So your situation in Japan has changed. New job type, got married, starting a business — whatever it is, your current visa might not cover it anymore. Here’s what you actually need to do.
Do You Even Need to Change?
You need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請) when your life situation shifts in a way your current visa doesn’t cover:
| Situation | Change needed |
|---|---|
| New job is a different category from your current visa | e.g., Factory → Office work |
| Getting married to a Japanese national | To spouse visa |
| Starting your own company | To business manager visa |
| Graduating and starting work | From student visa to work visa |
| Switching from technical intern to Tokutei Gino | Visa category change |
If you’re not sure whether your situation requires a change, the safest move is to ask an immigration lawyer. Better to ask now than figure it out after you’ve already started the wrong job.
Real Talk: Don’t Work Without the Right Visa
Seriously. Working in a job category that doesn’t match your current visa is illegal — even while your application is being processed.
Apply before you start the new job if there’s a mismatch. No exceptions.
Common Visa Status Changes
Student to Work Visa (Gijinkoku)
This is the most common change for people finishing university here. You’ll need a job offer letter from a Japanese company, your diploma, and your transcript.
Apply about 3 months before graduation. Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks — don’t wait until the week before you start.
Gijinkoku to Spouse of Japanese National
If you marry a Japanese citizen, you’ll need to switch. Required documents: marriage certificate, your spouse’s family register (戸籍謄本), and photos showing your life together.
Apply after you’ve registered the marriage. Processing: 2–4 weeks.
Technical Intern to Tokutei Gino
Japan created a direct pathway for this one. You’ll need to pass the relevant Tokutei Gino skills test (or qualify for an exemption based on your training category), plus JLPT N4 or the Japanese skills test.
Documents You’ll Need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form (在留資格変更許可申請書) | Available at immigration or online |
| Passport | Original |
| Current residence card | Original |
| Photo (4cm × 3cm) | Recent, plain background |
| Documents proving your new status | Depends on visa type (see below) |
| Application fee: ¥4,000 | Revenue stamps, paid when you collect |
Additional documents by visa type:
| New Visa | Extra Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Work (Gijinkoku) | Job offer letter, company registration, diploma |
| Spouse of Japanese | Marriage certificate, spouse’s family register |
| Business Manager | Business plan, office lease, financial records |
| Tokutei Gino | Skills test result, Japanese test result |
How the Process Actually Works
Prepare Your Documents
Gather everything on the list above. Realistically this takes 1–2 weeks — especially if you’re chasing down documents from your company’s HR department.
Submit at Immigration
Go to your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau. Bring originals AND photocopies of everything — they’ll keep the copies.
Take a number and wait. Budget 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day.
You’ll Get a Stamp on Your Card
Immigration will stamp your current residence card with a note letting you stay in Japan while your application is being processed. Don’t lose that card.
Wait for the Decision
Processing time is 2 weeks to 3 months — most straightforward cases land on the shorter end. You’ll get a postcard in the mail when it’s ready.
Pick Up Your New Residence Card
Go back to immigration with your passport, current residence card, receipt slip, and ¥4,000 in revenue stamps. Your new card is issued on the spot.
Can You Work While You’re Waiting?
It depends on what you’re switching from.
- If you already have work permission on your current visa: yes, keep working as normal.
- If you’re switching from student to work visa: you have to wait for approval before you start.
When in doubt, talk to an immigration lawyer (行政書士). That’s what they’re there for.
What If Your Application Gets Rejected?
It happens, but it’s not common if your paperwork is in order. If you do get rejected, you’ll have a limited time to either leave Japan or appeal. Don’t sit on this — contact an immigration lawyer (行政書士) immediately.
Quick Summary
1. Confirm you need a status change
2. Gather documents (1–2 weeks)
3. Submit at immigration
4. Wait 2–4 weeks
5. Collect new residence card
Change your visa before your current one causes a mismatch. Don’t wait until the last minute — you can’t work in the gap.