Rulebook

Work statuses

339 entries · 337 confirmed · Rulebook checked on 2026-10-23.

Every statement on this site that states a rule traces to an entry here. Each entry cites an official document, quotes it, and shows when we checked it. Entries that are not confirmed are marked and are not used as fact.

What it is · 39Who qualifies · 76Numbers and tests · 37Periods · 25Deadlines · 9Fees · 12How it works · 53Penalties · 4Lists and tables · 55Recent changes · 29

What it is

Who qualifies

Numbers and tests

Periods

  • When a training period is planned, the agency in principle grants a one-year period of stay at the first decision so it can check the move to qualifying work.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格決定時等には、原則として在留期間「1年」を決定することとなります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For dispatched workers, the period of stay granted follows the length of the dispatch contract.
    Quote from the source
    派遣形態で就労する場合は、派遣契約期間に応じた在留期間が決定されます

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Because the transfer is for a fixed term, a request to stay in Intra-company Transferee status longer than five years is examined carefully for its necessity.
    Quote from the source
    例えば、「企業内転勤」の在留資格で5年を超えるような長期間の在留を希望する場合は、その必要性等について慎重に審査することになります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • No status of residence other than Diplomat, Official, Highly Skilled Professional (type 2) and Permanent Resident may carry a period of stay longer than five years.
    Quote from the source
    外交、公用、高度専門職及び永住者の在留資格(高度専門職の在留資格にあつては、別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄第二号に係るものに限る。)以外の在留資格に伴う在留期間は、五年を超えることができない

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The period of stay for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services is five years, three years, one year or three months.
    Quote from the source
    技術・人文知識・国際業務 五年、三年、一年又は三月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Intra-company Transferee and Nursing Care both carry periods of five years, three years, one year or three months.
    Quote from the source
    企業内転勤 五年、三年、一年又は三月 介護 五年、三年、一年又は三月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The period of stay for Entertainer status is three years, one year, six months, three months or 30 days.
    Quote from the source
    興行 三年、一年、六月、三月又は三十日

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The period of stay for Skilled Labor is five years, three years, one year or three months.
    Quote from the source
    技能 五年、三年、一年又は三月 特定技能

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Professor, Artist, Religious Activities and Journalist each carry periods of five years, three years, one year or three months.
    Quote from the source
    教授 五年、三年、一年又は三月 芸術 五年、三年、一年又は三月 宗教 五年、三年、一年又は三月 報道 五年、三年、一年又は三月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher and Instructor each carry periods of five years, three years, one year or three months.
    Quote from the source
    法律・会計業務 五年、三年、一年又は三月 医療 五年、三年、一年又は三月 研究 五年、三年、一年又は三月 教育 五年、三年、一年又は三月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The period of stay for Business Manager is five years, three years, one year, six months, four months or three months.
    Quote from the source
    経営・管理 五年、三年、一年、六月、四月又は三月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The agency decides the length of stay by weighing the planned work period, the person's record of activity and public obligations, and the size and track record of the contracting organization.
    Quote from the source
    就労予定期間、当該外国人の方の活動実績及び公的義務の履行状況、契約機関の事業規模・事業実績等を総合的に判断して決定されます

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The standard processing time for a certificate of eligibility application is one to three months.
    Quote from the source
    標準処理期間 1か月~3か月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The standard processing time for a change of status application is one to two months.
    Quote from the source
    標準処理期間 1か月~2か月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The standard processing time for a period-of-stay extension application is two weeks to one month.
    Quote from the source
    標準処理期間 2週間~1か月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • If an extension or change application is filed before expiry but not decided in time, the person may stay lawfully until the decision or until two months after the original expiry date, whichever is earlier.
    Quote from the source
    当該処分がされる時又は従前の在留期間の満了の日から二月を経過する日が終了する時のいずれか早い時までの間は、引き続き当該在留資格をもつて本邦に在留することができる

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • On a trial basis the ISA aims to issue certificates for Category 1 organisations within two weeks of filing, three weeks if employees changed since the last filing, and within one month for Category 2.
    Quote from the source
    申請内容に問題がなければ、申請から2週間以内に交付

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The ISA entertainer page lists the possible periods of stay as 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months or 30 days.
    Quote from the source
    在留期間 3年、1年、6月、3月又は30日

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A certificate of eligibility is valid for three months from the day it is issued, and it loses its effect if the holder does not apply to land within that time; this is separate from the validity of the visa.
    Quote from the source
    有効期間は3か月とされています。したがって、在留資格認定証明書が交付された日から3か月以内に上陸申請をしないとその効力を失います

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A single-entry visa is normally valid for three months from its issue date, so the holder must pass immigration within that time; if it lapses, a new visa application is needed.
    Quote from the source
    一次有効査証(日本へ一度入国したら使用済みになる査証)の有効期間は、基本的に発給日から3か月です

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The standard visa processing time at a Japanese mission is five business days from the day after acceptance when nothing needs checking, but a long-stay visa applied for without a certificate of eligibility can take weeks to months.
    Quote from the source
    標準処理期間は、申請内容に特に問題がない場合、申請受理の翌日から起算して5業務日です

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A person who does not get five years is given three years or one year, depending on how long the stay is planned, the person's own record of stay and the employer's activity track record; the agency publishes no table that maps these inputs to a specific term.
    Quote from the source
    5年が決定されない方については、滞在予定期間、外国人本人の在留状況、所属機関の活動実績等を踏まえ、3年や1年等を決定することになります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • In general the term of stay is set on the record of Immigration Act notifications, the payment of public taxes and charges, and the size of the contracting organisation, and the factors differ by status.
    Quote from the source
    なお、在留期間を決定する場合に考慮される事項は各在留資格によって異なりますが、一般的には、入管法上の届出の履行状況、公租公課の納付状況、所属機関の規模等に基づき判断されることになります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Under the Employment-for-Skill-Development system due to start on 1 April 2027, a training plan is approved only if the period is within three years, with up to one further year allowed where the worker has failed a required test for a prescribed reason; in the ordinance the status itself needs an approved plan and good conduct.
    Quote from the source
    育成就労の期間が3年以内(注3)である

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The immigration inspector decides the status of residence and the period of stay at the landing examination and records them in the passport, so the period of stay is fixed at landing and not by the certificate of eligibility itself.
    Quote from the source
    入国審査官は、当該外国人の在留資格及び在留期間を決定し、旅券にその旨を明示しなければならない

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

Deadlines

  • Existing Business Manager holders will not be refused renewal solely for failing the new standards until 16 October 2028.
    Quote from the source
    施行後3年が経過するまで(令和10年10月16日まで)の間は、新たな基準を満たさない場合でも、そのことのみをもって在留期間更新許可申請が不許可になることはありません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • An extension application can be filed up to the day the period of stay expires, and from three months before expiry if the current period is six months or longer.
    Quote from the source
    在留期間の満了する日以前(6か月以上の在留期間を有する者にあっては在留期間の満了する3か月前から。)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A change-of-status application may be filed from when the reason for the change arises until the day the current period of stay ends.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格の変更の事由が生じたときから在留期間満了日以前

