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）
You can file an 在留資格変更許可申請 (Application for Change of Status of Residence) to 「特定活動」 (Designated Activities) for the purpose of "preparing to move to 特定技能1号". However, the explanation in the original article was not consistent about whether you may work at the new company during that period, so this article does not state it as a fact. Please check with the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) before you start work.
A person working at a restaurant under 「特定活動」 who wants to move to 在留資格「特定技能1号」 in vehicle maintenance.
If you can show that you have passed the test and that an employment contract has been concluded, a change to 「特定活動」 for up to 6 months is allowed.
Preparing the documents for 特定技能 and joining the council normally takes time. If the expiration date of your current 「特定活動」 (restaurant) is approaching, consider the following procedure.
The explanation in the original article was not consistent, so this article does not state whether work is allowed.
This is the most important point. On this point, however, the original article said at the start that "work is not allowed", while the main text said that "work for up to 6 months is allowed". The two explanations do not agree. For that reason, this article does not state whether you may work at the new maintenance workshop during the 「特定活動」 for preparing the move.
What is certain is that you can work once permission to change to 「特定技能1号」 has formally been granted and you have your new 在留カード (Residence Card) in your hand.
Note that under 特定技能1号 you cannot work by applying for 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted). Whether you may work under the 「特定活動」 for preparing the move depends on the contents of the status of residence that is granted, so please check with the 地方出入国在留管理局 before you start work.
Make joining the council your first priority, and time your resignation on the basis that there will be a waiting period with no pay.
To move across smoothly, it is very important to plan your schedule on the basis that there will be a "gap with no job (and no pay)". Start by pressing the company to join the council and to draw up the employment contract early. This article is based on information as of March 2026. Please check the website of the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and similar sources for the latest information.
It is possible if your university major was in engineering or another field related to "technology", but if in practice you will only do maintenance work, 特定技能 is the better fit.
If you have graduated from a university and your major was in engineering or another field related to "technology", then even without a 整備士2級 (second-class vehicle mechanic qualification), 在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) may be possible, provided the company taking you on has a solid, structured career plan for you to aim at becoming a 整備主任者 (chief mechanic) within 3 years.
However, if in practice you will only do maintenance work, 「特定技能」 is the better fit after all.
If you have passed the test and can show that your new job is settled (that an employment contract has been concluded), a change to 「特定活動」 for up to 6 months is allowed as a preparation period.
You need to apply before you leave your current job, or before your current period of stay expires.
Once permission to change to 「特定技能1号」 has formally been granted and you have your new 在留カード in your hand. Whether you may work before that depends on the contents of the status of residence that is granted, so please check with the 地方出入国在留管理局.
Joining (or applying to join) the council run by the 国土交通省. It is compulsory before the 特定技能 application and takes time, so ask the accepting company to start early.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.