Navigating life in a new country can be both thrilling and unfamiliar. Expats in Japan often have questions about visa requirements and procedures, especially when their employment status changes. This article aims to be your friendly guide, addressing common concerns and providing clear explanations for various scenarios. From dealing with job changes to handling unexpected terminations, we’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to feel confident and secure in Japan.

Scenario 1: Losing Work Visa After Quitting a Job

While quitting a job doesn’t automatically revoke your work visa, it’s crucial to note that your visa remains valid only until its expiration date. If you fail to actively seek new employment or engage in activities aligned with your visa’s purpose for more than three consecutive months without a valid reason, your visa may be subject to cancellation. In such cases, the Immigration Bureau (出入国在留管理庁) will notify you and conduct an interview. Your visa won’t be canceled without your knowledge.

Scenario 2: Impact of Divorce on Family Stay or Spouse’s Visa

Divorce doesn’t directly nullify your family stay or spouse visa. Your current visa remains valid until its expiration date. However, if you remain unmarried for over six months after the divorce, your visa may be canceled. The Immigration Bureau will notify you and conduct an interview before canceling your visa. To avoid visa cancellation, consider transitioning to an appropriate visa status promptly. If you’re unsure about the process, consult an immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener.

Scenario 3: Navigating Job Transitions

When switching jobs, remember that reporting your departure from the previous company and joining the new one to the Immigration Bureau is mandatory. While some job changes may not require visa modifications, others may necessitate a visa change.

Visa Change Exceptions:

• Except for the “Technical Intern Training” visa, you can freely switch jobs within the scope of your current work visa.
  
• For certain work visas, such as “Technology/Humanities/International Business,” if the new job falls within the permitted activities of your existing visa, you may not need a visa change (of course, if the job is entirely different, you may need to change to another visa).
  
• If you’re unsure whether your new job aligns with your current visa, apply for an “Employment Qualification Certificate” from the Immigration Bureau to obtain an accurate confirmation.
  

Mandatory Visa Change Scenarios:

• Certain “Specific Skills” and “Specific Activities” visas require a change application when switching to the same visa from the same visa.

Important Note: Starting work at the new company before obtaining authorization from the Immigration Bureau constitutes illegal employment.

Scenario 4: Handling Job Termination

Job termination refers to being forced to leave a company due to factors beyond your control. If you’re facing such a situation, remember that you don’t have to immediately leave Japan and return to your home country.

Options for Foreigners with Work Visas:

• Remaining Visa Validity: If your visa remains valid, you can continue searching for a new job within the same visa category.
  
• Transition to “Specific Activities” Visa: If your visa is nearing expiration, you may be eligible to switch to a “Specific Activities” visa for job hunting purposes. Consult the Immigration Bureau, an immigration lawyer, or an administrative scrivener for guidance.
  
• Part-Time Work for Financial Support: If you require immediate financial assistance, you may be able to transition to a “Specific Activities” visa for job hunting, allowing you to work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) with a “Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence.” Seek advice from the Immigration Bureau, an immigration lawyer, or an administrative scrivener.
  

Essential Procedures After Job Termination:

• Report Your Departure: Notify the Immigration Bureau about your job termination within 14 days. You can do this in person, by mail, or online. This is referred to as “Reporting to the Organization of Jurisdiction.”
  ▼For more information, please visit the website of the Immigration and Residency Management Agency. (※ Use the browser translation tool to read in English)
  Notification regarding affiliation (activity) organization (Professor, Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 C, Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 (C), Business/Administration, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Care, Education, Intra-Company Transfer, Technical Intern Training, Study Abroad, Training)
  
  Notification regarding affiliation (contract) organization (Highly skilled professional No. 1 A or B, Highly skilled professional No. 2 (A or B), research, technology/specialist in humanities/international work, nursing care, entertainment, skills, specific skills)
  
  
• Seek Unemployment Benefits: Don’t overlook unemployment insurance, which provides financial support during periods of unemployment. You may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if you leave your job voluntarily. The duration and total amount of benefits depend on your employment insurance coverage period, salary, and reason for leaving your job. Apply for unemployment benefits at your local Hello Work office.
  
• Seek Legal Assistance: If you believe your job termination was unfair or unjustified, consider seeking advice from the Labor Standards Supervision Office, a social insurance labor consultant, or an attorney.

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※Translated from a Japanese article. Find the original article here.