On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form Status Change?)
- Context and workflow
- Eligibility Category Codes
- Failure prevention (What causes Form Status Change rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form Status Change?)
- Checklist (What is the Form Status Change checklist?)
- Fees
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form Status Change have?)
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form Status Change?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Status Change?)
- Edge cases and variations
- In-depth guidance
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Apply before your current status expires. For related guidance, see the How to Apply for a Japanese page.
When you need to extend your current nonimmigrant status before it expires
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form Status Change?)
#The "Application for Change of Status of Residence" is an official form used by applicants filing with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) of Japan. This process, known as a change of status or 在留資格変更, requires applicants to download the current form and instructions from the official ISA website. It is essential to review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting. Complete all required sections, sign, and submit the application with the necessary evidence. Note that filing a Status Change does not guarantee approval.
Processing times vary by category and location; for example, a "Short-term Stay (Standard)" typically takes approximately 5 days, while "Work / Long-term without CoE" can take 1 to 3 months. Always verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
First page of Status Change form
Source: Status Change online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing time for Status Change varies by case type and current workload — typically check the official ISA processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Small mismatches inside Status Change (or between Status Change and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the process of changing residence status.
- Application receipt (受付票) at the ISA office.
- Residence Card issuance at Immigration Services Agency office if approved.
Who uses it
Apply before your current residence status expires. This form is intended for applicants seeking to change their residence status through the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). Common filers include those changing from Work to Spouse, Student to Work, or Dependent to Work. Review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting, and ensure you complete all required sections, sign, and submit with the necessary evidence. Filing a Status Change does not guarantee approval. For related guidance, see the How to Apply for a Japanese page.
When it is used
- When you need to extend your current nonimmigrant status before it expires
- When you want to change from one nonimmigrant classification to another eligible status
- If your current status allows extension or change under the official instructions
- Engineer-specialist — Change from student to work status
- Spouse-japanese — Change to spouse status
- After filing Status Change — COE-APPLICATION may be the next step (Change status after entry on different CoE)
- As an alternative to EXTENSION-OF-STAY — use Status Change when Status change vs extension depending on goal
- When filing Status Change alongside RESIDENCE-CARD-RENEWAL (Card updated when status changes)
Eligibility Category Codes
#Eligibility information for this form. Confirm your category in the official instructions before filing.
This is a shortlist of common categories. The official instructions include many more.
| Code | Who applies |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | This form is used by applicants filing with ISA. |
Failure prevention (What causes Form Status Change rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient evidence for the requested status change.
- Lack of clarity in the reason for change.
- To avoid filing after current status has already expired: Apply before your current status expires. Use the Designated Activities bridge status if timing is tight.
- To avoid qualifications do not match new status requirements: Verify you meet the educational or professional requirements for the target status (e.g., university degree or 10+ years experience for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities).
- To avoid insufficient supporting documents from new sponsor: Have the employer or school prepare all required documents (company registration, financials, employment contract) before filing.
What you need (What do you need for Form Status Change?)
#- The current edition of Status Change
- Evidence of eligibility for the requested classification or extension
- Detailed explanation of the change in circumstances necessitating the status change
- Marriage certificate
- Spouse's family register
- Current residence card
- Employment contract
- Employer's company registration and financial statements
- Diploma or graduation certificate
Checklist (What is the Form Status Change checklist?)
#- Access the latest Status Change form and its accompanying instructions directly from the official ISA website.
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of Status Change
- Sign and date the Status Change form, then submit it along with all necessary supporting evidence.
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form status change. Check the current fee on the official ISA fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form Status Change fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
ISA will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Application for Extension of Period of.
Fees change; always verify on ISA.
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Short-term Stay (Standard) | approximately 5 daysas of February 2026 |
| Work / Long-term without CoE | 1 to 3 monthsas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for Status Change under "Short-term Stay (Standard)": approximately 5 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing time for Status Change under "Work / Long-term without CoE": 1 to 3 months (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for Status Change vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by ISA office and current workload. Verify current processing times with ISA.
- While pending: track your case status using your application reference number, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with ISA if it changes.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated ISA office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the ISA office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official ISA website before submitting. For related guidance, see Residence Card Renewal Application.
Form sections (What sections does Form Status Change have?)
#Personal Information
Identification details for the applicant.
- Full name, date of birth, and nationality
- Residence card number
- Current address in Japan
Current Status Details
Information about your existing immigration status.
- Current status of residence
- Period of stay and expiration date
Requested New Status
Details about the status you are changing to.
- Target status of residence
- Reason for change and planned activities under new status
Supporting Evidence
Documentation required for the new status.
