What is a Change of Status of Residence?
This procedure allows foreign nationals to change their current status of residence to a different one.
A common example is when an international student graduates from a university or vocational school in Japan and changes from a “Student” visa to a “Work Visa” (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, etc.) in order to start full-time employment.
When is it required?
- When an international student graduates from a Japanese university, graduate school, or vocational school and receives a job offer from a Japanese company
- When holding a “Student” visa and planning to start working full-time after graduation
- When switching from part-time student activities to full-time professional employment
👉 This is a mandatory procedure for international students who have secured employment in Japan.
Who applies?
- In principle, the foreign national themselves applies at the Immigration Bureau.
- The hiring company’s HR or general affairs staff may help prepare documents.
- An administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can also prepare and submit the application on behalf of the applicant.
Required documents (example: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
- Application form for Change of Status of Residence
- Passport and residence card
- Graduation certificate or certificate of expected graduation
- Academic transcripts (if required)
- Employment contract or job offer letter
- Company registration certificate, financial statements, company brochure
- Photo (4 cm × 3 cm)
- Revenue stamp (4,000 yen)
Application process
- Prepare the necessary documents
Collect school certificates and company employment documents. - Submit to the Immigration Bureau
The applicant or representative submits the application at the local immigration office. - Screening (about 1–3 months)
Immigration examines whether the applicant’s academic background matches the job description and whether the company is stable. - Approval and new residence card issued
If approved, a new residence card with the work visa will be issued, allowing the applicant to begin full-time employment.
Examples
- University graduate
Economics major graduates → Receives job offer at a trading company as a sales representative → Status changes from “Student” to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” → Starts full-time work. - Vocational school graduate
IT school graduate → Hired by a software development company → Status changes from “Student” to “Engineer” → Begins working as a programmer.
What Immigration checks
- Whether the applicant’s academic background and job duties match the visa requirements
- Whether the company has the ability to employ and pay the applicant stably
- Whether there are any violations of immigration law or unauthorized work history
Important notes
- Even if you already have a job offer before graduation, you cannot start working until the status of residence is changed
- Applications for jobs that are considered “simple labor” may be rejected
- Missing or incomplete documents can delay the examination
Benefits
- Allows international students to continue their career in Japan after graduation
- Provides a stable residence status, making it easier to plan for long-term employment
- Helps companies hire skilled international graduates smoothly
Why consult a professional?
- To check in advance whether your academic background and job duties are compatible
- To ensure documents are complete and correct
- To reduce the risk of rejection and start your employment smoothly
Summary
Changing from a Student visa to a Work Visa is a mandatory step for international students who want to begin their careers in Japan.
With the right preparation, you can transition from studies to professional life smoothly and securely.