Changing from a Dependent Visa to a Work Visa in Japan After a Full-Time Job Offer
office-babaakiraA job offer, a change application and permission to begin full-time work are separate stages
A person holding Dependent status in Japan may receive an offer for a full-time position.
This can be an important career step, but the offer itself does not automatically authorize full-time employment.
What does Dependent status allow?
Dependent status is generally intended for the spouse or child supported by a foreign resident holding an eligible status in Japan.
Employment is not automatically included in the principal activities of Dependent status.
A person who has obtained comprehensive permission to engage in activities outside their status may generally work within the permitted limit, commonly up to 28 hours per week.
Which work status may apply?
The appropriate status depends on the actual work—not simply the fact that the contract is described as full-time.
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services may be relevant to work requiring technical knowledge, knowledge in the humanities or services based on foreign culture.
Other positions may fall under a different status or may not fit a standard work-authorized category.
Before selecting the application category, check:
- the actual daily duties
- the applicant’s degree, major and professional experience
- the contractual salary and working conditions
- the employer’s business and organizational structure
- whether another work-authorized status is more appropriate
When should the change application be filed?
The application should be planned before the employee begins activities that fall outside the existing Dependent status and any current permission.
The employment contract should therefore distinguish between:
- the date the agreement is signed
- the intended employment start date
- any condition that employment begins after immigration approval
A realistic start date is important because examination may continue beyond the date initially preferred by the employer.
What documents may be relevant?
The required documents vary according to the proposed status and employer.
- employment contract or written offer
- detailed description of the proposed duties
- degree certificate and academic transcript
- employment certificates where experience is relied upon
- documents concerning the employer’s business and finances
- documents explaining the reason for hiring and the applicant’s role
- passport and residence card information
Documents written in a foreign language generally require a Japanese translation.
Check the applicant’s current work record
If the applicant has already been working with permission outside Dependent status, the working hours and activities should be reviewed before filing.
Relevant questions include:
- Was the necessary permission obtained before the work began?
- Were the permitted weekly hours observed?
- Did the applicant work for more than one employer?
- Are contracts, payslips and work schedules available?
- Were applicable tax and social-insurance obligations handled?
If payment receipts for national health insurance, national pension or resident tax are issued, they should be retained together with the related notices and payment records.
Should the applicant apply now or wait?
Applying promptly may be appropriate when the duties clearly fit a work status, the applicant’s background is relevant and the employer can provide the necessary documents.
Waiting may be more appropriate when the job description remains unclear, the start date is unrealistic or essential evidence has not yet been prepared.
- Confirm the correct work-authorized status.
- Compare the duties with the applicant’s education and experience.
- Ask the employer which supporting documents can be provided.
- Set a start date that accounts for immigration approval.
- Continue observing the current work-permission limits until approval.
Final message
A full-time offer is an important starting point, but it is not the final immigration decision.
Before accepting a start date, ask: “Do the actual duties fit a work-authorized status, and can that be demonstrated before the full-time employment begins?”
Official references: Immigration Services Agency — Change of Status of Residence / Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Status / Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Initial Inquiry & Contact
An initial inquiry is free and is used to confirm the scope of the matter and the appropriate next service. Case-specific eligibility, document review and application-timing advice are paid services. The scope and fee will be explained before any work begins.
