Can an international student who entered a vocational school (専門学校) less than 1 year ago change to 「特定技能1号」 before graduating?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 30 October 2026　／　Supervised by 柳舘亮一行政書士

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）

Who this article is forAn enquiry from the applicant themselves about changing from 「留学」 (Student) to 「特定技能1号」 (Specified Skilled Worker (i)).

Answer

Even if less than 1 year has passed since entering the vocational school, it is in principle possible to change to 特定技能1号 (Specified Skilled Worker (i)) without waiting to graduate. The application is basically the same as an ordinary application to change to 特定技能1号, but I think it is advisable to attach a written explanation (理由書) summarising how the change came about.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from the applicant themselves about changing from 「留学」 (Student) to 「特定技能1号」 (Specified Skilled Worker (i)).

Subject: change of status of residence
Application type: 在留資格変更許可申請 (Application for Change of Status of Residence) (from 留学 to 特定技能1号)
Situation: After graduating from a 2-year Japanese language school, the applicant entered a business-related vocational school (専門学校) in April this year. The applicant had been attending school while delivering newspapers, but having quit that job and facing financial difficulty, and also given the recent stricter screening, the applicant wants to leave school and work under 特定技能. The applicant meets the requirements for the change, such as the necessary tests, and is expected to receive a job offer from a company. The applicant renewed the period of stay for 留学 in May this year and was granted a period of stay of 2 years. If the change is approved, the applicant plans to withdraw from school and start working.
Questions: (1) Is it possible to change to 特定技能1号 less than 1 year after entering the school, without waiting to graduate? (2) If it is possible, what points should be noted and what additional documents would be effective?

Can I change to 特定技能1号 before graduating, even if less than 1 year has passed since entering the school?

Yes, it is possible in principle.

What should I be careful about when applying for the change?

It is basically the same as an ordinary application to change to 特定技能1号. However, I think it is advisable to attach a written explanation (理由書) summarising how the change while still enrolled came about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change from 留学 to 特定技能1号 before graduating from a vocational school (専門学校)?

It is possible in principle.

When changing to 特定技能1号 while still enrolled, are there any additional documents I should submit?

It is basically the same as an ordinary change application, but I think it is advisable to attach a written explanation (理由書) summarising how the change came about.

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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. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.