Specializing in Immigration Law
KUROKAWA OFFICE
Immigration Lawyer in Tokyo Japan
VISA and MARRIAGE RELATED LEGAL IMMIGRATION SERVICES

CHANGE OF VISA STATUS

Q What should be noted in changing a student visa to a working visa?
A In general, if you graduated from a university with a scientific or engineering diploma, your visa would be an “engineer” visa, whereas if you graduated with a liberal arts diploma, your visa would be a “specialist in humanities/international services” visa. In any case, you have to bear in mind that what you studied at your university is consistent with a job which you will be assigned to in the company. If you are employed at a company in Japan after graduating from a university, it is possible for you to change your student visa to a working visa like an "engineer" visa or a “specialist in humanitarian or international services” visa depending on your major at the university and your new job.
Q Can I work with a title of "specialist" (“Senmonshi”) in a specialized course of study at an advanced vocational school("Senmongakko")?
A Yes. If you are given a title of the specialist, there is a possibility of your obtaining a working visa. It should be noted, however, that once you leave Japan after graduating from a specialized course of study at an advanced vocational school, you can not receive a working visa based on this title.
Q

What are the procedures in the case of changing to a job in a different visa category?
A You need to apply for a change of visa status at the Immigration Office.
Q What are steps to start a business in Japan through establishing a company?
A At first, you need to incorporate a company in Japan. And then you apply for a change of visa status from the present one to an “investment/business management” visa. For this visa, there are requirements regarding the office and employees. More than two full-time employees are required. Furthermore, it is important to make an appropriate business scheme.
Q Is it possible to change a short term visa to another visa?
A Activities on a short term visa are limited to sightseeing, visiting relatives, participating in lectures or meetings and business contact etc. A change can be possible only under specific circumstances. While staying in Japan, however, a short term visa is likely to be changed with a certificate of authorization for residential qualifications by the Immigration Office.