Job Change in Japan for Foreign IT Engineers: Residence Status Guide [2026]

For foreign IT engineers working in Japan, changing jobs is closely linked to your residence status. Failing to follow the correct procedures may increase the risk of a refusal at your next residence-period renewal. This guide covers the procedures required when changing jobs, key points about residence status, and how the Highly Skilled Professional points system can open a shorter path to permanent residence.

① Residence statuses for IT work in Japan

Most foreign nationals working in IT hold the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services ("Gijinkoku") status. This covers systems engineers, programmers, IT consultants and other computer-related roles. For a comparison of all work-related statuses and their requirements, see the Japan work visa types guide.

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services: requires a relevant university/vocational degree or professional experience. Covers not only IT but also interpreting, accounting, PR and more
• Highly Skilled Professional Type 1 (b): for high-level IT/STEM talent who score 70+ points under the points system. Benefits include broader activity scope, a 5-year residence period, and a shortened permanent-residence requirement

Holders of Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, Spouse of a Japanese National, and similar statuses have no work restrictions and generally do not need to go through residence-status procedures when changing jobs.

② Required procedures when changing jobs

There are three main types of procedure related to changing jobs (changing your affiliated institution).

① Notification of change of affiliated institution

Under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, whenever there is a change of affiliated institution (e.g. resignation or new employment), you must notify the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days. Notification can be done online, by post or at a window. Failure to notify may be grounds for cancellation of residence status, so act promptly once your job change is confirmed.

② Certificate of Employment Eligibility (optional but recommended)

A Certificate of Employment Eligibility is a document issued by the Immigration Services Agency confirming that the duties at your new employer fall within the activities permitted under your current status of residence. Obtaining one is optional, but it is said to reduce the risk of a refusal at your next renewal. Applying early after starting the new job is considered advisable.

③ When a change of status is required

If you move to an IT role that falls within your current status (e.g. staying in Gijinkoku-eligible work), a change of status is generally not required. However, if the new duties substantially exceed the permitted activities of your current status (e.g. moving to a role that requires a different status), an Application for Change of Status of Residence may be needed. If you are unsure, consult the Immigration Services Agency or a registered administrative scrivener (gyosei shoshi) or attorney.

④ Review at the next renewal

After a job change, your activities and employment at the new workplace will be reviewed at the next renewal. Having a Certificate of Employment Eligibility is said to make the renewal process smoother.

③ How to manage your job search

You may conduct a job search while your current residence period is valid. However, there are important points to keep in mind.

• Job-searching while still employed is the standard approach: after resignation, income stops, and a prolonged unemployment period may affect your renewal review
• Notify within 14 days of both resignation and starting the new job: notifications are required at both transitions
• Caution regarding unemployment periods: the Immigration Control Act provides that failing to engage in activities corresponding to your status for a continuous period of 3 months or more may be grounds for cancellation. If unemployment looks likely to extend, consult the Immigration Services Agency

④ Job change services for foreign IT engineers

When considering a job change in IT, working with a recruitment agency familiar with residence status is one option. Agencies typically offer job introductions, application support and interview preparation. Many provide these services free of charge to candidates. Note that the preparation and submission of residence-status applications is the domain of registered administrative scriveners (gyosei shoshi) and attorneys; recruitment agencies cannot act as representatives for visa applications.

💼 For IT engineers considering a career change PR

If you hold an Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services ("Gijinkoku") or Highly Skilled Professional status and want to start or advance an IT career in Japan, you can get a free consultation with a recruitment agency that supports foreign nationals. Consultations are conducted in Japanese. Available positions vary depending on your status of residence and the job market.

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A service that introduces job openings and supports career changes for foreign IT engineers and aspiring engineers. If you aim for an IT job under a status such as "Gijinkoku", you can register and get a consultation free of charge. Consultations are conducted in Japanese. Available positions vary depending on your status of residence and the job market.

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⑤ How a job change affects renewal and permanent residence

A job change can also affect subsequent renewals, a switch to Highly Skilled Professional status, and permanent-residence applications.

• Renewal: stable employment and a valid contract at the new workplace will be reviewed. A Certificate of Employment Eligibility is said to help the process
• Switching to Highly Skilled Professional: points are calculated from academic background, work history, annual salary, age, Japanese proficiency and other factors. Scoring 70+ may make you eligible for Type 1 (b) status (points are recalculated using the new job details after a transfer)
• Shortened permanent-residence requirement: under the points system, scoring 70+ points may reduce the residence requirement to around 3 years; 80+ points to around 1 year for a permanent-residence application. However, requirements and scoring criteria are subject to change — please check the Immigration Services Agency official website for the latest information

⑥ Common cautions & checklist

• ☑ Confirm the new job falls within your status: if uncertain, consider applying for a Certificate of Employment Eligibility or consulting a specialist
• ☑ Notify within 14 days: both resignation and new employment require a notification of change of affiliated institution
• ☑ Avoid long unemployment periods: consult the Immigration Services Agency if unavoidable
• ☑ Use the Certificate of Employment Eligibility: early confirmation that your new job duties align with your status can give peace of mind
• ☑ Never misrepresent qualifications or work history: false statements in residence-status applications can result in refusals or cancellation
• ☑ Consult a specialist for visa-related paperwork: registered administrative scriveners and attorneys can assist with application documents
• ☑ Keep improving your Japanese: many interviews and workplaces require Japanese communication skills — the Japanese language learning guide is a useful starting point

FAQ

Do I need to notify immigration when I change jobs?Yes. Under the Immigration Control Act, when your affiliated institution (employer) changes you must notify the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days of resignation or starting the new job. Notification can be done online, by post or at a service window.

Do I need to change my status of residence when moving to a similar IT role?If the new duties fall within the permitted activities of your current status (such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services), a change of status is generally not required. However, obtaining a Certificate of Employment Eligibility is recommended as it is said to reduce the risk of a refusal at the next renewal.

Is the Certificate of Employment Eligibility mandatory?No, it is optional. However, it confirms that your new job duties fall within your status of residence and is said to make your next renewal smoother, so obtaining it is recommended.

Can I stay in Japan while job-hunting?Yes, as long as your residence period is valid. However, failing to engage in activities corresponding to your status for a continuous period of 3 months or more may be grounds for cancellation. Please also remember to submit the notification of change of affiliated institution within 14 days of both resignation and starting a new job.

Is it easier for IT engineers to get permanent residence?Using the Highly Skilled Professional points system, scoring 70+ points may reduce the residence requirement to around 3 years and scoring 80+ to around 1 year for a permanent-residence application. Requirements and scoring may change — please check the Immigration Services Agency official website for the latest details.