Q&A
08. Application for permission to change status of residence

The procedures differ depending on whether you are hiring a foreigner residing in Japan or a foreigner coming to Japan from overseas.

(1) When hiring a foreign national residing in Japan

In order to Specified Skilled Worker (i) a person who is expected to successfully complete a Technical Intern Training (ii) residing in Japan Japan, it is necessary to apply for permission to change status of residence to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau. To do so, you need a Support Plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i).

It is possible to apply for permission to change your status of residence up to 2 months before the expiration date of your Technical Intern Training (ii) or other period of stay, so we recommend that you prepare in a planned manner

"Application for permission to change status of residence" (Ministry of Justice website)

(2) When hiring foreigners coming to Japan from overseas

Those who have passed the exam or have returned to Japan after completing the Technical Intern Training (ii) (including those who have returned to Japan after completing Technical Intern Training (ii) well, Technical Intern Training No. 3 or foreign construction workers). In order to make it a Specified Skilled Worker (i), it is necessary to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Regional Immigration Services Bureau. To do so, you need Support Plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i).

Please note that you can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility approximately three months before your intended date of entry into Japan, so we recommend that you plan your preparations accordingly.

"Application for Certificate of Eligibility" (Ministry of Justice website)

When accepting Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the construction field, it is necessary to be certified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan in the construction field. After applying for Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan in the construction field certification to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, you can apply for permission to change your status of residence for Regional Immigration Services Bureau before the plan is approved, but you will need to submit a copy of your "Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan in the construction field Certificate" in order to receive permission to change your status of residence.