How does changing a status of residence work in Japan?
Changing a status of residence is an application made to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan while the applicant is already in the country, used when a person's activities change, such as moving from study to work. The existing status remains valid until a decision is made, provided the application is filed correctly.
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How it works
The application includes documents supporting the new activity, such as an employment contract for a work-related change, and it is assessed against the requirements of the target status. Processing times vary, and working under a new activity before approval is generally not permitted.
Commonly mixed up with
A change of status is sometimes confused with an extension of the same status. An extension renews the same category, while a change moves the holder into a different category with different permitted activities.
How does changing a status of residence work in Japan?
| Knowledge, Tokyo | Legal, visa and entry |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Changing a status of residence is an application made to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan while the applicant is already in the country, used when a person's activities change, such as moving from study to work. The existing status remains valid until a decision is made, provided the application is filed correctly. |
| How it works | The application includes documents supporting the new activity, such as an employment contract for a work-related change, and it is assessed against the requirements of the target status. Processing times vary, and working under a new activity before approval is generally not permitted. |
| Commonly mixed up with | A change of status is sometimes confused with an extension of the same status. An extension renews the same category, while a change moves the holder into a different category with different permitted activities. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Can I work while my change of status is pending?
- Working under the new activity before approval is generally not permitted.
- What documents are typically required?
- Documents supporting the new activity, such as a contract or enrolment proof, are typically required.
- Does a change of status expire the old one immediately?
- The prior status generally remains valid until a decision on the application.
- Is a change of status the same as an extension?
- No, an extension renews the same status, while a change moves to a different one.
- Where is the application procedure published?
- The Immigration Services Agency of Japan publishes the change of status procedure.
Sources
More in this track
- What is a status of residence in Japan?
- What types of work visa exist for Japan?
- What is a residence card in Japan and who needs one?
- What are the rules for a short-stay entry into Japan?
- What are the customs allowances for arriving in Japan?
- What is the difference between permanent residency and other long-term statuses in Japan?
- How does a dependant status of residence work in Japan?
- What is the highly skilled professional status in Japan?
- What changes must foreign residents report to immigration authorities in Japan?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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