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When an international student gets a job at a Japanese company, or a spouse divorces and wishes to continue living in Japan under a different Status of Residence, or a Specified Skilled Worker changes to a job in a different field—in such cases, a “Application for Change of Status of Residence” is required for foreign nationals in Japan who wish to engage in activities not permitted under their current Status of Residence. This procedure allows foreign nationals to apply for a different Status of Residence while remaining in Japan, without having to return to their home country. However, whether the application is approved or not is determined by the Immigration Services Agency’s review. This article organizes information for both foreign nationals and HR professionals at companies employing foreign nationals, covering the scope of changes, application timing, the eight criteria considered in the review (guidelines revised in June 2026), the “special period” if the Period of Stay expires before a decision is made, and the revised fees effective October 1, 2026.
The Immigration Services Agency explains a change of Status of Residence as obtaining permission to change to a new Status of Residence when a foreign national “intends to change their purpose of stay and engage in activities corresponding to a different Status of Residence.” This is distinct from the procedure for extending the Period of Stay while maintaining the same Status of Residence.
| Procedure | When to use it | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Change of Status of Residence | When you want to engage in activities corresponding to a Status of Residence different from your current one | Article 20 of the Immigration Control Act |
| Application for Extension of Period of Stay | When you want to extend your Period of Stay while maintaining the same Status of Residence | Article 21 of the Immigration Control Act |
| Application for Permission for Permanent Residence | When you want to change to the “Permanent Resident” Status of Residence | Article 22 of the Immigration Control Act |
| Application for Certificate of Authorization for Employment | When you want to confirm if you can perform the job at your new workplace while maintaining your current Status of Residence | Article 19-2 of the Immigration Control Act |
For more details on the Certificate of Authorization for Employment, please refer to What is a Certificate of Authorization for Employment? | Hiring Transferees and Stricter Penalties in 2027.
Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act also includes the following cases as changes of Status of Residence. HR professionals at companies should pay particular attention when accepting Specified Skilled Workers.
For example, if a Specified Skilled Worker moves to a different company, an Application for Change of Status of Residence is required even if they remain under the “Specified Skilled Worker” Status of Residence.
The Immigration Services Agency’s “Application for Change of Status of Residence” page outlines the review criteria as follows (summary):
Article 20, Paragraph 3 of the Immigration Control Act stipulates that this judgment is made based on the documents submitted by the applicant. The fact that the activities correspond to the new Status of Residence and the circumstances necessitating the change must be demonstrated through documents.
Applications from individuals residing in Japan under a “Temporary Visitor” Status of Residence for purposes such as tourism or visiting relatives are generally not permitted unless there are unavoidable special circumstances (proviso to Article 20, Paragraph 3 of the Immigration Control Act). It is generally not intended for individuals to switch to a work Status of Residence or other statuses after entering Japan as a Temporary Visitor. For those intending to work, it is usually expected that they obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before entering Japan and then enter under that Status of Residence (Article 7-2 of the Immigration Control Act).
The Immigration Services Agency’s “Guidelines for Permission for Change of Status of Residence and Extension of Period of Stay” (established March 2008, last revised June 2026) states that the decision to permit or deny a change or extension is left to the discretion of the Minister of Justice, and is made after comprehensively considering factors such as the applicant’s activities, residence status, and necessity of residence. The guidelines outline the following eight items to be considered:
| No. | Items Considered | Position and Content of Guidelines (Summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The activity to be engaged in falls under the Status of Residence | Required condition for permission |
| 2 | Conformity to the Permission for Landing criteria, etc. | For Status of Residence in Appended Table I (2) and (4) (many work statuses such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, and Student, Dependent, etc.), conformity is generally required. |
| 3 | Engagement in activities corresponding to the current Status of Residence | For Technical Intern Training trainees who have absconded, or Students who continued to reside after expulsion or withdrawal, this is a negative factor unless there is a legitimate reason. |
| 4 | Good conduct | Criminal dispositions equivalent to grounds for deportation, aiding illegal employment, etc., are judged as misconduct even for first offenses. |
| 5 | Possession of sufficient assets or skills to support an independent livelihood | Not being a public burden (sufficient if recognized at the household level) |
| 6 | Appropriate employment and labor conditions | Conformity to labor-related laws and regulations, including part-time jobs. |
| 7 | Fulfillment of tax obligations, etc. | Malicious cases of high-amount or long-term non-payment are negative factors. The same applies to National Health Insurance premiums, etc. |
| 8 | Fulfillment of notification obligations, etc., stipulated in the Immigration Control Act | Obligations for mid- to long-term residents, such as notifications regarding Residence Card entries and affiliated organizations. |
The guidelines state that item 1, “The activity to be engaged in falls under the Status of Residence,” is a required condition for permission, and item 2, “Conformity to the Permission for Landing criteria,” is generally required. Items 3 and below are representative factors to be considered, and even if all items from 3 onwards are met, permission may still be denied as a result of a comprehensive consideration of all circumstances.