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Holders of Professor, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Instructor, Intra-company Transferee, Technical Intern Training, Student or Trainee status, and of some Highly Skilled Professional types, must notify the immigration agency within 14 days when the name or address of the organization where they work or study changes or ceases, or when they leave or move to another organization.
    Quote from the source
    当該在留資格に応じてそれぞれ別表第一の下欄に掲げる活動を行う本邦の公私の機関の名称若しくは所在地の変更若しくはその消滅又は当該機関からの離脱若しくは移籍

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Holders of Researcher, Engineer/Specialist, Nursing Care, Skilled Labor or Specified Skilled Worker status, Entertainers working under a contract, and some Highly Skilled Professional types must notify the agency within 14 days when the contracting organization changes its name or address, ceases to exist, ends the contract, or when a new contract is signed.
    Quote from the source
    研究、技術・人文知識・国際業務、介護、興行(本邦の公私の機関との契約に基づいて当該在留資格に係る活動に従事する場合に限る。)、技能又は特定技能

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Applications received up to 30 September 2026 still pay the old fee even if the permission is issued on or after 1 October 2026.
    Quote from the source
    令和8年9月30日までに受付した申請に対する許可については、当該申請に係る許可が令和8年10月1日以降となっても、改定前の手数料の額を納付することとなりますので御留意ください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Under Act No. 51 of Reiwa 8, the five-year post-graduation transition is extended to care worker training-facility graduates through fiscal 2031; for those graduating from fiscal 2027 the route of keeping the qualification after five years of care work is dropped, so the national exam is required.
    Quote from the source
    令和13年度までの介護福祉士養成施設卒業者については、経過措置として卒業後5年間は資格を持てることとします。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For online filings the date that counts for the old versus new fee is the receipt date shown in the receipt-number notice email; applications received on or before 30 September 2026 still pay the old fee by revenue stamp even if permitted later.
    Quote from the source
    申請受付日は、「申請受付仮番号」又は「申請受付番号」のお知らせメールをご確認ください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For a foreign worker enrolled in employment insurance the Hello Work notice is made through the insurance acquisition or loss form, due by the 10th of the next month on hiring and within 10 days of the next day on leaving; for a worker not enrolled, a separate form is due by the end of the next month for both hiring and leaving.
    Quote from the source
    届出期限は、雇入れ、離職の場合ともに翌月末日までです

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

Fees

  • Issuing an employment qualification certificate at the counter costs 2,000 yen, paid with revenue stamps.
    Quote from the source
    許可されるときは2,000円が必要です

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • From 1 October 2026 the counter fee for permission to change status or extend a period of stay depends on the period granted: 10,000 yen for up to 3 months, 18,000 for over 3 up to 6 months, 25,000 for over 6 months up to under 1 year, 33,000 for 1 year, 48,000 for over 1 year up to under 3 years, 64,000 for 3 up to under 5 years and 75,000 for 5 years or more.
    Quote from the source
    3月以下 10,000円 3月超6月以下 18,000円 6月超1年未満 25,000円 1年 33,000円 1年超3年未満 48,000円 3年以上5年未満 64,000円 5年以上 75,000円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    在留資格変更許可申請(出入国在留管理庁) 手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
  • For applications filed online from 1 October 2026 the permission fee is lower: 10,000 yen for up to 3 months, 15,000 up to 6 months, 21,000 under 1 year, 27,000 for 1 year, 42,000 for 1-3 years, 56,000 for 3-5 years and 65,000 for 5 years or more, plus a small payment-processing fee.
    Quote from the source
    3月以下 10,000円 330円 10,330円 3月超6月以下 15,000円 15,330円 6月超1年未満 21,000円 21,330円 1年 27,000円 27,330円 1年超3年未満 42,000円 42,330円 3年以上5年未満 56,000円 550円 56,550円 5年以上 65,000円 65,550円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The Immigration Control Act now caps the fee for a change of status or an extension at 100,000 yen, with the exact amount set by cabinet order.
    Quote from the source
    第二十条第三項本文の規定による在留資格の変更の許可 十万円 二 第二十一条第三項の規定による在留期間の更新の許可 十万円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    出入国管理及び難民認定法 別表第一 第六十七条第一項 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
  • A reduced fee of 10,000 yen applies regardless of period to people who are near the public-assistance poverty level and need humanitarian consideration.
    Quote from the source
    減額後の手数料は、許可期間にかかわらず10,000円です

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    在留資格変更許可申請(出入国在留管理庁) 手数料 注2 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
  • A certificate of eligibility application has no fee.
    Quote from the source
    手数料はかかりません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Under article 67 the fee for permission is paid when the entry is made or the permit issued, and the statute caps change of status and extension at 100,000 yen, permanent residence at 300,000 yen and re-entry permission at 10,000 yen, with the exact amounts set by cabinet order.
    Quote from the source
    三 第二十二条第二項の規定による永住許可 三十万円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The counter fee for permanent residence permission rises from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen for applications received from 1 October 2026.
    Quote from the source
    永住許可 窓口 200,000 円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The highest counter fee for a change of status or extension is 75,000 yen for a permit of five years or more, and the highest online fee is 65,000 yen.
    Quote from the source
    窓口 75,000 円 5年以上 オンライン 65,000 円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Online payments carry a separate settlement charge of 330 yen for permits under three years, 550 yen for three years or more and 220 yen for re-entry permits, in addition to the permission fee.
    Quote from the source
    3月以下 10,000円 330円 10,330円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Re-entry permission (3,500 yen single, 6,500 yen multiple) and the employment qualification certificate (1,600 yen) keep their fees unchanged, with only the online settlement charge added.
    Quote from the source
    以下の許可は手数料額は変わりませんが、別途指定決済代行事業者への決済手数料がかかります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The reduced fee is 20,000 yen for permanent residence, available only to spouses or children (and similar relatives) of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents, and reduced fees cannot be requested through the online system.
    Quote from the source
    ウ 永住許可 2万円

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

How it works

  • If practical training runs longer than one year from hiring, the agency asks for a training plan and reviews whether the training period is reasonable.
    Quote from the source
    採用から1年間を超えて実務研修に従事するような申請については、下記3に記載する研修計画の提出を求め

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For dispatch work, the destination must be fixed when applying; an application cannot be approved if the dispatch destination is still undecided, except for new hires who must first complete training.
    Quote from the source
    申請時点において派遣先が確定していない場合は、在留諸申請の許可等を受けることができませんので、必ず派遣先を確定させた上で申請してください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The agency may grant a change of status or extension only when the documents submitted give reasonable grounds to find it appropriate.
    Quote from the source
    在留期間の更新を適当と認めるに足りる相当の理由があるときに限り、これを許可することができる

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A certificate of eligibility application can be filed by a staff member of the receiving organization as agent, but change and extension applications must in principle be filed by the foreign national.
    Quote from the source
    「在留資格変更許可申請」及び「在留期間更新許可申請」の場合は、原則として外国人の方のご本人申請となります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A certificate of eligibility application is filed at the immigration office that has jurisdiction over the employer's location.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格認定証明書交付申請については、当該機関の所在地を管轄する地方出入国在留管理官署で申請を行ってください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A lost certificate of eligibility cannot be reissued; the applicant must file a new application.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格認定証明書を紛失した場合に同一の証明書を再発行することはできません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Students graduating in March can file a change-of-status application from December, and the result is handed over after the graduation certificate is submitted.
    Quote from the source
    例年3月に大学等を卒業する留学生の在留資格変更許可申請は12月から申請を受け付けています

