Application for Change of Status of Residence: Applicant and Application Office
- We plan to hire several international students from universities across Japan as new graduates. We would like to submit one collective application to change their status of residence from “Student” to a work-eligible status on behalf of the company. Is this possible?
- As a rule, the applicant for a Change of Status of Residence must be the individual themselves. Therefore, the company cannot act as the applicant to submit one collective application for multiple new hires. In addition, the application must be submitted to the Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over each individual’s place of residence. This means it is not possible to submit all applications together at the immigration office nearest to the company.
However, if a company representative is an officially authorized immigration application proxy (申請取次者 / “Shinsei Toritsugi-sha”) and has obtained approval from the Immigration Services Bureau, they may carry out procedures on behalf of the company’s foreign employees.
That said, while companies cannot usually be the applicants, they often provide significant support—such as preparing and reviewing application documents, notifying new hires of appropriate timing for submission, and coordinating the application process by tracking submission dates, postcard notifications of examination status, and final approval dates. This allows new employees to begin work in alignment with their hiring schedule.
Related Service Page:
Change of Status of Residence Application
A Change of Status of Residence application is required when a foreign national residing in Japan intends to terminate their current activities or, upon completing the purpose of their current status, begin activities that fall under a different status of residence.
Free Consultation on Employment Procedures for Foreign Nationals
Since our establishment in 1986, we have provided consulting services specializing in visa applications for foreign employees, supporting corporate clients for nearly 40 years.
Consultations are available by phone, email, online meeting, or in person at our office. English support is also available.