The guidelines state that a note was added to “7. Fulfillment of tax obligations, etc.” in the June 2026 revision. The added note states that decisions on permission or denial may be made based on information regarding the fulfillment of tax obligations, etc., provided by relevant organizations at the request of the Immigration Services Agency.
💡 This clearly states that the payment status of taxes and National Health Insurance premiums may be confirmed not only by documents submitted by the applicant but also by information from relevant organizations. If there are unpaid amounts, it is important to confirm and settle the payment status before applying.
The guidelines state that applicants are requested to present their health insurance card at the counter during application, and those who do not have a health insurance card are requested to present the “Qualification Information” screen of MyNa Portal, “Notification of Qualification Information,” or “Qualification Confirmation Document.” It also clearly states that the inability to present a health insurance card, etc., will not result in the denial of a change or extension.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basis | Immigration Control Act Article 20 |
| Eligible Applicants | Foreign nationals wishing to change their current Status of Residence (excluding those wishing to change to Permanent Resident) |
| Application Period | From the time the reason for the change of Status of Residence arises until before the expiration date of the Period of Stay |
| Application Destination | Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over the place of residence (For residents of Miyazaki Prefecture, in addition to the Miyazaki Branch Office of the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau, the main office, Kumamoto Branch Office, Oita Branch Office, and Kagoshima Branch Office also have jurisdiction) |
| Reception Hours (Counter) | Weekdays 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (some procedures may have specific days/times) |
| Online Application | Available |
| Standard Processing Period | 1 to 2 months |
| Appeal | None |
The Immigration Services Agency advises those who wish to obtain permission within their Period of Stay to apply promptly once the reason for the change arises. However, there are separate guidelines for applications from Students aiming to start work in April and for changes from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker. For an estimate of the processing period, please refer to Status of Residence Examination Processing Period | Latest Average Days and Precautions for 2026.
If an application is filed by the expiration date of the Period of Stay and the result is not issued by that date, the applicant may remain in Japan under their current Status of Residence until the disposition is made, or until the day the two-month period from the expiration date of the previous Period of Stay ends, whichever comes first (Immigration Control Act, Article 20, Paragraph 6). However, applications from those whose Period of Stay is determined to be 30 days or less are not eligible.
If the application is filed at the counter, the fact that the application is pending will be noted in the “Application for Extension of Period of Stay, etc.” section on the back of the Residence Card (this is not noted for online applications).
The Immigration Services Agency advises that it is desirable for permission to be granted within the Period of Stay (before entering the special period), as restrictions on daily life may arise during the special period if the validity period of the My Number Card is not updated or financial institutions are not notified by the expiration date of the Period of Stay.
Permission for Change of Status of Residence takes effect when measures such as the issuance of a new Residence Card are taken (Immigration Control Act, Article 20, Paragraph 5). The acceptance of an application is not permission. It is safe for companies to decide when to start work corresponding to the changed Status of Residence after confirming the Status of Residence on the new Residence Card.
| Permitted Period of Stay | Counter | Online |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months or less | 10,000 yen | 10,000 yen |
| Over 3 months, up to 6 months | 18,000 yen | 15,000 yen |
| Over 6 months, less than 1 year | 25,000 yen | 21,000 yen |
| 1 year | 33,000 yen | 27,000 yen |
| Over 1 year, less than 3 years | 48,000 yen | 42,000 yen |
| 3 years or more, less than 5 years | 64,000 yen | 56,000 yen |
| 5 years or more | 75,000 yen | 65,000 yen |
The overall picture of the revision is summarized in Immigration Services Fee Revision October 1 | Old Fees Until September 30.
Q1. By when should I apply for a Change of Status of Residence?
A. Applications can be filed from when the reason for the change arises until the expiration date of the Period of Stay. The Immigration Services Agency advises applying promptly once the reason for the change arises.
Q2. Can I change my Status of Residence to a work-related Status of Residence while visiting Japan as a Temporary Visitor?
A. It is stipulated that a change from Temporary Visitor Status of Residence will not be permitted unless it is based on unavoidable special circumstances (proviso to Article 20, Paragraph 3 of the Immigration Control Act). For those seeking employment, it is customary to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before entering Japan.