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A person waiting for a change-of-status permit may attend an entry ceremony or unpaid training but may start paid work only after the permit is granted.
    Quote from the source
    実際に出勤し、報酬を受ける活動に従事することができるのは、在留資格変更許可を受けた後になります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A foreign national can apply for an employment qualification certificate stating which income-earning activities they may lawfully do, and where their permitted activity is otherwise clear, nobody may treat them unfavorably for not presenting it.
    Quote from the source
    当該外国人が前項の文書を提示し又は提出しないことを理由として、不利益な取扱いをしてはならない

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Fees for online applications are now paid by convenience-store or bank settlement instead of revenue stamps; credit card and QR payments are not supported.
    Quote from the source
    従来の収入印紙による納付方法から、コンビニ決済又は銀行決済による納付方法に変更となります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Partly confirmed: A March 2015 Immigration Bureau notice (the ISA predecessor, still on the ISA site) says certificate-of-eligibility applications from Category 1 or 2 employers are simplified and aimed to be processed in about ten days from receipt; current practice may differ.
    Quote from the source
    申請受理日から10日程度を目途として申請を処理するなど、審査の迅速化・簡素化を図っています

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • If last year's wage withholding summary is not yet complete when applying, the employer should submit the latest one available, meaning the summary for the year before.
    Quote from the source
    申請の時点で提出できる最新の書類(前々年の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表)を提出してください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For certificate-of-eligibility filings, a Category 1 or 2 employer normally needs only the common application items plus proof of its category, because other documents are in principle not required.
    Quote from the source
    カテゴリー1及びカテゴリー2については、その他の資料は原則不要。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Skilled Labor filings use separate document sets for cooks and for other occupations such as builders, product makers, animal trainers, drilling engineers, jewellers, pilots, sports coaches and sommeliers; the employer category system applies as it does for Engineer/Specialist filings.
    Quote from the source
    調理師としての活動(熟練した技能を要する業務に従事する活動)を行おうとする場合

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Language-ability proof is required for new, change and acquisition applications when language-based work such as translation or hotel front desk is the main duty, and at renewal only if the duties changed to such work.
    Quote from the source
    申請職種が「翻訳・通訳」やホテルフロント業務等の「接客」の場合等、日本語能力等の言語能力を用いた業務に主に従事する場合には、提出が必要となります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • If the dispatch destination cannot be fixed because post-hire training must come first, the employer instead submits the training details, a labour-conditions notice covering the scope of dispatch duties, and the dispatcher's pledges on the applicant's dispatch work and on the choice of destination, and files the destination pledge and dispatch contract at the next extension.
    Quote from the source
    研修内容を具体的に示す資料

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The business plan submitted at the status decision must be confirmed by a person with specialist management knowledge, and as of the effective date these are SME management consultants, certified public accountants and certified tax accountants; a lawyer is not listed.
    Quote from the source
    ・ 中小企業診断士 ・ 公認会計士 ・ 税理士

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Training-facility graduates up to fiscal 2026 who start care work on 1 April after graduation may change to Designated Activities until they receive the care worker registration certificate, so they can complete the five years of care work needed to qualify without the exam.
    Quote from the source
    介護福祉士登録証を受領するまでの間、「特定活動」の在留資格により、介護等の業務に従事することを認めることとしました

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Students who qualified as certified care workers through the practical-experience or welfare-high-school route can likewise work in care under Designated Activities from 1 April after passing the exam until their registration certificate is issued.
    Quote from the source
    実務経験ルート及び福祉系高校ルートから介護福祉士の資格を取得した留学生についても、介護福祉士国家試験に合格した年度の翌年度の4月1日から介護福祉士登録証が交付されるまでの間、介護施設等で就労することができるよう

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The ISA splits performing-arts filings into those under a contract with a Japanese organisation at a venue outside the nightclub-type businesses named in the Entertainment Business Act, those hosted by listed public or cultural bodies or fitting a venue or pay exception, and all others, and says the required documents differ by activity.
    Quote from the source
    (3) (1),(2)のいずれにも該当しないもの

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • To show the staff and unpaid-pay tests, the organisation files a roster of its owner and full-time staff in any format and the ISA reference declaration, marking changes since the previous roster.
    Quote from the source
    経営者及び常勤職員の名簿及び 申立書(参考様式) を提出してください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • An employment contract need not yet exist, but a document stating duties, pay and period such as a labour-conditions statement is required, and for someone not yet holding a work status a conditional contract effective on permission is commonly used.
    Quote from the source
    雇用契約書は必ずしも作成されている必要はありませんが、申請に当たっては、雇用予定者の業務内容、給与、雇用予定期間等の労働条件が明示された書類(労働条件明示書等)の提出が必要となります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • An employment-reason statement is not a document required by law, but the ISA may ask for a detailed explanation of the reason for hiring and the duties if it needs more detail.
    Quote from the source
    「雇用理由書」は法令で提出を求めている書類ではありません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • An employment certificate has no set format but should state the applicant's name, nationality, birth date and sex, department, hire date, position and pay, and duties, signed with the issuer's company, address and title.
    Quote from the source
    在職証明書について決まった様式はありませんが

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Certificates that can be reissued, such as a graduation certificate, must be submitted as originals, while a graduation diploma may be a copy if the original is shown at filing.
    Quote from the source
    証明書のように何度でも交付を受けることが可能なものは、原本の提出が必要です

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • If the tax certificates cannot be issued, for example because the person had no Japanese address on 1 January, the filer submits a free-form reason statement plus withholding slips or payslips showing recent income.
    Quote from the source
    提出できないことに係る理由書(任意の様式)と源泉徴収 票、給与明細等の直近年の所得に関して参考となる資料を提出してください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Certificates issued in Japan must be dated within three months of filing, foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation, and submitted documents are not returned unless the filer asks for return of hard-to-replace originals at filing.
    Quote from the source
    日本で発行される証明書は全て、発行日から3か月以内のものを提出してください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A person filing on behalf of the applicant must show proof of identity such as a company ID card for a certificate application, or a notified agent certificate or family register for change and extension, and should add a passport copy if the certificate name may differ from the passport.
    Quote from the source
    提出する方の身分を証する文書(会社の身分証明書等)の提示が必要です

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The ISA states that a foreign national cannot receive residence permission without paying the prescribed fee, which is why partial reductions exist for people in hardship who need humanitarian consideration.
    Quote from the source
    外国人の方は、所定の在留許可手数料を納付していただかなければ、在留許可を受けることはできません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Online bank settlement can be paid by Pay-easy at an ATM or by internet banking but not at a bank counter, and the fee should be paid by the day before collecting the residence card.
    Quote from the source
    銀行決済では、ペイジーによる収納番号を利用してATM等で支払う方法、または各銀行のインターネットバンキングを利用して支払う方法を選択できます

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The exact online fee is shown only in the settlement email sent after the review is complete, and each application gets its own payment link, so fees for several applications cannot be combined or changed.
    Quote from the source
    審査完了メール送付後、別途送付される決済リンク付きメールに納めるべき手数料額が記載されます

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The ISA sets the fee by the length of stay actually granted because the benefit of its management measures differs by stay length, so the fee cannot be fixed until the period is decided.
    Quote from the source
    政令で定める手数料の額について、在留期間に応じて定めることとしております

