Benefits of Obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment When Changing Jobs(就労資格証明書)

For foreign workers in Japan, obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment during a job change offers numerous advantages. This certificate is an essential document that verifies whether a foreigner can legally work in Japan under their current residency status. Particularly during job transitions, this certificate plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with legal procedures and explaining employment eligibility to new employers. This article explains the benefits of obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment when changing jobs.

1. Streamlines Employment Procedures at Your New Job

When hiring foreign workers, employers must confirm whether the individual holds the proper residency status to work legally. By obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment, the prospective employer can hire you with confidence. Presenting this certificate proves that your residency status aligns with the job role, allowing the employment process to proceed smoothly.

• Benefit: It alleviates concerns about visa-related issues for employers, speeding up the hiring process.
• Key Point: This is especially important when changing industries or when the new job's responsibilities differ from previous roles.

2. Verifies If the Job Matches Your Residency Status

Each type of residency status allows foreign workers to engage in specific job roles and activities. For example, individuals with a visa for "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" can only perform certain professional duties. By obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment, you can confirm whether your new job role is within the legal scope of your current visa. This helps prevent the risk of violating your residency status after changing jobs.

• Benefit: Reduces the risk of engaging in unauthorized work, ensuring you can work confidently.
• Key Point: If the job role is not properly checked, you may unknowingly engage in work that doesn’t match your visa, which could be considered illegal employment.

3. Facilitates Visa Renewal and Residency Status Changes

When changing jobs, you may need to renew your visa or change your residency status. A key factor in this process is whether the new job role fits your current visa. If it doesn’t, there is a risk that your visa renewal could be denied. Having a Certificate of Authorized Employment proves that you can legally continue working in your new role, making the visa renewal process smoother.

• Benefit: The certificate serves as strong support when renewing your visa or changing your residency status.
• Key Point: Obtaining the certificate in advance can speed up visa-related procedures.

4. Avoids the Risk of Illegal Employment After Changing Jobs

If a foreign worker engages in a job not permitted by their current residency status, it is considered illegal employment. This could result in severe penalties such as deportation or a ban on re-entry into Japan. By obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment, you can verify that your new job duties are legal, completely avoiding the risk of illegal employment.

• Benefit: You can avoid legal trouble and focus on your job with peace of mind.
• Key Point: By thoroughly checking in advance, you can avoid unexpected legal issues after changing jobs.

5. Builds Trust with Employers

Obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment ensures that your new employer knows you have taken the necessary legal steps to work in Japan. This helps build trust with your employer, increasing your chances of being hired. For companies that may be cautious about hiring foreign workers, this certificate plays a key role in providing reassurance.

• Benefit: Employers feel confident that they can legally employ you.
• Key Point: This is especially important for small businesses or companies with little experience hiring foreign workers, as the certificate may influence the decision to hire.

6. Gives You an Advantage in Job Hunting

For foreigners considering a job change in Japan, a Certificate of Authorized Employment is a powerful tool in the job market. Possessing this certificate allows you to demonstrate to potential employers that you can start working legally right away, differentiating you from other candidates. This reassures companies and can give you an advantage during the job-hunting process.

• Benefit: It helps you stand out from other candidates during the job search or hiring process.
• Key Point: Presenting the certificate during document screening or interviews removes visa-related concerns and can strengthen your chances of being hired.

7. Supports Long-Term Career Development

For foreigners looking to build a career in Japan, a Certificate of Authorized Employment serves as an important document that backs up your legal reliability. It can also affect your future career path. For example, when applying for future visa changes, long-term visas, or even permanent residency, proof that you have been working legally can be a significant asset.

• Benefit: The certificate acts as evidence of lawful employment, which is essential when applying for future visas or permanent residency.
• Key Point: By obtaining the certificate each time you change jobs, you can build a record of legal employment that will support your long-term career.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment when changing jobs offers many benefits for foreign workers. It ensures smooth employment procedures, helps avoid risks of violating residency status, and builds trust with employers. Additionally, it provides an advantage in job hunting and plays a crucial role in future visa renewals or career development.

If you're a foreign worker considering a job change in Japan, obtaining this certificate will provide peace of mind and help you navigate the process smoothly.