Switching to a Highly Skilled Professional Visa in Japan Right After Changing Jobs: Work History Requirements and Legal Proof

This article is written by a Japanese local.

“I have just changed jobs and have no work history at my new company yet. Can I still apply to switch to a Highly Skilled Professional visa right now?”

This question frequently arises among foreign nationals working in Japan under standard work visas (such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services) when they switch employers for career advancement or salary increases.

To state the conclusion directly: Even immediately after changing jobs (on Day 1 of employment or during a probation period), you can apply for a Highly Skilled Professional visa without any prior work history at the new company.

This article provides a comprehensive practical guide explaining the legal mechanisms of Japanese immigration regarding why no work history is required, key points during probation periods, required documentation from your new employer, and impacts on Permanent Residency applications.

1. Conclusion: Switching to an HSP Visa is Possible Right After Changing Jobs with Zero Work History

In the screening process for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan evaluates **”prospective activity for the upcoming 12 months (expected annual salary and job responsibilities)”** rather than past work history at the new employer.

Therefore, immigration accepts and reviews Applications for Change of Status of Residence immediately after joining a new company—or even right before formal onboard (at the job offer stage after executing an employment contract).

• Applying on Day 1 of Employment: Possible (Annual income is proven via the new employment contract)
• Applying During Probation Period: Possible (As long as full-time regular employment is intended)
• Minimum Tenure at Previous Employer: None (Leaving a previous job in less than 1 year does not negatively impact screening)

2. The 3 Major Proof Points for Applications Submitted Right After Changing Jobs

While prior work history is not required, immigration examiners strictly verify the certainty of the contractual terms with your new employer. You must address the following three points in your submission:

Point 1: Subantiating Expected Annual Remuneration (Upcoming 12 Months)

Salary points under the HSP point system are calculated based on **”guaranteed annual income to be paid by the new employer over the next year,”** rather than past tax slips. You must submit an employment contract or an official “Certificate of Expected Annual Income” explicitly detailing basic salary, guaranteed bonuses, and executive compensation.

Point 2: Eliminating Salary Reduction or Termination Risks During Probation

If your contract contains clauses such as “Salary is reduced to 80% during probation” or “Regular employment decision will be made after probation,” points must be calculated based on the reduced probation salary, risking a drop below the 70/80-point thresholds. Contractual wording must clarify that full compensation is paid during probation and that transition to regular employment is automatic barring extraordinary grounds for termination.

Point 3: Fulfilling Departure Notifications for the Previous Employer

Immigration checks whether you submitted the mandatory “Notification Right Concerning the Contracting Organization (Left Organization)” within 14 days of leaving your previous employer. Neglecting this notification is treated as a compliance infraction, which can delay or cause the rejection of your visa application.

3. Essential Document Package for Post-Job Change Applications

To ensure a smooth approval process immediately after changing jobs, prepare the following document package:

• 1. Copy of Employment Contract / Notice of Employment Terms with New Employer: Explicitly stating salary, bonuses, and job responsibilities.
• 2. Certificate of Expected Annual Income Issued by New Employer: Substantiating projected earnings for the upcoming 12 months.
• 3. Category Proof Documents for New Employer: Total Table of Statutory Withholding Slips, corporate registration certificates, or stock exchange listings.
• 4. Certificate of Resignation from Previous Employer (or Copy of Separation Slip): Proving lawful termination of previous employment.
• 5. HSP Point Calculation Sheet and Supporting Evidentiary Material: Diplomas, JLPT certificates, past work history certificates, etc.

4. Frequently Asked Practical Questions and Edge Cases (Q&A)

Q1. Can I apply for Permanent Residency after 1 year if I switch to an HSP visa right after changing jobs?

A. Yes, absolutely. Once you switch to an HSP visa with 80 points, you gain the right to apply for Permanent Residency after maintaining that status for 1 year at your new employer. As an advanced legal strategy, if you can retroactively prove that you already maintained 80+ points 1 year ago (including during your previous employment), you can legally apply for PR almost immediately after switching to the HSP visa.

Q2. Is it necessary to submit the tax slip (showing a lower salary) from my previous employer?

A. Submitted for tax compliance verification, but it does not affect salary points. Previous tax slips or taxation certificates are requested to confirm that you met past tax obligations (no unpaid resident tax). Because HSP salary points are evaluated based on your prospective earnings at the new company, a lower income at your previous job has no negative impact on point calculation.

5. Conclusion: Precision in Your New Contract is Key, Not Work History

Even immediately after changing jobs, you can successfully switch to a Highly Skilled Professional visa without needing prior work history at your new company. The critical key to approval is ensuring that the employment contract and expected income certificates provided by your new employer perfectly fulfill immigration requirements regarding guaranteed remuneration and professional responsibilities for the upcoming year.

If you require expert guidance on switching to an HSP visa following a job change or designing a strategic pathway toward Permanent Residency, consulting with a legal specialist in Japanese immigration practice is highly recommended.