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Counter applications still pay by revenue stamp, the stamp denominations needed now vary with the period granted, and the agency asks people to buy stamps for cash in advance where possible because shops at the immigration offices have limited stock.
    Quote from the source
    窓口で受け付けた申請に対する許可を受ける場合、従来どおり収入印紙により手数料を納めていただくこととなります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The agency may take decisions using tax and similar payment records that other government bodies give it on request, so a renewal can be judged on data the applicant did not submit; the note was added in the June 2026 revision.
    Quote from the source
    当庁からの求めに応じ、関係機関から提供を受けた納税義務等の履行状況に関する情報を踏まえ、許否判断を行う場合があります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Since April 2010 the counter asks applicants to show their health-insurance enrolment; since 2 December 2024 the Individual Number Card online status screen, a notice of qualification information or a certificate of eligibility is shown instead, and being unable to show it is not itself a ground for refusal.
    Quote from the source
    健康保険証等を提示できないことで在留資格の変更又は在留期間の更新を不許可とすることはありません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Every employer must notify Hello Work when it hires or loses a foreign worker, except holders of Diplomat or Official status and special permanent residents, and failing to notify or notifying falsely is punishable by a fine of up to 300,000 yen.
    Quote from the source
    「外国人雇用状況の届出」は、外国人の雇入れ及び離職の際に、全ての事業主が届け出る必要があります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • When filing the Hello Work notice the employer must check the worker's residence card or passport to confirm the entries, and does not need to attach a copy of the card.
    Quote from the source
    外国人労働者の在留カード又は旅券(パスポート)等の提示を求め、届け出る事項を確認してください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The agency treats the employer's notification about accepting or ending the employment of a foreign national (the medium-to-long-term resident acceptance notification) as an effort duty on hiring and on leaving, and it does not apply to Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker holders.
    Quote from the source
    外国人(※2)を雇用した場合、事業主は「中長期在留者の受入れに関する届出」を提出するよう努めることとされています

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Holding a certificate of eligibility is not enough to enter Japan: the person must show it at a Japanese mission abroad to get a visa, and landing can still be refused if the landing standards are found unmet at the airport.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格認定証明書は所持しているだけでは入国できません。在外公館で在留資格認定証明書を提示して、必ずビザ(査証)の発給を受けてください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For Intra-company Transferee, the MOFA page says that staff of listed companies or internationally well-known firms may sometimes obtain a visa relatively quickly even without a certificate of eligibility, and applicants should consult their mission beforehand.
    Quote from the source
    日本の株式上場企業または国際的に著名である等信頼度の高い企業に勤務されている場合には、同証明書を所持していなくても、比較的迅速に査証の発給を受けられる場合があります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • If a person who received a paper certificate cancels the trip, or submitted only a copy when applying to land, the original should be returned by post or at the counter to the office that issued it, with the application number, the returner's name and relation, and the reason.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格認定証明書の原本は、交付を受けた地方出入国在留管理官署に、郵送又は窓口で返納していただくようご協力をお願いいたします

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A foreign worker who already holds a work status and takes a new job whose duties still fit that same status does not need a change-of-status application; instead the worker files the notification about the contracting or activity organisation, and an extension is needed only if the stay is about to expire.
    Quote from the source
    採用後もその方がお持ちの在留資格に該当する活動を引き続いて行うときには「在留資格変更許可申請」は不要(※1)ですが、別途、外国人本人による「契約機関に関する届出」又は「活動機関に関する届出」が必要です

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Near the expiry date, a person with Engineer/Specialist status who changes jobs files an extension application if the new duties still fall under the current status, or a change-of-status application if the activity itself changes, and in either case before the stay expires.
    Quote from the source
    転職後の活動が現在の在留資格に基づく活動と変わらない場合は、在留期間更新許可申請を行ってください

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A worker who changed jobs and wants confirmation that the new duties fit the current status can apply for an employment qualification certificate, which must be filed at the immigration office covering the worker's home address, not the workplace.
    Quote from the source
    住居地を管轄する地方出入国在留管理局等に申請する必要がありますので、勤務先所在地を管轄する地方出入国在留管理局では申請できません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For an employment qualification certificate after a job change the applicant adds documents showing the details of the new workplace and activity, and the standard processing time is one to three months, against same-day issue when the workplace and duties are unchanged.
    Quote from the source
    当日(勤務先を変えた場合などは1か月~3か月)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Applying for permission for activity outside the status costs no fee, is filed at the immigration office covering the home address, and takes a standard two weeks to two months; it can be filed online only together with an extension, change or acquisition application.
    Quote from the source
    2週間~2か月

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • In an extension for a dispatched worker, the contract submitted may be the one in force at filing, but if only about a month of the contract remains and the outlook for the next period is unclear, the worker must separately explain future work.
    Quote from the source
    契約期間が例えば残り1か月というように、次の在留期間中の見通しが立っていない場合は、契約書と別に今後の就労について説明いただく必要があります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The period of stay requested on the application does not have to match the planned employment period entered by the employer; the employer is told to state the actual employment period.
    Quote from the source
    両者の記載内容が一致する必要はありません

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Under the recognition rules for foreign medical graduates, a person who meets the document screening may be recognised for the preliminary examination, and after passing it must complete at least one year of clinical and public-health practical training before being allowed to sit the national examination.
    Quote from the source
    更に1年以上の診療及び公衆衛生に関する実地修練の後に、医師国家試験が受験可能になります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • When a school board uses a private firm for assistant language teachers, MEXT says the contract must be a worker-dispatch contract under the Worker Dispatch Act whenever the ALT is employed by the firm and works under the school's direction, whatever the contract is called.
    Quote from the source
    その契約の形態(種類、名称)に関わらず、派遣元の事業主が雇用する者を派遣元の事業主との雇用関係の下に、かつ、派遣先の学校の指揮命令を受けて当該学校のために仕事に従事させる場合は、「労働者派遣事業の適正な運営の確保及び派遣労働者の就業条件の整備等に関する法律」(昭和60年法律第88号。以下「労働者派遣法」という。)に基づく契約とすることが必要となります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Team teaching in which the class teacher gives the ALT specific instructions on content or lesson flow, or evaluates the ALT's work, cannot be run under a service contract; MEXT tells boards to switch to the JET Programme, direct employment or a dispatch contract.
    Quote from the source
    JETプログラムの活用、自治体独自の直接雇用、労働者派遣契約など適切な対応を取られるようお願いします

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A person already in Japan under another status, such as Specified Skilled Worker (care), moves to Nursing Care by a change-of-status application that must include a copy of the certified care worker registration certificate.
    Quote from the source
    介護福祉士登録証(写し) 1通

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The Minister of Justice may issue a certificate of eligibility on advance application by a foreign national who intends to land (short-term visitors excluded), and the application can be made through an agent such as a staff member of the receiving organisation.
    Quote from the source
    あらかじめ申請があつたときは、当該外国人が前条第一項第二号に掲げる条件に適合している旨の証明書(以下「在留資格認定証明書」という。)を交付することができる

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

Penalties

  • The authorities may revoke a Table 1 status of residence, such as a work status, if the holder does not carry out the status activity for three consecutive months without a valid reason.
    Quote from the source
    継続して三月(高度専門職の在留資格(別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄第二号に係るものに限る。)をもつて在留する者にあつては、六月)以上行わないで在留していること

