Guide to Changing Visa Status (e.g., Student to Work, Work to Spouse, etc.)
If your activities in Japan change, you will need to apply for a "Change of Status of Residence" to switch from your current status of residence to another. The procedures differ depending on the situation, such as changing from a student visa to a work visa, changing to a spouse visa due to marriage, or changing status due to a job change.
This page provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the necessary documents, application process, key review points, and precautions for major cases, with the latest information for 2026.
According to the cabinet decision on the revision of the Immigration Control Act on March 10, 2026, the statutory cap for change/renewal fees for status of residence is expected to be raised from the current 6,000 yen to a maximum of 100,000 yen. The actual amount will be determined by government ordinance after the revision of the law is enacted, but it is recommended that those considering an application for change act quickly.
- What is a Change of Status of Residence?
- List of Major Cases
- Case ①: Student → Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Employment)
- Case ②: Work → Spouse Visa (Marriage)
- Case ③: Work → Another Work Visa (Change of Duties)
- Case ④: Work → Business Manager Visa (Starting a Business)
- Common Required Documents and Application Process
- Estimated Processing Period
- Important Precautions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Entrust VisaSHOGUN
1. What is a Change of Status of Residence?
A change of status of residence application is a procedure to change your current status of residence to another status of residence (Immigration Control Act Article 20).
- A student graduates and gets a job at a Japanese company.
- A foreign national with a work visa marries a Japanese national.
- A job change leads to duties exceeding the scope of the current visa.
- A foreign national with a work visa establishes a company or starts a business in Japan.
- Changing from a Dependent visa to a Work visa.
Starting activities (employment, management, etc.) under the new status of residence before permission for the change of status of residence is granted constitutes unauthorized activity. The company may also be charged with the crime of aiding illegal employment. Always start activities after permission is granted.
📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan｜Application for Change of Status of Residence (Official)
2. List of Major Cases
A student gets a job at a Japanese company after graduating from university. This is the most common case. The relevance between academic background and job duties is the core of the review.
A foreign national with a work visa who marries a Japanese national changes from a work visa to a spouse visa. Proof of the reality of the marriage is important.
If job duties change due to a job change and exceed the scope of the current visa. Employment cannot begin before permission is granted.
A foreign national with a work visa who starts a business or becomes independent. Requirements have been significantly tightened with the October 2025 revision.
Changing from a Dependent visa to an independent Work visa. Be aware of the difference from permission for engaging in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence.
When the highly skilled professional points reach 70 or more. More foreign nationals are considering this as a shortcut to permanent residency.
3. Case ①: Student → Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Employment)
This is the most common case for students getting a job at a Japanese company. In the review, the "relevance between what was studied and the job duties" is considered most important.
Application Period
The Tokyo Immigration Bureau generally starts accepting applications from December of the graduation year (other immigration bureaus from January). If you aim for employment in April, applying from December to January is safe.
From December 1, 2025, a special measure has begun that allows for significant omission of submitted documents for change applications from Student to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, targeting those scheduled to graduate from Japanese universities. Please check the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for details.
Main Required Documents (Student → Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
| Document | Preparer | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Change of Status of Residence | Applicant | Attach photo (4cm high x 3cm wide) |
| Passport / Residence Card | Applicant | Presentation required |
| Graduation Certificate (or Certificate of Expected Graduation) | Applicant | Issued by university/vocational school |
| Transcript | Applicant | Important as proof of studied content |
| Employment Contract or Notification of Labor Conditions | Company | Must include details of duties and remuneration |
| Company Registration Certificate | Company | For Category 3 and 4 only |
| Company Financial Statements (for the latest fiscal year) | Company | For Category 3 and 4 only |
| Total Statement of Legal Records such as Withholding Tax Slip | Company | Can be omitted for Category 1 and 2 |
4. Case ②: Work → Spouse Visa (Marriage)
If a foreign national with a work visa marries a Japanese national, they can change to a spouse visa. This removes work restrictions and significantly increases freedom of activity.
