Introduction
The “Designated Activities (No. 46)” status of residence is increasingly used by international students who graduate from Japanese universities and wish to work in jobs that utilize both high-level Japanese language skills and their academic background. Many holders of this status worry when considering a job change: “Can I move to a different industry?” or “Do I need to change my status of residence?”
This article explains, in an easy-to-understand way, when a change of status is required for job changes under Designated Activities (No. 46), and how differences in industry and job description affect immigration procedures, based on public information and professional resources.
What Is Designated Activities (No. 46)?
Designated Activities (No. 46) allows graduates of Japanese universities to engage in work that requires smooth communication in Japanese and makes use of their academic achievements in Japan.
Compared to the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status, No. 46 covers a wider range of on-site service and so-called simple labor, while imposing stricter requirements on academic background and Japanese language proficiency.
When a Change of Status of Residence Is Required
When a holder of Designated Activities (No. 46) changes jobs, a change of status of residence application to the Immigration Services Agency is generally required because the contracting organization (employer) changes.
There are two main patterns: changing from Designated Activities (No. 46) to another No. 46 position (same category, different employer) and changing from No. 46 to another working status such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. The difference in industry and job content strongly influences which path is appropriate.
When a Different Industry Can Still Fit within No. 46
As long as the new job requires smooth communication in Japanese and utilizes the graduate’s academic achievements, Designated Activities (No. 46) can be flexibly applied across multiple industries.
For example, moving from convenience store work to another type of retail business may still be explained within No. 46 if the job involves Japanese-language customer service plus explanations that reflect university-level knowledge such as marketing or consumer behavior.
When Job Content Changes Substantially
If the nature of the job changes significantly, the required status of residence itself may also change.
For instance, moving from hotel front-desk work to a specialized IT engineer or translator role might be more appropriate under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status, according to typical practice described by professional sources.
Internal Transfer within the Same Company
If only the department or branch office changes within the same legal entity and the contracting corporate number remains the same, a change of status is generally not required.
However, if the new duties no longer fit within the designated activities described for No. 46, the suitability of the status may be questioned at renewal, so it is important to ensure that actual duties remain within the authorized scope.
Key Points When Changing Jobs to a Different Industry
When changing to a job in a different industry, it is essential to clarify the following points before deciding how to apply:
- To what extent the new position requires smooth communication in Japanese
- How clearly the new duties are related to your university major and academic background
- How well the new job matches the description in the current No. 46 designation
If these points can be explained within the No. 46 framework, a “No. 46 to No. 46” change may be possible. If the new job is more specialized, shifting to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services should be considered.
Application Practice for Changing Status
When changing status in connection with a job change, applicants follow forms and documentation requirements published by the Immigration Services Agency. Typical documents include:
- New employment contract and written working conditions
- Company profile documents (commercial registry, brochure, financial statements, etc.)
- Detailed job description
- Graduation certificates, transcripts, and proof of Japanese language proficiency
If the new job differs greatly from the previous one, explaining logically how it meets the requirements of the new or existing status is vital to reduce the risk of denial.
Caution Regarding Dispatch-Type Employment
Under Designated Activities (No. 46), working in a dispatch style at client sites that are not the designated contracting organization is generally not allowed.
If the new job in practice is a staffing-style position where you will be stationed at various client premises, the contract and workplace arrangements should be carefully reviewed, and contract revisions or a different status may be necessary.
When to Consult a Specialist
If you plan to change both industry and job content substantially, or if you have received remarks from immigration on a previous application, consulting an administrative scrivener or other immigration specialist is advisable.
In particular, when changing from Designated Activities (No. 46) to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, proof of the relationship between education, work experience, and job duties becomes critical, so professional support can be very helpful.
Summary
When changing jobs under Designated Activities (No. 46), it is sometimes possible to remain under No. 46 even if the new industry differs, as long as the work still requires advanced Japanese communication and utilizes academic achievements.
However, if the nature of the work changes substantially and becomes more suited to a different category such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, a change of status may be required.
In all cases, organizing the new contract and job description and carefully explaining how they fit the status requirements is the key to avoiding denial. When in doubt, always refer to official Immigration Services Agency information and consider consulting a qualified professional.