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Doing paid work outside the permitted status without permission is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 2,000,000 yen, or both; a person found to be mainly engaged in such work faces up to three years or 3,000,000 yen under article 70.
    Quote from the source
    一年以下の拘禁刑若しくは二百万円以下の罰金に処し、又はこれを併科する

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • An employer who has a foreign national do work outside their status can be punished by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 3 million yen, or both, and the agency notes this can apply to both the dispatching company and the destination company.
    Quote from the source
    不法就労助長罪(三年以下の拘禁刑若しくは三百万円以下の罰金又はその併科。入管法第七十三条の二第一項第一号参照。)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • From the 2027 version of the Immigration Act, a person who makes a foreigner do unauthorised work in the course of business faces up to five years in prison or a fine of up to five million yen, or both.
    Quote from the source
    次の各号のいずれかに該当する者は、五年以下の拘禁刑若しくは五百万円以下の罰金に処し、又はこれを併科する

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

Lists and tables

  • The Immigration Services Agency groups work statuses into a first table (Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist) and a second table whose statuses are labelled as subject to the landing criteria in the Ministerial Ordinance on Standards.
    Quote from the source
    二の表(就労資格,上陸許可基準の適用あり)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The Immigration Services Agency lists these statuses as work-permitted: Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting, Medical, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist, Intra-company Transferee, Nursing Care, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training.
    Quote from the source
    「教授」「芸術」「宗教」「報道」「高度専門職」「経営・管理」「法律・会計業務」「医療」「研究」「教育」「技術・人文知識・国際業務」「企業内転勤」「介護」「興行」「技能」「特定技能」「技能実習」

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The designated exam list in the notice includes Japan's Information Technology Engineers Examination categories such as the Applied Information Technology Engineer, Fundamental Information Technology Engineer and Information Security Management exams.
    Quote from the source
    応用情報技術者試験 (10) 基本情報技術者試験 (11) 情報セキュリティマネジメント試験

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For Japanese, the guideline accepts any of JLPT N2 or higher, BJT 400 points or more, or 200 points or more on the EJU Japanese section as showing B2-equivalent ability, alongside other accepted routes.
    Quote from the source
    ア JLPT・N2以上を取得していること イ BJTビジネス日本語能力テストにおいて400点以上を取得していること ウ 日本留学試験(日本語(読解、聴解及び聴読解の合計))において200点以上取得していること

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The ordinance limits Legal/Accounting Services to work as a lawyer, judicial scrivener, land and house investigator, registered foreign lawyer, CPA, foreign CPA, tax accountant, labor and social security attorney, patent attorney, maritime agent or administrative scrivener.
    Quote from the source
    弁護士、司法書士、土地家屋調査士、外国法事務弁護士、公認会計士、外国公認会計士、税理士、社会保険労務士、弁理士、海事代理士又は行政書士としての業務に従事すること

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For a certificate-of-eligibility application, Category 1 proof is a Shikiho copy or other listing evidence, a government establishment approval, or an innovation-firm certificate (among other listed documents); Category 2 needs the prior-year wage summary copy, plus the online-system approval notice for organisations that qualified through that route; Category 3 needs the summary copy; with no proof the applicant is Category 4.
    Quote from the source
    提出可能な書類がない場合は、カテゴリー4に該当することとなります。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Category 3 and 4 employers additionally submit a company registry certificate, a document describing the business, the latest financial statements (or a business plan for a new business), a document on the work and pay, and the applicant's history and education evidence.
    Quote from the source
    直近の年度の決算文書の写し。新規事業の場合は事業計画書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Category 4 employers must also explain why they cannot submit the prior-year wage summary, using either a withholding exemption certificate or a payroll-office opening notice with recent withholding payment slips.
    Quote from the source
    前年分の職員の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表を提出できない理由を明らかにする次のいずれかの資料

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The payroll evidence for a Category 4 employer is a copy of the payroll office opening notice plus either the last three months of withholding tax payment slips with a receipt stamp or proof of approval for the special semi-annual payment schedule.
    Quote from the source
    直近3か月分の給与所得・退職所得等の所得税徴収高計算書(領収日付印のあるものの写し)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Professor filings are split into Category 1 for full-time university staff and Category 2 for part-time staff; Category 1 needs no other documents in principle, and Category 2 submits a statement of activity, period, position and pay prepared by the university.
    Quote from the source
    大学等において常勤職員として勤務する場合 大学等において非常勤職員として勤務する場合

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • An Artist applicant shows the activity through a contract stating content, period, position and pay or, with no contract, a self-written statement of the planned activity and expected income, and supports it with a detailed artistic résumé and any of the following: recommendation, press coverage, prizes or a works list.
    Quote from the source
    公私の機関又は個人との契約に基づかないで活動を行う場合

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Religious Activities applicants submit a dispatch letter from the foreign religious body showing period, position and pay, outlines of the sending and receiving bodies, and proof of the person's clerical status and career.
    Quote from the source
    外国の宗教団体からの派遣状等の写し等派遣機関からの派遣期間、地位及び報酬を証明する文書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Journalist filings have two categories: Category 1 when the foreign news organisation already employs a staff member holding a foreign press registration card from the MOFA press secretary, and Category 2 for everyone else.
    Quote from the source
    外務省報道官から外国記者登録証を発行された者を雇用する外国の報道機関に雇用される場合

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Journalist applicants prove the activity by a dispatch statement from the foreign news organisation, a Japanese labour-conditions notice if hired in Japan, or the freelance contract, plus an outline of the news organisation.
    Quote from the source
    外国の報道機関等との雇用以外の契約に基づいて活動する者(フリーランサー等)の場合

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • To show how the overseas and Japanese offices are related, the transferee submits the branch registration for a same-corporation transfer, the investment relationship for a secondment to a Japanese company, or both the Japan-office proof and capital relationship for a secondment to a foreign company with a Japanese office.
    Quote from the source
    日本法人への出向の場合 当該日本法人と出向元の外国法人との出資関係を明らかにする資料

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Activity evidence for a transfer within one corporation is a copy of the transfer order or appointment notice; for a transfer between different corporations it is the labour-conditions notice issued under the Labor Standards Act.
    Quote from the source
    (1)法人を異にしない転勤の場合 転勤命令書の写し

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The transferee also provides a résumé, a document from the last overseas employer showing duties, position and pay for the past year, proof that the overseas office exists, proof of the Japanese office, and the latest financial statements.
    Quote from the source
    過去1年間に従事した業務内容及び地位、報酬を明示した転勤の直前に勤務した外国の機関

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Evidence differs by occupation: pilots submit an employer document proving 250 or more flight hours, sports coaches submit proof of coaching practice or participation in an Olympic, world or other international competition, and sommeliers submit employment proof plus a competition or qualification document.
    Quote from the source
    (2)パイロットの場合 250時間以上の飛行経歴を証明する所属機関の文書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The Minister of Justice notice lists Japanese exams that exempt IT applicants from the degree test: the Registered Information Security Specialist exam and the national information-processing engineer exams from IT Strategist down to Fundamental Information Technology Engineer and Information Security Management, plus older predecessor exams.
    Quote from the source
    経済産業大臣が実施する情報処理安全確保支援士試験

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The notice also designates exams run in China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Mongolia and Bangladesh.
    Quote from the source
    三 フィリピンにおける試験で次に掲げるもの

