Introduction

Applying for permanent residency in Japan is a crucial step for those seeking long-term, stable life in the country. However, the application process can take several months to over a year, during which time significant changes such as a job change, income reduction, or family situation changes may occur. In such cases, it is essential to understand your reporting obligations to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and how these changes may affect your application. This article explains, based on the latest official information, what you must do if your circumstances change during the application process.

What Constitutes a “Change in Circumstances”?

A “change in circumstances” during the permanent residency application process typically includes:

• Changes in employment status (job change, resignation, change in employment type)
• Significant increase or decrease in income
• Changes in family situation (divorce, separation, new cohabitation)
• Delinquency in tax or social insurance payments, or starting to receive public assistance
• Conviction for a criminal offense

If any of these changes occur, you are required to promptly report them to the Immigration Services Agency, based on the “Letter of Commitment” submitted with your application.

Legal Basis and Content of the Reporting Obligation

The “Letter of Commitment” requires applicants to promptly report any changes in their application details to the Immigration Services Agency. It also states that failure to report may result in the revocation of permanent residency permission.

Main Items That Require Reporting

• Employment status (job change, resignation, changes in employment type)
• Family status (divorce, separation, new cohabitation)
• Fulfillment of public obligations (tax, pension, health insurance payments)
• Receipt of public assistance
• Criminal convictions

How Job Change or Income Reduction Affects Screening

1. Job Change

Changing jobs can affect the screening of your application, especially regarding “stability of income” and “consistency with your residence status.” If your income decreases or your employment becomes unstable (e.g., probationary period, contract employment), you may be judged as not meeting the Stable and Independent Livelihood Requirement.

If your new job duties differ from your current residence status (e.g., “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”), you may need to obtain a Certificate of Authorized Employment or change your residence status to avoid being deemed as engaging in unauthorized activities.

2. Income Reduction

A stable annual income of at least 3 million yen is generally required for permanent residency. If your income falls significantly due to job change or resignation, your application may be denied. It is advisable to apply after maintaining a stable income for at least one year following a job change.

Specific Procedures When Changes Occur

Notification of Affiliation

If you change jobs or resign, you must submit a “Notification of Affiliation” to the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days. This can be done at the counter, by mail, or online.

Failure to submit this notification may be regarded as “not of good conduct,” possibly resulting in revocation of permanent residency or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.

Additional Document Submission

If you change jobs, you may be required to submit additional documents such as your new employment contract, payslips, and certificates related to your residence status.

Review of Highly Skilled Professional Points

If you are applying as a “Highly Skilled Professional,” a job change may lower your points below the required threshold, leading to denial of your application. Check the conditions of your new job offer in advance.

Risks of Failing to Report Changes

If you fail to report changes in your circumstances, your permanent residency may be revoked. There have been cases where permanent residency was revoked after it was discovered that the applicant’s actual situation differed from their application.

Example Case

For instance, Mr. A (pseudonym, male in his 30s) changed jobs during his application, and his annual income temporarily dropped to 2.5 million yen. He promptly reported this to the Immigration Services Agency and submitted his new employment contract and payslips. After six months of stable employment and income recovery, he submitted further documents proving his stable income and was granted permanent residency.

Conclusion

If your circumstances change significantly during your permanent residency application (such as job change or income reduction), you must promptly report the changes to the Immigration Services Agency and complete all necessary procedures. Failure to do so may result in revocation of your permanent residency. Even if you experience changes, you can still obtain permanent residency if you can prove a stable livelihood. Always check the latest information and procedures on the official Immigration Services Agency website and consult a specialist if needed.