How to inform immigration when you are changing your job in Japan
Are you changing your job? Are you changing schools? Do not forget to tell the immigration office about your change of status when you are moving out. The way of notifying MOJ is by submitting a notification reference form online, in person, or by mail.
Who needs to submit this?
You have here listed a category of visa status. If you see your status there, then you are required. Unless you hold a permanent residence status or spouse visa, you must file one under Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 19-16.
We cannot emphasize how important it is meanwhile how many people often forget about it. Those result in the possibility of the denial of your visa. Please know it is your sole responsibility to do so, so it won’t affect your visa application when you are extending it.
When should I file?
The only thing that you have to notice is that you need to do so within 14 days of your move. Or you are violating Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 19-16.
Why do you need to file?
The reason that you need to file is that whatever organization sponsors your visa that you are under. During a transfer of two organizations, the immigration office needs to know that you are not in Japan illegally without an organization.
Meanwhile, your former organization will also file a report to the immigrant office, indicating the company no longer holds responsibility for your visa and stay.
Thus, the immigrantion bureau sees you are present without an organization. Once you hit the allowed period of stay (from 14 days to 3 months depending on your status), they will notify you and ask you to leave the country.
How do you file?
It sounds complicated, but do you know that you can use the computer registration system to help you do that? Now it’s entirely up to you whether you want to register your leave by mail or online.
The process of the Immigration Bureau e-notification system is straightforward. I would only take you 10 minutes or less. Here is the login link for the notification system.
You will need to register an account and continue the process.
What types should you file?
There are two types of files depending on your visa status. You do not have to worry about this if you are filing online. You will be asked in the online form. However, if you are filing by mail or in person, here is the guide:
Here is the link if you belong to (Contract)
Highly Skilled Professional (i) (a) or (b), Highly Skilled Professional (ii) (a) or (b), Researcher, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Nursing Care, Entertainer, Specified Skilled Worker, Skilled Labor
Here is the link if you belong to (Activity)
Professor, Highly Skilled Professional (i) (c), Highly Skilled Professional (ii) (c), Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Instructor, Intra-Company Transferee, Technical Intern Training, Student, Trainee
Download the form and mail it to
Yotsuya Tower 14F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0004, 東京出入国在留管理局在留管理情報部門届出受付担当 (written in Japanese)
Or go to
The Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence
Other important links
The official page at MOJ for your change of status (English)
The official page at MOJ for your change of status (Type: Activity) (Japanese)
The official page at MOJ for your change of status (Type: Contract) (Japanese)
Disclaimers: We are not professional in this matter. This is only for educational purposes. Please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website or consult a professional administrative scrivener or lawyers for advice.