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Also designated are the Certified IT Project Manager credential of the Singapore Computer Society (item 11) and, from the Korean Human Resources Development Service, the Engineer Information Processing and Industrial Engineer Information Processing qualifications (item 12).
    Quote from the source
    十一 シンガポールにおけるシンガポールコンピューターソサイエティ(SCS)が認定するサーティファイド・IT・プロジェクト・マネージャ(CITPM)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Besides JLPT N2, BJT 400 and EJU 200, accepted proof of B2-level Japanese includes JPT 525, living in Japan 20 years or more as a mid-to-long-term resident, and completing Japanese compulsory education plus high school.
    Quote from the source
    JPT日本語能力試験において525点以上取得していること

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • At extension, a dispatched worker's file adds the dispatcher's ledger, the receiving company's ledger and a work status report to the labour-conditions notice and individual dispatch contract.
    Quote from the source
    c. 派遣元管理台帳 1通 d. 派遣先管理台帳 1通 e. 就業状況報告書 1通

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Nursing Care certificate filings need a copy of the certified care worker registration certificate, the labour-conditions notice, an outline of the inviting facility, the representative declaration and, only for former technical interns, a skill-transfer declaration.
    Quote from the source
    介護福祉士登録証(写し) 1通

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • MHLW says a certified care worker qualifies through any of four routes, all ending in the national exam: training facility, practical experience (three years or more of care work plus training), welfare high school, and the EPA route.
    Quote from the source
    4つのルートのいずれかにより資格を取得し、登録することが必要

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The e-Gov revision list of the standards ordinance shows enforced amendments on 2023-08-01, 2024-04-26, 2024-06-10, 2025-09-30, 2025-10-16 and 2026-04-01 (the list also holds earlier ones), and a not-yet-enforced amendment dated 2027-04-01.
    Quote from the source
    "amendment_enforcement_date":"2026-04-01"

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For artistic performing work that is not a staged entertainment engagement (kogyo), the applicant must engage in one of four kinds of activity, advertising, producing broadcast programmes or films, commercial photography, or recording on commercial media, and must be paid at least as much as a Japanese person would receive.
    Quote from the source
    イ 商品又は事業の宣伝に係る活動 ロ 放送番組(有線放送番組を含む。)又は映画の製作に係る活動 ハ 商業用写真の撮影に係る活動 ニ 商業用のレコード、ビデオテープその他の記録媒体に録音又は録画を行う活動

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Item 1-ro of the performing-arts standard offers several alternatives, among them an activity hosted by a national or local government body or specified public corporation or held in a school, one hosted by a body set up with public funds for cultural exchange, one held at a facility of 100,000 square metres or more that stages foreign-themed shows for tourists, and one held at a venue with no paid food service or hostess service that is non-profit or has seating for 100 or more.
    Quote from the source
    外国の情景又は文化を主題として観光客を招致するために外国人による演劇等の興行を常時行っている敷地面積十万平方メートル以上の施設において行われるものであること

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Instructor filings use three categories: Category 1 for full-time staff at elementary, junior high, high, secondary and special-needs schools, Category 2 for full-time staff at other institutions, and Category 3 for part-time staff.
    Quote from the source
    小学校、中学校、高等学校、中等教育学校、特別支援学校に常勤で勤務する場合 左記以外の教育機関に常勤で勤務する場合 非常勤で勤務する場合

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Instructor evidence includes a degree or specialist-title certificate, a copy of the teaching licence, proof of 12 years of education in the language to be taught, or proof of 5 years of experience for other subjects.
    Quote from the source
    外国語の教育をしようとする者は、当該外国語により12年以上教育を受けたことを証明する文書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Medical filings use Category 1 for doctors and dentists and Category 2 for other professionals; a doctor or dentist shows a copy of the Japanese licence and others show a Japanese licence from a list of twelve occupations, and the employer shows an outline of the hospital or clinic with its permit date.
    Quote from the source
    申請人が医師又は歯科医師の日本の資格を有することを証明する文書(免状又は証明書等の写し)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Researcher filings need a résumé, proof of degree or of research experience including graduate study, or for transferees a document on the past year's duties and pay at the overseas office, plus the usual activity, business and financial documents by employer category.
    Quote from the source
    研究の経験期間を証明するもの(大学院又は大学において研究した期間を含む。)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The common certificate-of-eligibility items are the application form, one photo and a stamped return envelope, and the activity must be shown by a labour-conditions notice issued under Labor Standards Act article 15, a director-pay resolution, or an organisation document for a branch transfer or non-company officer.
    Quote from the source
    労働基準法第15条第1項及び同法施行規則第5条に基づき、労働者に交付される労働条件を明示する文書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Career evidence is a résumé naming employers, duties and periods, plus a degree certificate or equivalent, employment certificates for related work, an IT exam certificate, or three years of related experience for foreign-culture work.
    Quote from the source
    申請に係る技術又は知識を要する職務に従事した機関及び内容並びに期間を明示した履歴書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A vocational-school graduate must also submit proof of the senmonshi or koudo senmonshi title, and a senko-ka graduate proof of completing the advanced course.
    Quote from the source
    専門学校を卒業し、専門士又は高度専門士の称号を付与された者については、専門士又は高度専門士の称号を付与されたことを証明する文書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Every extension filing includes a resident-tax assessment or non-assessment certificate and a tax payment certificate for the latest year, either one being enough if it shows both income and payment status.
    Quote from the source
    住民税の課税(又は非課税)証明書及び納税証明書(1年間の総所得及び納税状況が記載されたもの) 各1通

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • At the first extension after moving to a Category 3 or 4 employer, the worker must add the activity documents, company registry, business outline and financial statements, and for Category 4 the reason for not filing the wage summary.
    Quote from the source
    カテゴリー3又は4の企業等に 転職後の初回の更新許可申請の場合 は、上記書類に加え、以下の資料も併せて提出願います

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • To be allowed to land, a foreign national needs a valid passport and visa (unless exempt), an activity that is genuine and fits a residence status and its landing standards, a period of stay that meets the ministerial ordinance, and no ground for denial of landing.
    Quote from the source
    日本で行おうとする活動が虚偽のものでなく、かつ、在留資格に該当すること

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For the professional work visas (including Engineer/Specialist, Medical, Instructor, Researcher and Nursing Care) the Japanese mission asks for a passport, visa application form, photo and the certificate of eligibility (original or copy, or the e-certificate), plus extra household-register papers for Chinese nationals.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格認定証明書(注2)原本又は写し1通(電子在留資格認定証明書の場合は同証明書の提示又は写しの提出)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A Skilled Labor visa applicant also gives the mission an employment contract and a résumé, in addition to the passport, form, photo and certificate of eligibility, and the MOFA page lists the periods 5 years, 3 years, 1 year and 3 months.
    Quote from the source
    雇用契約書 履歴書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For an Entertainer visa the mission also asks for the contract, a career statement and documents proving the performing record, and the MOFA page ends its list of periods of stay with 15 days, which differs from the figure in the enforcement rules and on the ISA page.
    Quote from the source
    3年、1年、6月、3月、又は15日

