"Specified Skilled Worker" status holders are also eligible to change jobs

01/19/2026 Last updated : 01/18/2026 AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRAAKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRA

At our office, we often receive inquiries from foreign nationals residing in Japan under the "Specified Skilled Worker" (SSW) status who wish to change their employers. Foreigners with the "Specified Skilled Worker" status are allowed to change jobs if the following requirements are met:

  • Changing jobs within the same "Occupational Classification" (e.g., moving from one restaurant to another within the Food Service industry).
  • Passing a skills proficiency test for a different "Occupational Classification" and moving to a company in that new field.
  • Ensuring the new employer meets the necessary requirements to properly accept and support Specified Skilled Workers.

Under this status of residence, your specific employer is designated in a document (the Designation Certificate) attached to your passport. Therefore, you must apply for a "Permission for Change of Status of Residence" whenever you change employers. Please note that this application is required even if you are moving to a new company within the same occupational classification.

The screening process for this application typically takes about one to two months. For this reason, we do not recommend resigning from your current job before securing a new one.

Furthermore, if you remain unemployed for more than three months after leaving your job, you may not only face financial difficulties but also risk having your application for a change of status denied.

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AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRA
AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRA
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Specified Skilled Worker
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