Do You Need to Notify Immigration When You Change Jobs? Reporting Your Employer and the Certificate of Authorized Employment
Written by：SUMIMOTO Inc.Editorial Policy
When a foreign worker in Japan changes jobs, questions come up quickly: do I have to apply for a new visa, and what do I submit and where? The procedure actually depends on what the new job involves.
This article outlines the basic procedures for people with a work-related status of residence. Cases differ, so confirm the details with the Immigration Services Agency or a qualified professional such as an administrative scrivener.
What must you report first when you change jobs?
A mid- to long-term resident with a work-related status who leaves an employer (the "affiliated organization") or signs a contract with a new one must notify the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days of that date. You can do this through the electronic notification system, by mail, or in person.
If the new job falls within the activities allowed by your current status of residence, a change of status is generally not required. However, failing to notify or filing a false notification may lead to penalties or affect your next renewal.
Governing laws
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 19-16
- Mid- to long-term residents must notify within 14 days of changes such as a change of affiliated organization or the end of a contract.
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 19-2
- A certificate of authorized employment certifies, on the applicant's request, the work activities a foreign national may perform.
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 20, Paragraph 1
- If you need to engage in activities outside your current status, you must obtain permission to change your status of residence.
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 22-4, Paragraph 1
- Failing without a justifiable reason to carry out your activities for three consecutive months or more can make your status subject to revocation.
Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (e-Gov Law Search)
What procedure applies to each type of job change?
The procedure depends on whether the new job fits your current status of residence. The table shows the basic patterns; the actual decision depends on job duties and contract terms.
Procedures by type of job change (rough guide)
| Situation | Procedure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Changing jobs within the same status | Notification within 14 days | You may also apply for a certificate of authorized employment |
| Duties change to another status's activities | Application to change status of residence | Do not start the new job before permission is granted |
| Leaving with no new job yet | Notification within 14 days of leaving | Watch the three-month period of inactivity |
| Taking a side job | Permission for activities outside status may be needed | Applies to paid work beyond your main status |
Key figures in this article
- Notification deadline
- 14days
- Guide period of inactivity
- 3months
- Main procedures
- 2types
From the change, departure or contract date
Can make status subject to revocation
Notification and change of status
Should you get a certificate of authorized employment?
A certificate of authorized employment is a document issued by Immigration to show that the work at your new employer is permitted under your current status. It is optional, not mandatory.
Having one can reduce the risk of a long review at your next renewal over whether the new job is within your status. It is worth considering when your duties change significantly or you are unsure the job fits your status.
Issuance takes time, though. It may not arrive before your start date, so plan together with your new employer.
How does a job change affect your renewal?
At renewal after a job change, Immigration looks at the duties at the new employer, the contract terms, the pay level and the stability of the company. Organize your employment contract, a description of your duties and company materials from the time you change jobs.
If the notification about your affiliated organization has not been filed before renewal, it may be raised during the review. Keep your notification receipt until the renewal application is done.
Common oversights and fixes
✕Changed jobs and let the 14 days pass without notifying.
→File as soon as you notice, and be ready to explain the delay.
✕Started a job beyond the scope of the status without a change of status.
→If duties change, check with Immigration or a professional before starting, and apply for a change if needed.
✕Stayed unemployed past three months after leaving.
→Decide on the next employer early, or talk to Immigration about your situation.
✕Did not keep the employment contract or appointment letter and lacked documents at renewal.
→Organize the contract, letter and payslips at the time of the change and keep copies.
Job-change checklist
- I confirmed my last day and start date
- I planned to file the notification within 14 days of leaving and joining
- I checked that the new job fits my current status
- I considered applying for a certificate of authorized employment if needed
- I kept the employment contract and appointment letter
- I checked my residence expiry date and next renewal timing
Frequently asked questions
- Q. Can I file the notification online?
- A. Some notifications can be filed through the electronic system. Registration may be required first, so follow the Immigration Services Agency's guidance.
- Q. Can I quit before I have a new job?
- A. Quitting is possible, but you must notify within 14 days of leaving. If inactivity lasts three months or more, your status may be subject to revocation, so keep track of the time.
- Q. Do I need to notify when I move departments in the same company?
- A. A transfer within the same organization is often not subject to notification, but if the duties change significantly, check to be sure.
- Q. Does changing jobs affect a permanent residence application?
- A. Length of service and income stability can be reviewed. If you plan to apply, consult a professional about the timing of any move.
In the SUMIMOTO Hub app, the 24-hour AI advisor explains the basics of statuses of residence and job-change procedures in your language. For individual notifications and permissions, also consult the Immigration Services Agency or a qualified professional such as an administrative scrivener.
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References & Sources
This article provides general information as of its publication date and is not individual legal, tax or investment advice. It was written with the help of generative AI.Editorial Policy
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