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Permission for activity outside the status is granted only if seven conditions all hold, including that the side work does not hinder the main activity, the person is actually doing the main activity, the side work is itself work that a skilled work status covers and is not in a nightlife-type business, and the employer of the main job consents.
    Quote from the source
    申請人が申請に係る活動に従事することにより現に有する在留資格に係る活動の遂行が妨げられるものではないこと

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The enforcement regulations allow three kinds of permitted outside activity: up to 28 hours a week of work, activity within Instructor, Engineer/Specialist or Skilled Labor (sports instruction) for holders contracted with a local government, and any activity individually designated by the bureau chief with the employer's name and duties.
    Quote from the source
    一週について二十八時間以内(留学の在留資格をもつて在留する者については、在籍する教育機関が学則で定める長期休業期間にあるときは、一日について八時間以内)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The agency says a five-year period of stay is decided on points such as the record of Immigration Act notifications, the schooling of children of compulsory-school age, the past and expected length of stay, and, for work statuses, the business condition of the contracting organisation.
    Quote from the source
    入管法上の届出義務の履行状況

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For a vocational-school graduate, an ISA example shows the examiner asking the employer about the education, career and pay of Japanese staff doing the same job and about the job advertisement, and the case was accepted when they were university graduates paid the same as the applicant.
    Quote from the source
    同一の業務に従事するその他の日本人は、本邦の理工学部を卒業した者であり、また、同一業務の求人についても、大卒相当程度の学歴要件で募集しており、給与についても申請人と同額が支払われていることが判明したもの

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Permitted overseas-graduate examples in the ISA annex show monthly pay of about 200,000 to 1,700,000 yen, such as 200,000 for market-support work at a car maker, 250,000 for trade accounting and 300,000 for an interpreter-translator, but these are illustrations and not floors.
    Quote from the source
    本国において経営学を専攻して大学を卒業した後、本邦の食料品・雑貨等輸入・販売会社との契約に基づき、月額約30万円の報酬を受けて、本国との取引業務における通訳・翻訳業務に従事するもの

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Published permitted cases for Japanese university graduates working in a different field from their faculty include an education graduate working as an English conversation teacher, a business graduate doing translation and interpreting, and an engineering graduate doing consulting at a food company, which shows how flexibly the university link is judged.
    Quote from the source
    教育学部を卒業した者が、語学指導を業務内容とする企業との契約に基づき、英会話講師業務に従事するもの

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For Japanese vocational-school graduates, the ISA lists refusals for a different major, such as an international-business course focused on English that led to real-estate sales and an international-communication and hospitality course that led to restaurant store management, because the studied subjects were not related to the duty.
    Quote from the source
    専攻した中心科目は英語であり、不動産及び販売営業の知識に係る履修はごくわずかであり、専攻した科目との関連性が認められず不許可となったもの

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • To prove practical experience the ISA asks for an employment certificate or similar showing the period in related duties, and where the study period is counted it asks for a school certificate stating that the related subject was studied; for the foreign-culture route it separately asks for a document proving three years of related experience.
    Quote from the source
    在職証明書等で、関連する業務に従事した期間を証明する文書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A Skilled Labor cook shows experience with an employment certificate that must carry the employer's name, address and telephone number, covering the period in the skilled duty and including any study at a foreign school; where a public body issued a certificate, a copy is added, and for Chinese cooks the household register and professional qualification certificate.
    Quote from the source
    公的機関が発行する証明書がある場合は、当該証明書の写し(中華料理人の場合は戸口簿及び職業資格証明書)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For a sommelier the ISA asks for an employment certificate proving wine-evaluation experience plus one of three alternatives: proof of an excellent result in an international sommelier competition, proof of being a country's sole representative in one, or a certificate of a qualification designated by notice for those holding neither.
    Quote from the source
    ぶどう酒の品質の鑑定、評価及び保持並びにぶどう酒の提供(以下「ワイン鑑定等」という。)についての実務経験を証明する文書

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A sports coach shows evidence of coaching practice, counting study at a foreign school and paid playing time, and separately a document proving participation as an athlete in the Olympics, world championships or other international competitions; a pilot shows an employer document proving at least 250 flight hours.
    Quote from the source
    スポーツの指導に係る実務に従事していたことを証明する文書(外国の教育機関において当該スポーツの指導に係る科目を専攻した期間及び報酬を受けて当該スポーツに従事していた期間を含む。)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • A foreign-trained nurse must be recognised by MHLW before taking the Japanese nurse examination, and the criteria include at least 12 years of schooling on entry, a course of three years or more, at least 102 credits, a school officially recognised in its country and, for people who did not finish Japanese junior and senior high school, Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1.
    Quote from the source
    日本の中学校及び高等学校を卒業していない者については、日本語能力試験N1

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The ISA lists four kinds of ground on which a Table 1 status such as a work status can be revoked: obtaining permission by false means, not doing the activity of the status while doing other activity, not doing the activity for a continuous period of three months, and residence-notification failures.
    Quote from the source
    法務大臣が在留資格を取り消すことができる場合は、大きく分けて次の4種類があります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Unless the person is a Japanese national or special permanent resident, the agency checks the Japanese-ability requirement against one of these: JLPT N2 or above, 400 or more points on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test, 20 or more years as a mid-to-long-term resident, graduation from a Japanese university or other higher-education institution, or completing Japanese compulsory education and graduating from a Japanese high school.
    Quote from the source
    日本人又は特別永住者の方以外については、以下のいずれかに該当することを確認します

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

Recent changes

  • The document set required for dispatched workers changed for applications filed from 9 March 2026, following a revised checklist.
    Quote from the source
    派遣形態で就労する場合の提出書類について、令和8年3月9日(月)申請分から、別添チェックシート(赤字部分)のとおり変更となります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • From applications filed on 15 April 2026, employers in category 3 or 4 must add extra documents, including a declaration about the organization's representative.
    Quote from the source
    令和8年4月15日(水)以降の申請から、カテゴリー3又は4に該当する場合は、以下の添付書類を追加で提出いただく必要があります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Since 1 April 2020 the Nursing Care landing standard no longer depends on the route by which the care worker qualification was obtained.
    Quote from the source
    令和2年4月1日に在留資格「介護」の上陸基準省令が改正され、介護福祉士の資格を取得したルートにかかわらず、在留資格「介護」が認められることとなりました

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    在留資格「介護」(出入国在留管理庁) 備考 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2020-04-01
  • The Entertainer landing standard and the enforcement rules were amended with effect from 1 August 2023.
    Quote from the source
    一部が改正され、令和5年8月1日に施行されました

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The revised Business Manager standards took effect on 16 October 2025.
    Quote from the source
    令和7年10月16日に施行されました

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Before the October 2026 increase the fee was a flat 6,000 yen at the counter and 5,500 yen online.
    Quote from the source
    窓口申請の場合は許可(在留カード交付)時に6,000円(収入印紙)、オンライン申請の場合は5,500円(収入印紙)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The Ministerial Ordinance on Standards was last amended by Ministry of Justice Ordinance No. 12 of Reiwa 8, effective 1 April 2026.
    Quote from the source
    令和八年法務省令第十二号

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    e-Gov法令API 上陸基準省令の改正履歴 law_revisions · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-04-01
  • The ISA revised the document list for Intra-company Transferee filings, and the new list has operated from 1 April 2026.
    Quote from the source
    在留資格「企業内転勤」の提出書類の変更について(令和8年4月1日運用開始)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    在留資格「企業内転勤」(出入国在留管理庁) 参考資料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-04-01
  • The ISA-published text of the IT exam notice shows its latest amendment as Ministry of Justice Notice No. 118 of 20 July 2020, with no later amendment listed.
    Quote from the source
    最近改正 令和二年七月二十日法務省告示第百十八号

