Can You Change from a Specified Skilled Worker Visa to Another Status of Residence in Japan?

 

Many foreign workers in Japan who hold a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa eventually begin to wonder whether they can stay in Japan long term. This question is especially common among those who are approaching the five-year limit of the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status.
The short answer is yes. It is possible to change from a Specified Skilled Worker visa to another status of residence, provided that certain conditions are met. By changing to an appropriate visa category, foreign residents may continue living and working in Japan beyond the five-year cap and, in some cases, may even bring their family members to Japan.
This article explains the most common pathways for changing from a Specified Skilled Worker visa and the important points to keep in mind.

 

Overview of Common Visa Change Pathways

Transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

 

One typical option is to move from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Specified Skilled Worker (ii). After gaining sufficient experience under the first category and passing a more advanced skills examination, some workers become eligible for this transition.
The major advantage of Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is that there is no upper limit on the length of stay. In addition, holders of this status are allowed to bring their spouse and children to Japan. As of recent years, most industrial sectors covered by the Specified Skilled Worker system allow this transition, with the exception of the care work sector, which has its own specialized residence status.

 

Change to Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

 

Another frequently considered route is changing to the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services status, often referred to as a white-collar work visa. This option is available to individuals who have completed a university degree or graduated from a relevant vocational school.
This status allows family accompaniment and is generally considered more favorable when applying for permanent residence in the future. However, immigration authorities carefully examine whether the job duties are closely related to the applicant’s academic background. Positions that mainly involve on-site manual labor or simple tasks are not permitted under this category.

 

Change to a Status Based on Personal Relationship

 

Some individuals become eligible for a residence status based on personal ties, such as marriage to a Japanese national or a permanent resident of Japan. Examples include the Spouse or Child of Japanese National status or the Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident status.
These residence statuses offer significant flexibility, as there are no restrictions on the type of work that can be performed. Even jobs involving simple or manual labor are allowed, which is not the case with most work-based visas.

 

Important Points to Consider When Changing Your Visa

 

Consistency Between Visa Status and Job Content

When changing to a different status of residence, it is crucial that your actual job duties match the legal scope of the new visa. For example, after switching from a Specified Skilled Worker visa to an Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services status, continuing to perform mostly on-site manual labor may be regarded as unauthorized work.
Immigration authorities may treat such a mismatch as a violation, even if the employer remains the same.

 

Educational and Work Experience Requirements

 

When applying for a change to the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services status, applicants must meet specific academic or professional experience requirements. In general, this means holding a university degree or having a substantial amount of relevant work experience.
In some cases, work experience accumulated while holding a Specified Skilled Worker visa may be counted, but only if the nature of the work aligns with the new job category.

 

Compliance with Taxes and Social Security Obligations

 

Immigration offices place great importance on whether applicants have properly fulfilled their tax and social insurance obligations. Unpaid taxes, pension contributions, or health insurance premiums can seriously jeopardize a visa change application.
This point becomes even more critical for those aiming for permanent residence in the future, as past payment records are reviewed carefully and can affect long-term immigration prospects.

 

Timing of the Application

 

Applying for a change of status at the last possible moment carries significant risk. If the application is denied and there is no remaining time on the current visa, the applicant may be forced to leave Japan without the opportunity to reapply.
Starting preparations well in advance, ideally six months before the expiration of the current status, allows time to explore alternative options if necessary.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The most suitable path for changing from a Specified Skilled Worker visa depends heavily on your educational background, professional qualifications, and personal circumstances. Reviewing your highest level of education and long-term goals is an essential first step.
Because visa changes involve strict legal interpretation and detailed documentation, seeking professional advice early can make a significant difference in achieving a successful outcome.

 

⇒inquiry

 

特定技能ビザから他の在留資格に変更できますか？

 

日本で特定技能ビザを持って働いている外国人の方の多くが、いずれ「このまま日本に長く住み続けることはできるのか」と疑問を持つようになります。特に、特定技能1号の在留期間が5年の上限に近づいてくると、この問題はより現実的なものになります。
結論から言うと、一定の条件を満たせば、特定技能ビザから他の在留資格へ変更することは可能です。適切な在留資格へ切り替えることで、5年を超えて日本に滞在したり、家族を日本に呼び寄せたりできる場合もあります。

 

特定技能からの代表的な変更ルートと、注意すべきポイント

 

特定技能2号への移行

 

一般的な選択肢の一つが、特定技能1号から特定技能2号への変更です。1号として十分な実務経験を積み、より高度な技能試験に合格すれば、2号への移行が認められる可能性があります。
特定技能2号の大きなメリットは、在留期間に上限がなくなることです。また、配偶者や子どもを日本に呼ぶことも可能になります。近年では、介護分野を除く多くの特定産業分野で2号への移行が可能とされています。

 

技術・人文知識・国際業務への変更

 

大学や専門学校を卒業している場合、技術・人文知識・国際業務（いわゆるホワイトカラー職種）の在留資格へ変更できる可能性があります。
この在留資格では家族帯同が認められ、将来的な永住申請においても、特定技能1号より有利に扱われるケースが多いです。ただし、業務内容が学歴や専攻と密接に関連していることが厳しく審査されます。現場中心の単純作業が主な業務の場合、原則として許可されません。

 

身分系在留資格への変更

 

日本人や永住者と結婚した場合など、身分に基づく在留資格へ変更できるケースもあります。代表的なものとしては、「日本人の配偶者等」や「永住者の配偶者等」が挙げられます。

 

これらの在留資格では就労制限がなく、単純作業を含め、どのような仕事にも従事することが可能です。

 

在留資格変更時の重要な注意点

 

在留資格を変更する際は、変更後の在留資格と実際の業務内容が一致していることが非常に重要です。例えば、技術・人文知識・国際業務へ変更した後も、以前と同じ現場作業ばかり行っていると、不法就労と判断されるリスクがあります。
また、技術・人文知識・国際業務への変更では、学歴や実務経験が厳格に確認されます。特定技能としての就労期間が実務経験として評価される場合もありますが、新しい職種との関連性がなければ認められません。
さらに、税金や年金、社会保険料をきちんと納めているかどうかも重要な審査ポイントです。未納や滞納があると、在留資格変更は非常に厳しくなります。将来的に永住を目指す場合、これまでの支払履歴は長期的に影響します。
申請のタイミングにも注意が必要です。在留期限ギリギリで申請すると、不許可になった場合に再申請や別の選択肢を検討する時間がなく、帰国せざるを得なくなる可能性があります。少なくとも半年前から準備を始めるのが望ましいでしょう。

 

まとめ

 

特定技能からどの在留資格へ変更するのが最適かは、学歴、資格、職歴、そして将来の目標によって異なります。まずは自身の最終学歴やキャリアを整理し、それに合った選択肢を検討することが重要です。
在留資格変更は専門的な判断を要するため、早い段階で専門家に相談することが、スムーズな許可につながります。