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What happens to a 「家族滞在」 visa if the person supporting me changes jobs?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) / Published  / Last updated

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original(日本語版を読む)

Answer

If the person supporting you changes jobs, the 「家族滞在」 visa does not become invalid straight away. However, that person must file the 所属機関等に関する届出 (Notification of the Accepting Organization) promptly, and at the next 在留期間更新 (extension of period of stay) the new workplace and the stability of the income are checked. The biggest risk is failing to file the notification or the renewal.

What is this enquiry about?

A family living in Japan on 「家族滞在」 asks how a job change by the supporting person affects their status of residence.

What kind of status of residence is the 「家族滞在」 visa?

It is for family members supported by someone working or studying in Japan, so that they can live here together.

「家族滞在」 is a status of residence for family members who are supported by someone working in Japan or studying here on 在留資格「留学」 (Student), so that they can live here together. This status assumes that the person supporting you holds a valid status of residence.

Does a job change by the supporting person affect 「家族滞在」?

The status itself does not disappear straight away, but it may affect the next renewal screening.

When the person supporting you changes jobs — even to similar work at another company — that person must file the 所属機関等に関する届出 with the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau).

On the other hand, family members staying on 「家族滞在」 do not need to take any step about their own status of residence at that point, as long as their own activities do not change.

That said, the supporting person's workplace and income situation may affect the next 在留期間更新 screening for family members living in Japan on 「家族滞在」.

What procedures are needed?

The supporting person files the 所属機関等に関する届出. The family files the 在留期間更新許可申請 before the deadline.

What the supporting person does

  1. 所属機関等に関する届出
    The supporting person has a duty to report when the organisation they belong to changes, or when they leave a job or move to a new one. It must be done promptly after the job change. It can be filed online, by post, or at the counter.

What people staying on 「家族滞在」 do

  1. 在留期間更新許可申請
    「家族滞在」 has an expiry date, so you need to apply for an extension before it runs out. At this screening, information about the supporting person's new workplace and income situation is checked.

No 在留資格変更許可申請 is needed. Even if the person supporting you changes jobs, no change of status is needed as long as your own activities stay within 「家族滞在」. Please think of it as just 2 things: the 所属機関等に関する届出 on the supporting person's side, and the 在留期間更新許可申請 when the period of stay is about to end. If the supporting person's own status of residence changes substantially — for example from 「留学」 to a status that allows work — that also affects your family's status of residence, so please consult the 地方出入国在留管理局 and follow their instructions.

What should I watch out for in particular?

5 points: filing promptly, keeping a stable income, the support relationship continuing, your conduct in Japan, and preparing documents.

If you fail to make a required notification, or to renew or change your status, then in the worst case your status of residence may be revoked, or you may have to leave Japan. If you are not sure how to file, or which documents you need, please consult a specialist early — for example a certified administrative procedures legal specialist (gyoseishoshi) approved to submit applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the person supporting me changes jobs, does the 「家族滞在」 visa become invalid straight away?

It does not become invalid straight away. However, the supporting person must file the 所属機関等に関する届出 promptly, and at the next renewal screening the new workplace and income are checked.

When the supporting person changes jobs, does the person on 「家族滞在」 also need a change procedure?

As long as your own activities stay within 「家族滞在」, no change of status of residence is needed. When the period of stay is about to end, file the 在留期間更新許可申請.

If income falls because of the job change, does that affect the renewal?

It can. At renewal the supporting person is expected to still have a stable income that can support the family, so if income has fallen sharply, renewal can become difficult.

What happens if I forget the notification or the renewal?

In the worst case your status of residence may be revoked, or you may have to leave Japan. Please always complete the procedures you need.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.