Short answer: Holders of Highly Skilled Professional Type 1 who change organisation or activity content generally must apply to Immigration for permission to change status of residence; a simple extension is not enough. The new role must still fall within one of the three HSP activity types, and points must be recalculated to confirm they remain at least 70 (or 80 if that is the target). Changing jobs without a plan can create a status gap or interrupt the permanent-residence timeline.
Why is a job change not only an employment matter?
HSP Type 1 is more tightly linked to a designated organisation and designated activities. Changing employer or main duties is usually treated as a change-of-status event, requiring the new contract, job description and points evidence for review. Starting the new job without permission can amount to unauthorised activity or a condition breach. See Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa HSP.
How do points change on a job move?
Points are calculated at the time of the application (or change) from education, salary, experience, age, Japanese ability and other items. A lower salary band can cost 5–10 points; a role that no longer fits the original activity type can put the whole status at risk. Applicants targeting 80 points and a one-year PR path must confirm they can still maintain 80 after the move.
What should be checked before resigning?
Confirm the new role’s activity type, expected salary and a fresh points calculation; prepare the employment contract, job description, salary evidence and existing bonus documents (Japanese certificates, degrees); align Immigration timing so the old status does not expire before the new permission; if a PR application is pending, assess whether the move affects continuity. Business-management cases must also reflect standards revised from October 2025.
Job-change checklist
| Check | Focus |
|---|---|
| Activity type | New role still within one of the three HSP types |
| Points | Still ≥70 after the change (or ≥80 if targeted) |
| Procedure | Change of status required? |
| Documents | Contract, salary, bonus evidence complete |
| Permanent residence | Risk of interrupting 70/80-point continuity |
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
Do not accept a clearly lower salary or a vaguely defined role when your score is only just above 70. Coordinate the job change and the status application on one timeline; where possible, secure the offer and documents before resigning. Those in an 80-point PR countdown should run a written points comparison and risk assessment first. Use counsel familiar with HSP change-of-status filings to reduce RFEs and gaps.
Data current as of October 2026.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.