The "HSP visa" status of residence is issued under preferential conditions to foreigners with a certain level of academic background and skills. Can highly-skilled foreign professionals change their jobs?
Today, we will explain in detail the precautions that highly-skilled foreign professionals must take when changing jobs.
If you change jobs as a highly-skilled foreign professional, you need to reapply for another visa!
Permission for the HSP status of residence is based on the calculation of points for the current employer and job description. Therefore, as your job description will also change when changing jobs, you will need to reapply.
This new application should be made at your local immigration office. When a foreigner with a HSP visa changes jobs, the Immigration Bureau will need to examine the new business location and job description.
This procedure is time-consuming, as you will need to prepare all the necessary documents and go through the same application and examination process as when applying for a new visa. We recommend that you prepare well in advance.
Highly-skilled foreign professionals are required to reapply for a visa with all necessary documents in order to obtain a new visa. Please check your application carefully and be careful not to make a mistake.
Points must be recalculated if you change jobs.
You must also be aware of the points system when changing jobs as a highly-skilled professional. Even if you currently hold an HSP visa, in order to receive a new HSP visa, you must meet the minimum point requirements, just like the first application. If you meet the criteria by adding up the points, you will be granted the Highly-skilled Foreign Professional status of residence.
If you change jobs while on a HSP visa, your points will be re-evaluated at the new company. Therefore, there is always a risk that your points will fall below the minimum threshold, and you will not be granted permission to stay in Japan.
If your points do not reach the threshold, you will need to change your status of residence from a Highly-skilled Foreign Professionals visa to another visa status, such as an Engineer, Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.
When attempting to change jobs, be sure to plan accordingly, taking into consideration the possibility that your status of residence will be changed.
Summary
Overall, it is difficult to change jobs as a highly-skilled foreign professional. Although it is possible for highly-skilled foreign professionals to change jobs, reapplying for a new visa and going through the screening process is more difficult than with a general status of residence.
In addition to having to collect all the necessary documents when changing jobs, if the points are not satisfied at the re-examination, the application will be rejected.
We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney or other specialist to prepare the documents for your new acquisition or job change.
We offer a wide range of services from consultation to document preparation and procedural support, so please feel free to contact us.