- Employment contract or school admission letter
- Sponsor's company registration and financial statements
- Applicant's educational credentials and work experience documentation
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Work to Spouse
work_to_spouse
Foreign nationals currently on a work visa who have married a Japanese national and wish to change to spouse status.
File with:
- Marriage certificate
- Spouse's family register
- Current residence card
Common mistakes:
- Filing after current work visa has already expired
Typical processing: 2 weeks - 1 month
Student to Work
student_to_work
Graduating students who have secured a job offer from a Japanese employer and meet the qualifications for a work visa category.
File with:
- Employment contract
- Employer's company registration and financial statements
- Diploma or graduation certificate
Common mistakes:
- Not securing employer documentation before graduation date
Typical processing: 2 weeks - 1 month
Dependent to Work
dependent_to_work
Dependents of visa holders who have obtained a qualifying job offer and wish to switch to an independent work visa.
File with:
- Employment contract from new employer
- Employer documentation
- Current residence card
Common mistakes:
- Working in the new role before status change approval is received
Typical processing: 2 weeks - 1 month
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Filing after current status has already expired | Rejection | Apply before your current status expires. Use the Designated Activities bridge status if timing is tight. |
| Qualifications do not match new status requirements | Rejection | Verify you meet the educational or professional requirements for the target status (e.g., university degree or 10+ years experience for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities). |
| Insufficient supporting documents from new sponsor | Delay | Have the employer or school prepare all required documents (company registration, financials, employment contract) before filing. |
| Working in new role before status change is approved | Deportation risk | Wait until the new residence card is issued before starting activities under the new status. |
Examples (What are examples for Form Status Change?)
#- Common weakness: Applicant provides outdated employment contract, leading to request for additional information.
- Strong application: An applicant provides a comprehensive explanation of their new employment contract and supporting documents, resulting in a smooth approval process.
- Strong application: Foreign nationals currently on a work visa who have married a Japanese national submits with required evidence; receives Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) in approximately 2 weeks - 1 month.
- Strong application: Graduating students who have secured a job offer from a Japanese employer and me submits with required evidence; receives Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) in approximately 2 weeks - 1 month.
- Strong application: Dependents of visa holders who have obtained a qualifying job offer and wish to submits with required evidence; receives Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) in approximately 2 weeks - 1 month.
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Status Change?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Filing does not automatically extend your status while the application is pending
- You may need to meet the eligibility requirements for the requested classification
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update Status Change, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat Status Change as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
Scenarios
#An international student completes a master's degree and receives a job offer from a Tokyo tech company. They apply to change from Student to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities with the company's registration, financials, and signed contract.
Status change is approved in 3 weeks. A new residence card is issued with work authorization.
Start the process early and have the employer prepare all supporting documents before graduation.
A spouse of a Japanese national wants to change to a work visa after divorce. They apply for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities but lack a qualifying degree or 10 years of experience.
Application is denied because qualifications do not meet the category requirements.
Verify that you meet all requirements for the target status before applying. Consult an immigration attorney if uncertain.
A student's visa expires in 2 weeks but the employer has not finished preparing documentation. The student applies for Designated Activities as a bridge.
Granted a 6-month Designated Activities status, allowing them to stay while the work status change is processed.
If timing is tight, the Designated Activities bridge prevents an illegal overstay while documents are gathered.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form COE APPLICATION: Certificate of Eligibility Application: Next step after approval: Change status after entry on different CoE
- Unlike Form EXTENSION OF STAY: Application for Extension of Period of Stay: Alternative option: Status change vs extension depending on goal
- Unlike Form RESIDENCE CARD: Residence Card Renewal Application: Card updated when status changes
Next steps
#- Application receipt (受付票) at the ISA office.
- Review of submitted documents by ISA officials.
- Notification of decision by the ISA.
- If approved, Residence Card issuance at Immigration Services Agency office.
- Update of residence status in official records.
Verification
#This guide is based on official ISA instructions for Status Change and is updated with any new form editions or changes in filing rules. Always confirm the current requirements on the official ISA website.
FAQs
What happens if my application for a change of status is denied?
If your application is denied, you may be required to leave Japan unless you have other valid grounds to remain.
Can I continue working while my Status Change application is being processed?
You may continue working only if your current visa permits employment and remains valid during the processing period. Review the official Status Change instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Is it possible to expedite the processing of my Status Change application?
Expedited processing is not generally available; applications are processed in the order they are received. Review the official Status Change instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for Status Change?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, ISA allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
What happens after I submit Status Change?
After submitting Status Change, ISA will issue a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You may then be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or additional evidence requests depending on your case. You can monitor your case status online using the receipt number from your notice.
What are common reasons Status Change gets rejected?
Common reasons Status Change is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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