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

Please note that you can apply for permission to change your status of residence approximately two months before the expiration date of your period of stay for Technical Intern Training (ii), etc., so we recommend that you plan your preparations accordingly.

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

(2) When hiring foreigners coming to Japan from overseas

In order for those who have passed the exam or completed Technical Intern Training (ii) successfully and returned to their home countries (including those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) successfully and returned to their home countries with experience in Technical Intern Training No. 3 or Foreign Construction Workers), to become Specified Skilled Worker (i), they must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the Regional Immigration Bureau. In order to do so, Support Plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i) is required.

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, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism must approve the Construction Specified Skills Acceptance Plan. After applying for approval of the Construction Specified Skills Acceptance Plan to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, you can apply for permission to change your status of residence to the Regional Immigration Bureau before the plan is approved, but in order to receive permission to change your status of residence, you will need to submit a copy of the "Construction Specified Skills Acceptance Plan Certification."