Can I change jobs with a skilled visa?
“I have been working as a cook in a restaurant on a skilled visa, but I want to change jobs.”
It may happen that the restaurant you are working at has gone out of business, or that you are dissatisfied with the working environment, such as human relations or salary, and would like to work in a different restaurant.
In such cases, it is possible to change jobs even with a skilled visa.
However, please note that there are certain conditions.
Positions for which you can change jobs
For example, if you are a cook of Italian cuisine, you can only work in Italian restaurants, not in French or Chinese restaurants. This is because the skilled visa you have is only for a cook of Italian cuisine.
In this case, you need to apply for a “Application for change of status of residence”.
Notify the immigration office within 14 days
In principle, there is no problem if you change jobs to a different Italian restaurant, but you must notify the Immigration Bureau within 14 days of your new job that you have changed jobs.
If you do not notify the immigration office in time, you may be at a disadvantage when renewing or changing your visa. So, even if you are late, you should report it to the Immigration Office.
You can do this online or take it to the nearest immigration office.
Taking a “Application For Certificate of Authorized Employment” will give you peace of mind.
Even if you move from an Italian restaurant to another Italian restaurant, it is not enough to submit a “Notification of Institution, etc. to which you belong”.
In order to obtain a skilled visa, the immigration bureau will not only check the applicant’s work history (whether he/she has more than 10 years of work experience), but also check the employment contract with the restaurant and the restaurant’s financial statements. The immigration bureau checks the terms and conditions of the employment contract, what kind of work you will actually do in the restaurant, and the management of the restaurant.
In such a case, you need to apply for Application For Certificate of Authorized Employment.
Application For Certificate of Authorized Employment is a certificate that the Immigration Office has confirmed that you can work at the new restaurant with the skilled visa that you have. The restaurant, which employs the foreigner, can also rest assured knowing that the visa is valid.
■writer Soda Mikito
Administrative scrivener specializing in residence visas
Managed ‘Soda Immigration Law Firm’ in Yokohama, Japan