Immigration System in Japan

If foreign nationals residing in Japan with a status of residence wish to change the purpose of their stay and engage in activities that fall under another status of residence, they must obtain permission to change their former status of residence to the new status of residence through a certain procedure.

This procedure is called "Application for Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請)".

Only when the Minister of Justice deems that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is appropriate to permit a change in status of residence, the change in status of residence will be granted.

An "Application for Change of Status of Residence" is filed between the time when the reason for the change of status of residence arises and the expiration date of the period of stay. Therefore, when a foreign national's activities in Japan no longer correspond to those permitted under their current status of residence, they must apply promptly. 

Applications will be accepted if the new host institution has issued a letter of offer, etc. for the applicant, or a letter of admission, etc. for the applicant, and the period between the beginning of the employment contract or the start of school is approximately 3 months or less.

Please visit the website of the Immigration Services Agency. You can find the details of the application there.

Procedures of application for change of status of residence (Working Visa)