Change of Status of Residence
Apply to switch to a different status of residence when your purpose of stay changes (for example, from student to work).
1 min readChecked against official sources 2026-06-14
Apply to switch to a different status of residence when your purpose of stay changes (for example, from student to work).
Where: Immigration Services Agency (Regional Immigration Bureau) · When: After the change in your circumstances and before your current period of stay expires.
Steps
- 1Confirm the status you qualify for and gather documents proving the new activity.
- 2Submit the change application at your regional immigration bureau or online.
- 3Screening usually takes about 1 to 2 months; pay 6,000 yen (5,500 yen online) on approval.
What to bring
- Residence card
- Passport
- Application for change of status of residence
- Photo (4cm x 3cm)
- Documents for the new status (e.g. employment contract, certificate of enrollment)
Official sources
A denied change can affect your right to stay in Japan. Eligible categories and required documents vary case by case.