When changing jobs or moving from university to full-time work in Japan, you must report changes in your contracting organization within 14 days and ensure your status of residence matches your new role. If you are graduating without a job offer yet, you can switch to a Designated Activities status to continue job hunting for up to one year. Failing to submit required notifications or working outside your permitted status can lead to penalties and complicate future visa applications.
Do I need to notify immigration when I change jobs in Japan?
Foreign residents in Japan belong to one of 29 status of residence categories. When you change employers or end a contract, Japanese immigration law requires you to submit a formal notification regarding your contracting or affiliated organization. Under official guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency Q&A, you must submit this notification whenever you leave an organization, contract with a new employer, or experience corporate changes such as a company name change, address change, merger, or dissolution.
This notification must be submitted within 14 days from the date the event occurs, such as your last day of employment or your first day at a new company. You cannot file the notification in advance using a future date. If you miss the 14-day deadline, you should submit the notification as soon as possible. Failing to report or providing false information can result in statutory penalties and may negatively affect future immigration applications, such as visa renewals.
How do I submit the notification of contracting organization?
You can submit your notification in three ways: online via the electronic filing system, by mail, or in person at a regional immigration office counter. If you send the form by mail, post it to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau, Residence Inspection Division Notification Desk (14F Yotsuya Tower, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004). Note that this mailing address does not accept in-person hand deliveries. When submitting by mail, you must enclose a copy of your residence card. No employment contracts or supporting company documents are needed for this specific notification.
Do I always need to submit this notification when changing jobs?
There are specific exceptions depending on your residence procedures:
- Status Change Granted: If you receive official permission for a Change of Status of Residence at the same time as changing jobs, you do not need to submit a separate notification of contracting organization.
- Period Extension Granted: If you only renew your duration of stay (Extension of Period of Stay) when changing jobs, you must still submit the notification of contracting organization.
- Same Status of Residence: If your new job falls under your current residence category and your visa remains valid, you can continue residing in Japan, but you must submit the notification within 14 days.
- Multiple Contracts or Secondments: If you take on long-term second jobs or enter a secondary contract while keeping your current job, you must report adding the second organization. If you are transferred (seconded) to work under another company's management for a substantial period, you must report leaving the previous entity and joining the new one.
What documents are required to change my residence status to a work visa?
If you transition from a Student visa to a full-time work visa—such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services—you must apply for a Change of Status of Residence. As detailed on the Study in Japan official guide, applicants generally need to visit their nearest regional immigration bureau, bureau branch, or branch office in person.
Because individual requirements can vary based on your background and the hiring company, you should always confirm details with the official source or regional immigration office before applying.
Documents prepared by the applicant
- Your valid passport
- Your residence card
- Application form for Change of Status of Residence (available at immigration counters)
- Resume detailing your complete educational background and previous job history
Documents obtained from your employer
- Copy of your employment contract or letter of employment detailing the exact work duties, contract duration, and compensation amount
- Certified copy of the company's commercial register, issued within the last 3 months
- Recent financial reports, including balance sheets and income statements
- Company brochures or official materials describing the business activities
Documents obtained from your school
- Original certificate of graduation or official certificate of expected graduation
How can I continue job hunting in Japan after graduation?
If you graduate from a Japanese educational institution before securing full-time employment, you do not have to leave Japan immediately. You can apply to change your status of residence from Student to Designated Activities (特定活動) specifically for continuous job hunting.
This status allows you to remain in Japan for six months initially. It can be extended once for an additional six months, allowing a maximum stay of up to one year for continuous job hunting after graduation.
To apply for Designated Activities, you must submit the following documents to the regional immigration bureau:
- Application form for Permission for Change of Status of Residence
- Passport and current residence card
- One photograph
- Financial documentation proving your ability to cover all living expenses during your stay in Japan
- Personal identity and academic verification documents, which depend on whether you graduated from a university under Japan's School Education Act or completed a specialized course at a professional training college
For specific document categories and requirements, consult the Ministry of Justice website.
What happens if I forget to submit my notification within 14 days?
If you realize that more than 14 days have passed since leaving or joining a company, you must file the notification immediately. While delays are subject to penalties, submitting as soon as you realize the oversight is crucial. Unreported organizational changes can create discrepancies during future visa renewals or status changes, potentially leading to unfavorable review results.
Finding a place to stay
When transitioning between school, job hunting, or starting a new career in Tokyo, arranging reliable accommodation early gives you stability. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing official procedures and settling into their new routine. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, where most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi, making budgeting straightforward without unexpected utility setup steps. Additionally, there is no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Securing temporary housing before your start date ensures a smooth move as you begin your professional life in Japan.
FAQ
How long do I have to report a job change to immigration?
You must submit the notification regarding your contracting organization within 14 days of the change taking place.
Can I apply for the notification of organization change before my new job starts?
No, you cannot submit a notification with a future date; it must be filed after the event actually occurs.
How long can international graduates stay in Japan to hunt for a job?
Graduates can switch to a Designated Activities status of residence, which is granted for six months and can be extended once for a total of up to one year.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-13)
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Changing Status of Residence｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-13)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.