Notifications and Procedures When Changing Jobs
Immigration notification obligations and procedures for Engineer/Humanities and SSW holders changing jobs
Foreign nationals with work-related residence statuses such as Engineer/Humanities, Specified Skilled Worker, and Intra-Company Transferee who change jobs are obligated to notify immigration. Failure to notify is subject to penalties and adversely affects the next renewal review. It is also important to confirm whether the new job duties fall within the scope of the current residence status.
Who this is for: Foreign nationals with work-related residence statuses such as Engineer/Humanities, Specified Skilled Worker, or Highly Skilled Professional who are planning or have completed a job change.
Case-by-Case Review Points & Strategies
Case 1: Job Change on Engineer/Humanities (Similar Industry and Job Type)
Low RiskSituation
Changing from Engineer/Humanities (IT company, systems engineer) to a systems engineer at a different IT company. Job duties are essentially the same
Strategy
① Submit a 'Notification Regarding Affiliated Organization' to the immigration office within 14 days of the job change, via online or mail. ② At the next renewal, additionally prepare employment certificate, contract, and pay slips from the new employer. ③ If job duties are within the scope of the residence status, no additional procedures are basically needed.
Key Point: Notification can also be done online (Immigration Bureau's online application system) with a My Number card. Filing promptly after the job change makes the next renewal review smoother.
Case 2: Changing to a Different Industry (Possible Need for Status Change)
High RiskSituation
Wants to change from Engineer/Humanities (IT, system development) to a customer service role at a restaurant — completely different
Strategy
General customer service at a restaurant falls outside the scope of Engineer/Humanities activities (it is considered unskilled labor), so changing directly to this job is not possible. ① Consider changing to a job that includes duties within the Engineer/Humanities scope (e.g., inbound tourism translation, marketing, etc.). ② If wanting to work in the food service industry, consider changing to Specified Skilled Worker (Food Service), but passing the required test is necessary.
Key Point: Engaging in work outside the scope of the residence status constitutes 'illegal employment,' which is subject to status cancellation and deportation. Always consult a specialist or immigration authority before changing jobs to confirm.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Many people put off submitting the job change notification with the thought 'I'll do it at my next renewal,' but the 14-day notification is a legal obligation. If discovered, it's not only a fine of up to ¥200,000 but also adversely affects the renewal review. Both the new and former employers also have notification obligations, so confirm with both parties when changing jobs.
Free Consultation with an Immigration Specialist
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