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Application for Change of Status of Residence | Attach photo |
| Passport / Residence Card | Presentation required |
| Japanese spouse's Family Register (Full Copy) | Issued within 3 months. Must include marriage details. |
| Japanese spouse's Residence Certificate | All household members, relationship indicated. Issued within 3 months. |
| Questionnaire | Detailed description of the process from meeting to marriage. Core document for review. |
| Several photos of the couple together | Important as proof of the reality of dating and marriage. |
| Japanese spouse's Taxation Certificate / Tax Payment Certificate | Proof of ability to support livelihood. |
| Foreign national's Marriage Certificate (issued by home country) | Attach Japanese translation. |
5. Case ③: Work → Another Work Visa (Change of Duties)
| Before Change | After Change | Required Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (IT Engineer) | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Translation/Interpretation) | Notification only (within the same status of residence) |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | Education Visa (Elementary School Teacher) | Change of status of residence application required |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | Care Worker Visa | Change of status of residence application required |
| Student | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Employment) | Change of status of residence application required |
During the application for change of status of residence, you cannot engage in activities permitted under the new status of residence. Please plan your schedule to apply before changing jobs and change jobs after permission is granted.
6. Case ④: Work → Business Manager Visa (Starting a Business)
If a foreign national with a work visa starts a business or becomes independent, a change to a Business Manager visa is required. Due to revisions effective October 16, 2025, requirements such as capital of 30 million yen or more and employment of full-time staff have been tightened.
7. Common Required Documents and Application Process
Documents common to all cases
- Application for Change of Status of Residence (form corresponding to the new status of residence)
- Passport (presentation required)
- Residence Card (presentation required)
- Photo (4cm high x 3cm wide)
Application Process
8. Estimated Processing Period
| Case of Change | Standard Processing Period | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Student → Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | 2 weeks to 2 months | Apply early due to congestion during the April hiring season (January-March) |
| Work → Spouse Visa | 2 weeks to 2 months | May take longer if proof of actual circumstances in documents is insufficient |
| Work → Business Manager | 2 to 3 months | May take time to confirm new requirements |
| Other Changes | 2 weeks to 1 month | Varies depending on the complexity of the application content |
If your period of stay expires while your change application is pending, you can continue to reside and work for a special period (up to 2 months) if the application is submitted. If your period of stay expires further in the future, you may need to apply for a renewal of your period of stay in addition to the change application.
9. Important Precautions
① Change from Temporary Visitor status is generally not possible
Changing to a work visa or spouse visa after entering Japan on a tourist visa (Temporary Visitor status) is generally not permitted. The correct procedure is to return to your home country, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, and then re-enter Japan.
② Continue activities based on your previous status of residence
Even while the change application is pending, you are required to continue activities based on your current status of residence (such as employment or study). Long periods of inactivity after withdrawing from school or resigning from a job will negatively affect the review.
③ Absolutely no false declarations
If there are false statements in the application documents, it can not only lead to the rejection of the change application but also to the revocation of your current status of residence and forced deportation. Even if you are in an unfavorable situation during the review, being honest and explaining the situation is advantageous in the long run.
④ New activities only after permission is granted
Starting activities under the new status of residence (such as working at a new job) while the change application is pending constitutes unauthorized activity. Always start activities after receiving your new residence card.
- Status of Residence Change Case-Specific Document Checklist
- Student → Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Application Schedule (for April employment)
- Checklist of things not to do during a change application
- Precautions regarding change applications and the timing of fee increases
10. Frequently Asked Questions
- Decision flow for whether a change application is necessary or only a notification is sufficient
- Case-specific required documents checklist (Student, Work, Spouse)
- Estimated timeline for applying before the fee increase
Official Reference Links
📌 Immigration Services Agency | Application for Change of Status of Residence
📄 To those planning to change from student visa to work visa (New measures in December 2025)
📊 Immigration Services Agency | Processing Periods for Status of Residence Applications
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