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）
It is not impossible, but compared with a change from other work-related statuses of residence, it tends to be screened more carefully. Her husband holds 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services), which is a stable status of residence, so if the marriage is genuine and she can show that the household can be maintained financially, there is a good chance that the change will be granted. Please apply promptly after leaving the job.
A reader living in Japan with 「特定技能1号」 is getting married, plans to leave her job, and wants to change to 「家族滞在」.
It tends to be screened more carefully than a change from other work-related statuses of residence, but it is not impossible.
To give the conclusion first, a change from 特定技能1号 to 家族滞在 generally tends to be screened more carefully than a change from other work-related statuses of residence. It is not, however, impossible.
「特定技能」 is a status of residence that was created to relieve labour shortages in particular industrial fields, and the activities it covers are limited. For that reason, a cautious approach is sometimes taken where a person living in Japan as 特定技能 changes that purpose partway through.
In this case, however, the change goes together with a clear change in personal status: marriage to a foreign national who holds a stable work-related status of residence (here, a husband with 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」). So there is a good chance that the change will be granted.
4 points: the genuineness of the marriage, the husband's ability to maintain the household, the need for the change and whether it makes sense, and the record of residence.
Put together a thorough set of documents showing the genuineness of the marriage, your husband's ability to maintain the household, and how you came to leave your job.
It is important to apply promptly after leaving your job, before a long period without work builds up.
You plan to leave in mid-September (9月中旬). It is important to apply for the change to 家族滞在 promptly after you leave. If the period without work becomes long, the change of status of residence may become difficult. There is still time before your present status of residence expires in March 2026 (2026年3月), so prepare calmly, but quickly.
Explain concretely and persuasively why you cannot continue the 特定技能 activity (the physical burden, your plans for the future, and so on). Make clear that your marriage with your husband is genuine and that you want to build a stable family life in Japan, and add in the 理由書 that your husband's ability to maintain the household is sufficient.
Never hide facts or make false statements. If this comes to light, not only will the application be denied, but living in Japan in future will become extremely difficult.
If the application for a change is denied, then as a rule you cannot continue living in Japan unless you have a valid status of residence at that point. First check the reasons for the denial in detail; if they can be resolved, consider applying again with additional supporting documents. If they cannot be resolved and there is no other way of staying, you have to leave Japan by the departure deadline.
It is not impossible. It tends to be screened more carefully than a change from other work-related statuses of residence, but where the change goes together with a change in personal status, such as marriage to a person who holds a stable status of residence, there is a good chance that it will be granted.
The genuineness and stability of the marriage, and the ability of your husband, as the person supporting you, to maintain the household. Screening also looks at the need for leaving your 特定技能 job and making the change, whether it makes sense, and your record of residence up to now.
If the period without work becomes long, the change may become difficult, so please apply promptly after you leave. Even where there is time before your status of residence expires, we recommend preparing quickly.
As a rule, you cannot continue living in Japan unless you have a valid status of residence at that point. First check the reasons for the denial; if they can be resolved, consider applying again with additional supporting documents. If they cannot be resolved, you have to leave Japan by the departure deadline.
Tell us your situation and we will answer it directly. Available in Japanese and English.
Get a free consultationThis 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.