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Can You Apply for Permanent Residency After Changing Jobs? (2024 Guide)

Are you considering applying for permanent residency (PR) in Japan after changing jobs? The process of securing PR can seem daunting, especially after a recent job change. In this article, we’ll explore how a job change may impact your PR application and what you can do to maximize your chances of approval.

Is It Difficult to Get Permanent Residency After a Job Change?

Conclusion: Changing jobs right before applying for permanent residency does not automatically lead to a denial. While it can affect the review process, it’s important to note that Japan’s immigration authorities look at a variety of factors, and a job change alone is not necessarily a dealbreaker.

Factors That May Impact Your PR Application After a Job Change

1. Decreased Income After Changing Jobs
   If your income drops after switching jobs, this could negatively affect your application. Japan’s immigration authorities consider stable and sufficient income as a key factor in PR eligibility. If you’ve recently experienced a decrease in salary, it may be wise to wait at least one year before applying, giving time to stabilize your financial situation.
2. Increased Income but Unstable Employment
   Even if your income has increased, switching to a less stable employment status—such as moving from a full-time position to freelance or temporary work—can raise concerns. Full-time employment is still seen as the most stable and reliable form of income by immigration officials. If your new position doesn’t offer the same level of job security, your application might be flagged for further scrutiny, despite a higher salary.

What Should You Do? Stabilize Your Situation Before Applying

If you’ve recently changed jobs and are considering applying for permanent residency, it’s generally recommended to wait until your situation stabilizes. Whether you’ve changed jobs, income levels, or employment types, Japan’s immigration authorities want to see long-term stability.

Key Takeaways: Job Changes and PR Applications

1. Decreased Income: If your income has dropped after a job change, delay your PR application until your financial situation stabilizes.
2. Increased Income but Less Job Security: Even if your income has risen, if your job stability has declined (e.g., from full-time to freelance), this could complicate your application.
3. Wait for Stability: If there’s no urgency, it’s advisable to wait at least one year after changing jobs before applying for permanent residency.
4. Seek Professional Help: For those in less stable situations, it’s wise to seek advice from an immigration professional, such as an administrative scrivener, to guide you through the application process.

Need Help with Your Permanent Residency Application?

At Continental Immigration, we specialize in assisting applicants through the complex PR application process, especially those who have recently changed jobs or are facing uncertain circumstances. Our team of experts can help ensure your application is as strong as possible, even during times of transition.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and secure your path to permanent residency in Japan.

Professional

Masakazu Murai
18 years’ experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley (JV, MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley). He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.

During his tenure, he worked as an employee union executive committee member in promoting diversity, including the active participation of foreigners and women in the office, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in financial consulting and VISA/PR consulting.

Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship

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