For those who are currently in Japan on a "study abroad" or "working holiday" program and wish to continue working in Japan after graduation or the end of their contract.
Even if you have recently found a job. Technical/Humanities/International Services Visa (so-called work visa) Increasingly, it is taking longer to obtain In such a situation,Application for Change of Status of Residence" to change visa status while in Japan is a valid option.
Why "Application for Change of Status of Residence" now?
In recent years, the examination period for "Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications" filed by companies has been 2-4 months, possibly 6 months or more The trend is toward prolonged periods of time to
On the other hand, those staying in Japan When applying for a change without leaving the countryThe screening process tends to be relatively quick, as the results are delivered within the special exception period.
Advantages of Applying for Change of Status of Residence
- Application completed in Japan(No return or re-entry procedures required)
- Shorten the waiting period before starting work
- Possible to stay under examination even if the period of stay expires during the special exception period.
- Reduce the procedural burden on the company side
What is a "special exception period?"
Pursuant to Article 21, Section 3 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act,If the application for change of status is completed by the expiration date, the applicant can continue to legally stay in Japan during the examination.It is.
In principle, the period of stay is two months, but if the examination is protracted, the applicant is allowed to stay until the result of the examination. This is a big advantage when applying for a change of status in Japan.
Comparison of Application for Modification and Application for Certification
| (data) item | Change Application (Change) | Application for certification (COE) |
|---|---|---|
| target group | While in Japan | living abroad |
| Departure Requirements | unnecessary | Necessary (re-entry after obtaining visa) |
| Examination period | 1 to 2 months | More than 2-4 months |
| special period | Yes (up to completion of screening) | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
Recommended target audience
- Japanese language school, vocational school, or university student scheduled to graduate (with a job offer)
- Those who are on a working holiday and have received a permanent job offer.
- Foreign residents who are considering changing jobs or occupations
important point
- Complete the application before the expiration date of your stay.It is absolutely necessary to let
- Consistency of employment with major and backgroundalso important
- Cooperation of companies and preparation of necessary documents are also essential.
Cases of our firm
- Example 1: Plans to graduate from the Fashion Department → Offered a job at a design company in Shibuya-ku → Applied for change of status to Technical/Humanities/International Business → Approved in 1.5 months
- Example 2: Offer from Food & Beverage head office in Meguro-ku, Tokyo during working holiday → to Technical/Humanities/International Affairs → approved in 1.5 months
Application process when you request us
Clients only need to contact our office and we will take care of all the troublesome procedures.
You do not need to visit the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau in person.
You can wait for the results of the screening process with peace of mind.
- Grasping the current status of residence and status of residence
- Confirmation of offer letter and other contract documents
- Preparation of required documents
- Application for Change of Status of Residence (Application through our office (proxy))
- Under review → Continue to stay legally in Japan for a special period of time (no need to return to Japan, real estate contract can be maintained).
- Permission → Receive new resident card (our office will do this)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Is it OK if my resident card expires?
A. If your application for change is received before the deadline, you may stay during the examination (special exception period).
Q. Can I become a full-time employee from a working holiday?
A. Depending on the nature of the work and the corporate structure, it may be possible to apply for a change of status to Technical/Humanities/International Business.
Q. Can I work earlier if I apply for a change of status?
A. In many cases, you will receive the results earlier than the COE application and can smoothly start working.
Consultation available
Is it safe for my case?" The company only seems to know about COE applications..." Please feel free to consult with us about any questions you may have.
→ Click here for free consultation form
Inquiry / Access
Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Administrative Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
Member of AIL (Alien Visa Experts Network)
Access:
5-minute walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
8-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line
12-minute walk from Okubo Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines
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