Applying for Permanent Residency Right After Changing Jobs｜Timing and Employment Stability

Introduction

When applying for permanent residency in Japan, one of the most important criteria is having a stable occupation and livelihood. If you apply right after changing jobs, immigration officers may question whether you have settled into your new position. In such cases, demonstrating stability becomes even more critical.

This article explains the proper timing for applying after a job change, key points to highlight depending on your employment type, how to mitigate contract renewal risks, and regional differences in practice.

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Risks of Applying for Permanent Residency Right After Changing Jobs

When you apply immediately after a job change, immigration officers may raise the following concerns:

Concern of the immigration officer	Explanation
Employment stability	It is unclear whether you will remain in the new workplace; you may still be in a probation period.
Contract renewal risk	For fixed-term or dispatch employees, it is uncertain whether the contract will be renewed.
Income outlook	If your annual income fluctuates significantly compared to the previous year, your financial stability may be questioned.
Social insurance continuity	Enrollment in social insurance may not yet be fully in place at the new company.

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Proper Timing for Application

Applying right after changing jobs does not always result in denial. However, in practice, it is safer to wait until you have built a certain track record at the new workplace.

Timing	Likelihood of approval	Notes
Immediately after joining (1–3 months)	✕ (likely seen as unstable)	High risk during probation period
6 months to 1 year	△ (possible depending on circumstances)	Tax and social insurance payment records begin to appear
1 year or more	○ (easier to demonstrate stability)	Income and tax certificates are available for evidence

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Key Points by Employment Type

How to demonstrate stability and what documents to provide will differ depending on your employment type.

Employment type	Strength	Risk	Points to demonstrate
Regular employee (permanent)	High stability	Few risks	Show indefinite contract and employment certificate
Contract / dispatch employee	Flexible work style	Renewal may not be guaranteed	Provide contract renewal records, company practice, and supervisor’s recommendation
Part-time / hourly worker	Possible even with work-hour restrictions	Insufficient income or hours	Emphasize combined household income and spouse’s stable earnings
Sole proprietor / freelancer	Freedom and self-control	Unstable revenue	Provide tax returns, invoices, payment records, and business plan

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How to Address Contract Renewal Risks

To reduce concerns about contract renewal, you can prepare the following supporting documents:

• Renewal notices or past renewal records
• Employment certificates or recommendation letters from supervisors/HR
• Company brochure or proof of business stability (e.g., stock listing)
• Spouse’s income certificates to demonstrate household stability
• Bankbook copies or savings records as financial backup

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Applying During the Probation Period

Many employees are in a probationary period right after changing jobs. Applying during this time may raise specific concerns:

• Probation periods carry the possibility of termination, so they are often seen as unstable.
• In practice, it is advisable to wait until the probation period ends before applying.
• If you must apply earlier, you can reduce risks by:
  • Showing in the employment contract that the position is permanent after probation.
  • Submitting recommendation letters or employment certificates from your supervisor.

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Osaka Immigration Bureau’s Approach: More Flexible than Tokyo?

Although the evaluation criteria are the same nationwide, regional differences exist in practice.

• Tokyo Immigration Bureau
  • Very strict in its evaluation.
  • Often recommends at least 1 year of continuous employment before applying.
• Osaka Immigration Bureau
  • More flexible; in some cases, applications are accepted even with less than 6 months of employment.
  • However, additional documents are frequently requested through a “supplementary notice.”
  • If you can provide renewal records or spouse’s income certificates, you may proceed even shortly after changing jobs.

👉 For those applying in the Kansai region, it is advisable to prepare additional supporting documents and seek consultation early.

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Conclusion: Stability Is the Key for Applications After Job Change

• Waiting at least 6 months of continuous employment is preferable.
• If there is a contract renewal risk, support your application with renewal records and recommendation letters.
• Demonstrate stability based on your employment type.
• Avoid applying during the probation period if possible.
• Osaka Immigration Bureau may be more flexible, depending on supporting documents.

Even right after a job change, permanent residency is still possible if you provide sufficient supporting evidence. The key is to compensate for any areas that may appear unstable.

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📌 Once denied, it can take significant time to reapply for permanent residency. That is why careful planning and preparation of supporting documents are essential. Our office provides guidance on the best timing for your application and assists with preparing the necessary materials to maximize your chances of approval.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

“I want to obtain permanent residency quickly and securely.” “I’m worried about preparing all the documents.”
If this sounds like you, please feel free to contact our office in Osaka (Yodogawa-ku). We support clients from all over Japan, providing the most effective assistance based on our extensive experience with immigration procedures.

If you want to secure your permanent residency smoothly and confidently, contact our office today.

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