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The ISA clarification guideline for Engineer/Specialist was first issued in March 2008 and last revised in April 2026, and its hotel annex was also last revised in April 2026.
    Quote from the source
    平成20年3月策定 出入国在留管理庁 (最終改定令和8年4月)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Business Manager applications received up to the day before the 16 October 2025 effective date and still under review continue to be judged under the pre-revision standard.
    Quote from the source
    本改正省令の施行日の前日までに受付し、審査を継続している在留資格認定証明書交付申請や在留期間更新許可申請等については 改正前 の許可 基準を適用 します

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • From April 2025 an MHLW notice lets technical interns and Specified Skilled Workers in care work in some home-visit services, in principle only with one or more years of care-facility experience and the employer meeting training, accompaniment, career, harassment and ICT conditions.
    Quote from the source
    令和7年4月より順次、一部の訪問系サービスの従事を認めることとする

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Ministry of Justice Ordinance No. 12 of Reiwa 8, effective 1 April 2026, widened the vocational-school routes in the standards to cover completion of an advanced course (senko-ka) as well as the specialised course, for Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist and Student.
    Quote from the source
    ロ 当該技術又は知識に関連する科目を専攻して本邦の専修学校の専門課程又は専攻科を修了(当該修了に関し法務大臣が告示をもって定める要件に該当する場合に限る。)したこと。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • In the version of the standards in force from 16 October 2025, the Engineer/Specialist vocational-school clause referred only to completion of the specialised course (senmon katei), without the advanced course.
    Quote from the source
    ロ 当該技術又は知識に関連する科目を専攻して本邦の専修学校の専門課程を修了(当該修了に関し法務大臣が告示をもって定める要件に該当する場合に限る。)したこと。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The 2026 amending ordinance consists only of an enforcement date of 1 April 2026 and carries no transitional measures, so no separate rule for earlier filings is written into the ordinance.
    Quote from the source
    この省令は、令和八年四月一日から施行する。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    上陸基準省令(令和8年4月1日施行版) 附則 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-04-01
  • A revision scheduled for 1 April 2027 splits Intra-company Transferee into item 1 (existing Engineer/Specialist-type work) and a new item 2 for staff in skill-acquiring work overseas for at least one year, whose total stay in Japan under item 2 must stay under one year.
    Quote from the source
    企業内転勤の在留資格をもって本邦に在留したことがある者にあっては、当該在留資格をもって本邦に在留した期間が通算して一年に達していないこと

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The 2027 revision shortens the Nursing Care standard to the pay requirement alone, dropping the skill-transfer clause for former technical interns.
    Quote from the source
    法別表第一の二の表の介護の項の下欄に掲げる活動 申請人が日本人が従事する場合に受ける報酬と同等額以上の報酬を受けること。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    上陸基準省令(令和9年4月1日施行予定版) 介護の項 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
  • The 2027 revision replaces the technical intern row of the standards with an Employment-for-Skill-Development row requiring an approved training plan and good conduct, while the Skilled Labor clause itself shows no change in the revision text.
    Quote from the source
    法別表第一の二の表の育成就労の項の下欄に掲げる活動

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    上陸基準省令(令和9年4月1日施行予定版) 育成就労の項 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
  • The revision ordinance No. 45 of Reiwa 7 takes effect on the date the amended Immigration Act and Technical Intern Training Act take effect, stated as 1 April 2027.
    Quote from the source
    施行の日(令和九年四月一日)から施行する

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    上陸基準省令(令和9年4月1日施行予定版) 附則 第一条 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2027-04-01
  • The ISA dispatch-work notice linked from the Engineer/Specialist page was last updated on 13 July 2026, and the revised checklist took effect for filings from 9 March 2026.
    Quote from the source
    (令和8年7月13日更新)申請人が派遣形態で就労する場合の取扱いについて

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • From 1 December 2023 the ISA sorts inviting organisations for standard 1-i certificate applications into Category 1, those that have previously received a certificate under that standard, and Category 2, everyone else, with different document lists; a refusal for failing the organisation tests sends the organisation back to Category 2.
    Quote from the source
    過去に「興行」の基準1号イに適合するとして在留資格認定証明書の交付を受けたことのある招へい機関

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • For Researcher filings from 15 April 2026, Category 3 and 4 employers must add the representative declaration, as for Engineer/Specialist.
    Quote from the source
    令和8年4月15日(水)以降の申請から、カテゴリー3又は4に該当する場合は、以下の添付書類を追加で提出いただく必要があります

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    在留資格「研究」(出入国在留管理庁) お知らせ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-04-15
  • For residence cards issued from 14 June 2026 an application photo is required from age 1; before then it was required only from age 16.
    Quote from the source
    令和8年6月14日以降に交付される在留カードからは1歳以上の方について写真の提出が必要となりました

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The Hello Work notification forms were reissued with a 14 June 2026 date and a further set of forms is to be used from 1 April 2027, so employers filing after that date must use the new version.
    Quote from the source
    【令和9年4月1日からはこちらの様式を使ってください】

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

    「外国人雇用状況の届出」について(厚生労働省) 様式 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
  • From 1 April 2027 the Immigration Act lets the Minister revoke Permanent Resident status for a holder who breaches duties under the Act or deliberately does not pay public taxes and charges; this ground applies to Permanent Residents only, not to work-status holders, whose payment record is instead a factor at renewal.
    Quote from the source
    永住者の在留資格をもつて在留する者が、この法律に規定する義務を遵守せず(第十一号及び第十二号に掲げる事実に該当する場合を除く。)、又は故意に公租公課の支払をしないこと

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Act No. 60 of 2024 was promulgated on 21 June 2024 and is to take effect on 1 April 2027 except for some provisions; the ISA's page confirms that the permanent-residence revocation changes start on that date.
    Quote from the source
    施行日:一部の規定を除き、令和9年4月1日

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • Since 17 March 2023 the certificate of eligibility can be received by e-mail and forwarded to the applicant abroad, who can show the e-mail on a phone at the visa application and at the airport instead of a paper certificate.
    Quote from the source
    令和5年3月17日から、在留資格認定証明書(注1)を電子メール(注2)で受領することが可能となりました

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • In the ISA's summary of the implementing rules, Intra-company Transferee item 2 is a newly created status for staff of an overseas office who come to acquire skills, and it needs no approved training plan and no involvement of the Organization for Employment-for-Skill-Development.
    Quote from the source
    新たに創設される在留資格であり、育成就労計画認定申請は不要(機構の関与もない。)

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23

  • The 1 April 2027 revision of the standards ordinance leaves the clauses for Engineer/Specialist/International Services, Skilled Labor, Instructor and Medical Services word-for-word the same as the current text, so a calculator needs no 2027 switch for them; the changes found elsewhere are for Intra-company Transferee, Nursing Care and the technical-intern row.
    Quote from the source
    申請人が次のいずれかに該当し、かつ、日本人が従事する場合に受ける報酬と同等額以上の報酬を受けること。

    Quote matched the source on 2026-10-23