Q3. If my Period of Stay expires during the review process, will I be considered an illegal resident?
A. If you have applied by the expiration date, you can remain in Japan under your current Status of Residence until the decision is made or until two months after the expiration date, whichever comes first (Article 20, Paragraph 6 of the Immigration Control Act). This does not apply to those with a Period of Stay of 30 days or less.
Q4. Will my application be denied if I don’t have a health insurance card?
A. The guidelines clearly state that the inability to present a health insurance card will not result in the denial of a change or extension. Those without a health insurance card are requested to present the “Qualification Information” screen on MyNa Portal or similar.
Q5. When and how much do I pay the Fee?
A. The Fee is paid not at the time of application, but when permission is granted. The amount depends on the Period of Stay granted, ranging from 10,000 yen to 75,000 yen for in-person applications at the counter, and 10,000 yen to 65,000 yen (plus payment processing fees) for online applications. For in-person applications, you will need to prepare Revenue Stamps for the amount stated on the postcard you receive after the review is completed.
Q6. I live in Miyazaki. Where do I apply?
A. Miyazaki Prefecture is under the jurisdiction of the Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau’s Miyazaki Branch Office, as well as the main office, Kumamoto Branch Office, Oita Branch Office, and Kagoshima Branch Office. Within the prefecture, the Miyazaki Branch Office in Miyazaki City is the counter. Applications for Change of Status of Residence can also be made online.
An Application for Change of Status of Residence is a procedure to obtain a different Status of Residence while in Japan, but permission is granted only when there are sufficient reasons to deem the change appropriate. During the review, in addition to whether the applicant qualifies for the new Status of Residence, the applicant’s previous residence status, conduct, livelihood, employment and labor conditions, tax payment, and notification obligations are comprehensively considered. The June 2026 guideline revision also clarified that decisions regarding the fulfillment of tax obligations and other duties may be made based on information from relevant organizations. It is important to prepare the necessary documents and apply as soon as the reason for the change arises, without waiting for the expiration date of the Period of Stay.
💴 Support Fees for Application for Change of Status of Residence are listed in the “Fee Schedule“. The first consultation is free for up to 60 minutes online. If you wish to confirm which Status of Residence applies to your desired change, please use our free tool “Visa Eligibility Diagnosis“.
As an Administrative Scrivener Corporation in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, our office assists with applications for change of Status of Residence and confirmation procedures for companies employing foreign nationals.
For procedures that can be filed online, such as applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence and extension of period of stay, we accept requests from clients nationwide. Meetings are held online (Google Meet, LINE) and documents are exchanged by mail or electronically, so there is no need to visit our office. Applications for Permission for Permanent Residence and for Permission of Naturalization cannot be filed online and must be submitted at the counter, so they are limited to residents of Miyazaki Prefecture. Depending on the procedure and its urgency, you may need to collect your Residence Card at the counter of the immigration office covering the area where you live. Online applications cannot be filed on the last day of your period of stay, so please consult us as early as possible.
Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.
📞 To book a phone consultation: 0985-68-0851
Before you submit, let us take a look.
Free Immigration Pre-Submission Check ›
For those who will apply for a status of residence at the Immigration Services Bureau by themselves. Before you submit, we check your application form and supporting documents and tell you about any missing documents and points to watch. We accept checks online (Google Meet, about 20 minutes) or via LINE.
・Eligible: applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence and extension of period of stay (applications for permanent residence are accepted only from residents of Miyazaki Prefecture). Naturalization is not covered.
・Online (Google Meet): once per application. Replies via LINE: available for the same application until you submit it.
・Our guideline for replies via LINE is, in principle, within 2 business days (we are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; replies may take longer when we are busy).
・Please send copies of your documents by LINE or email. For your residence card, send the front side only; please do not send the side showing your My Number.
・What we tell you is our office’s opinion. It does not guarantee approval; the outcome depends on the decision of the Immigration Services Bureau.
・We only point out missing documents and points to watch. We do not prepare or rewrite your application documents for you or draft text for them, and we do not tell you whether your application is likely to be approved (if you would like to engage us, we will introduce the Self-Prep Course, the Light Plan and the Standard Plan).
・If we find that a document contains information that is not true, or that the application is not your own (or a family member’s), we will decline the check.
This article was written based on publicly available information as of October 2026. Details of the system and implementation dates may change in the future. For actual applications, please confirm with the official information from the Immigration Services Agency or our office.
Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
