Visa (Domestic)

Status of Residence (Visa) system in Japan

Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Japan are required to obtain a status of residence appropriate to their purpose of stay. The status of residence (在留資格) is commonly referred to as a “visa,” although technically they are distinct.

The status of residence is determined based on your activities in Japan. In work-related cases, it depends on your employer and the details of your employment contract. It may be necessary to change your status of residence even if it’s still valid.

Grace period: If you leave a job, you may continue to seek new employment for up to three months under the same status of residence. However, if you do not apply for a change of status within this period, your residence status may be revoked.

Immigration and Residence Inspection Q&A

Changing your status of residence

To change your residence status, you need to:

  • Fill out the application form
  • Prepare the required documents
  • Visit the immigration office responsible for your registered address
  • (Your registered address is shown on your residence card.)

Examples for “Professor” Status Holder

  1. Download and complete the application form.  (Refer to the example to be provided for guidance.)
  2. If you have an ID for the online immigration application system, you may also apply online. Please notify the Relocation Team staff for further guidance.

The Relocation Support Services Section will complete one section of the application form. If further assistance needed, please contact us.

 Required Documents:

  • Application form
  • Passport and its photocopy
  • Residence Card and its photocopy
  • Offer letter/employment agreement of OIST and its photocopy
  • One ID photo (40mm x 30 mm, taken within the last six months.)
    Photo Requirements | Immigration Agency of Japan

Note: Tax certificates (納税証明書, 課税証明書) are not officially required, but you may be asked to provide them. You can obtain these from the municipal office where you were registered as of January 1 of the previous year.

Validation of New Residence Status:

Your new residence status becomes valid when you pick up your new residence card.

Important:Timing for Picking Up the New Residence Card

If you change your employer or residence status, be sure to collect your new residence card before or on your first day of work at OIST. Retain your current residence status until the end of your previous assignment.

Renewing “Professor” Status

If you need to renew your residence status during your employment at OIST, prepare the renewal application form (refer to example for guidance) and the above-mentioned documents. 

For Dependents:

If your dependent(s) also need to renew their status, prepare the following additional documents:

  • Application form for dependents (refer to example for guidance)
  • Application form
  • Passport and photocopy for each dependent
  • One ID photo (taken within the last six months)
  • Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
    *If not in English, provide an English translation.

Notification to the immigration office when changing jobs: 

If you already hold a valid status of residence that matches your position at OIST, you do not need to change or renew it. However, you must notify your local immigration office within 14 days of starting work at OIST.

For further details, please refer to the immigration agency’s website: