can sit the next test" is, as a rule, not granted

How does not graduating affect future screening?

It is a serious minus. Attendance rate and grades are treated as the most important points.

When a student extends or changes a status of residence, the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) treats the attendance rate and the grades at school as the most important points.

Not graduating on schedule from a 2-year school, and still not having graduated after that, is treated as having "neglected the study that is the purpose of 「留学」" over a long period (a poor record of residence).

This is not a problem for this time only. Even when you take the test again in your home country, pass it, and an application is made to bring you to Japan afresh, you will be asked to submit your past transcripts and attendance rate. If your stay is then judged not to have been serious, there is a risk that 「特定技能」 itself will be denied.

What options should I take now?

Above all avoid illegal residence, and consider making a fresh start from your home country.

Check your enrolment at the school and your status of residence
If you are still enrolled, and the school will allow you to return or take supplementary classes and graduate, and will help with the application to extend 「留学」, you may be able to keep your status of residence. If you have already been struck off the register or have withdrawn, this route is not open.
Switch to 「特定活動」 for preparing to leave Japan
If a change inside Japan will not be in time, go to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) and apply to be granted 「特定活動」 of 30 to 31 days (30日〜31日間) as a "period to prepare to go home once".
Make a fresh start in your home country
Go home once with a clean record, and aim to take and pass the test in your home country. After that, having the facility you were introduced to act as the accepting organisation and applying through the 在留資格認定証明書交付申請 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility) to be brought to Japan takes time, but it is the surest way to start again.

Dragging out an application because "there must be a way to stay in Japan", and ending up in illegal residence, is what closes off your future most of all. Even if you have to go home once, the way back to Japan remains open if you pass the test in earnest and prepare and submit a 理由書 (written explanation) setting out your reflection on why you did not graduate and how you intend to work from now on. The first thing to do is to get an accurate picture of where you stand with your school and of the expiration date of your period of stay. This article is based on information as at early May 2026 (2026年5月初旬).

Frequently Asked Questions

When can the 「特定活動」 for preparing to move be used?

As a rule, where you have already passed the 「特定技能」 tests and your next employer is already decided. The period is 6 months.

Can I change to 「短期滞在」 in order to sit the test?

As a rule, no.

How long is the 「特定活動」 for preparing to leave Japan?

30 to 31 days (30日から31日間). You use this time to prepare to go home.

If I go home once, can I never come to Japan again?

It may still be possible. What matters is to pass the test in your home country and to prepare and submit a 理由書 explaining why you did not graduate.

Free consultation

Tell us your situation and we will answer it directly. Available in Japanese and English.

Get a free consultation

This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.