Introduction

In recent years, there has been an increase in consultations regarding job changes for foreign workers in Japan holding a Specified Skilled Worker Visa. Questions such as “Is it easy to change jobs within the same industry?” and “What procedures are necessary?” are common. Based on the guidelines from the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Bureau, we will provide a clear explanation using our expertise as administrative scriveners and incorporating common cases from our practice.

Conditions for Changing Jobs with a Specified Skilled Worker Visa

Basic Principle: Changing Jobs Within the Same Industry

Changing jobs with a Specified Skilled Worker Visa is generally limited to the same “business category” or “business with common skill levels.” For example:

• If you were engaged in “formwork construction” in the construction industry, you must continue in the same work at your new job.
• In industries like the food service industry, where there are no specific business categories, job changes are possible within the same industry.

Industry-Specific Constraints

Job changes across 14 specific industries (such as nursing care, construction, and food service) are not allowed. For instance, moving from the “raw materials industry” to the “industrial machinery manufacturing industry” is only possible if there are common casting tasks, but a move to the “electric and electronic information-related industry” is not permitted.

Procedure Flow for Changing Jobs

Step 1: Application for Change of Status of Residence

After signing an employment contract, apply to the regional immigration bureau within 14 days.

Required documents include:

• Employment conditions document (annual salary of approximately ¥3 million as a guideline)
• Specified Skilled Worker Support Plan (prepared by the new employer)
• Health examination certificate and skill test qualification certificate.

Step 2: Reporting Obligations for New and Old Employers

Necessary procedures:

• Old employer: Notification of job loss to Hello Work and issuance of a certificate of employment.
• New employer: Quarterly activity reports and social insurance enrollment procedures.

Step 3: Updating the Certificate of Eligibility

After approval, update the Certificate of Eligibility attached to your passport with new employment information.

Three Major Risks and Countermeasures for Job Changes

Risk 1: Income Gap During Application

Part-time work is prohibited during the application period (1-2 months).

Countermeasure: Proceed with resignation procedures after deciding on a new job.

Risk 2: Possibility of Application Rejection

Risk of forced repatriation due to document deficiencies or mismatch in skills.

Countermeasure: Administrative scrivener’s document check is effective.

Risk 3: Regulations on Poaching Between Companies

The government requests prevention of “disorderly personnel movement.”

Countermeasure: Job hunting through Hello Work is safe.

Points Companies Should Know

Improving Retention Rates

• Educational system: Appoint native speakers as instructors (example of a 20% increase in productivity).
• Evaluation system: Clearly state promotion standards equal to those for Japanese employees.

Lessons from Violation Cases

Case: A restaurant had its residence status revoked for having a foreign worker perform tasks outside their designated duties.

Lesson: Employment contracts must strictly specify job duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it possible to change jobs to a different industry?
→ No, it is not possible. Re-passing the skill test is required, but it is not practical due to the limitation on the period of stay (up to 5 years).

Q. How long does the procedure take?
→ Including document preparation, it typically takes 2-3 months. Early preparation is key.

Q. Can I work part-time during the application process?
→ Generally prohibited. Living expenses must be covered by savings.

Conclusion

Changing jobs with a Specified Skilled Worker Visa is only possible within the same industry and business category, but it involves complex procedures and risks. Companies must ensure the accuracy of document preparation, and foreign workers must prepare financially. It is advisable to use administrative scriveners or registered support organizations and always check the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Bureau.