Foreign nationals holding Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Category 1 or Category 2 status are permitted to change employers under certain conditions. Unlike the Technical Intern Training system, SSW allows workers to transfer jobs at their own initiative — but failing to follow proper procedures risks unlawful employment and cancellation of residence status. This article explains the step-by-step process, notification obligations, and key pitfalls when an SSW worker changes jobs.
Basic Rules for SSW Job Changes
· SSW Category 1 and 2 holders may change employers within the same sector without a residence status change application.
· A notification to immigration within 14 days of the transfer (change-of-affiliation notification) is mandatory.
· Changing to a different sector (e.g., Nursing Care → Agriculture) requires a residence status change application.
· Resigning before securing a new employer creates a "no employer" situation that may lead to residence status cancellation.
Permissible Scope of SSW Job Changes
An SSW residence status is tied to a specific "sector." Transfers within the same sector can be made without a status change application, but crossing sectors requires additional procedures.
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Same-sector transfer (e.g., Nursing Care Facility A → Nursing Care Facility B)
No residence status change application required. Simply submit a notification to immigration within 14 days of the transfer. (Obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment is also recommended.) -
Different-sector transfer (e.g., Food and Beverage Manufacturing → Construction)
A Residence Status Change application is required. Employment in the new sector is not permitted until the new residence status is officially approved.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
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① Secure the new employer first
It is critical to finalize the next job before resigning from the current one. A prolonged period without an employer may lead to residence status cancellation under Article 22-4 of the Immigration Control Act. -
② Submit the change-of-affiliation notification (within 14 days)
When both separation from the previous employer and entry to the new employer occur, a "Notification Concerning the Organization to Which the Holder Belongs" must be submitted to immigration within 14 days (Article 19-16 of the Immigration Control Act). This can also be submitted via the immigration online system. -
③ Obtain a Certificate of Authorized Employment (recommended)
While not mandatory, applying for a Certificate of Authorized Employment proves that the worker is lawfully permitted to work at the new employer. Many companies request this to reduce their risk of inadvertently employing someone unlawfully. -
④ Residence period renewal (at the next renewal)
At the next renewal, submit the updated employer's documents (employment contract, employer overview, etc.) together with the renewal application.
Key Points to Watch
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Avoid prolonged unemployment
SSW residence status is conditional on being employed. Extended unemployment without justifiable cause can be grounds for residence status cancellation. -
Support plan obligation (SSW Category 1)
For SSW Category 1, the new employer must establish and implement a support plan. If the new company does not outsource to a Registered Support Organization, it must prepare the plan itself. -
Salary must meet the Japanese-equivalent standard
Compensation at the new employer must also be equivalent to or higher than that of Japanese nationals performing comparable duties. -
Verify the residence status category
Confirm that the residence status on the current residence card is "Specified Skilled Worker Category 1" or "Category 2," and that the new role falls within the permitted sector. -
Failure to notify carries a fine
Failure to submit the change-of-affiliation notification may result in a fine of up to ¥200,000 (Article 71-2 of the Immigration Control Act).
Obligations on the Receiving Company
The new employer (SSW-designated organization) must also fulfill the following obligations:
- Execute a Specified Skilled Worker employment contract (upon hiring)
- Outsource to a Registered Support Organization or establish and implement its own support plan (SSW Category 1)
- Submit required reports to immigration (periodic and ad hoc notifications)
Contact Sakura Central Legal Office
Sakura Central Legal Office handles the notification paperwork for SSW job transfers, Certificate of Authorized Employment applications, and Residence Status Change applications (for sector changes). Whether you are an SSW worker wondering how to change jobs, or a company wondering what is required to hire an SSW worker who is transferring in, please take advantage of our free initial consultation.
For SSW job transfer notifications, Certificate of Authorized Employment applications, and sector-change residence status applications, contact Sakura Central Legal Office.
Free initial consultation.