Losing your job in Japan as a work visa holder can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean an immediate loss of your visa status. However, you must follow the correct procedures to maintain your legal status. Below, we’ll explain the steps you need to take, the potential visa issues, and how to stay in Japan during your job search.
- Reporting Your Job Loss to Immigration
- Can You Stay in Japan After Losing Your Job?
- What About Unemployment Benefits?
- Can You Work Part-Time After Losing Your Job?
- What Happens If You Find a New Job?
- What If You Can’t Find a New Job? Alternative Visa Options
- Additional Considerations for Job Loss
- Need Help Navigating Job Loss and Visa Issues?
Reporting Your Job Loss to Immigration
Upon losing your job, you must notify the Immigration Services Agency of Japan within 14 days. This is done through the “Contracting Organization Notification” (契約機関に関する届出).
You can complete this process online using the Immigration’s e-Notification system or submit it via post. Failure to report your job loss can result in fines or penalties, including shortened visa renewal periods.
Can You Stay in Japan After Losing Your Job?
Yes, you can remain in Japan for up to three months after losing your job, provided your visa is still valid. During this time, you can actively seek new employment without worrying about immediate visa cancellation. However, if you fail to find a new job within this three-month window, your visa could be subject to cancellation unless you can provide proof of continuous job-seeking activities.
To ensure that you’re covered, it’s a good idea to visit Hello Work (ハローワーク) early and obtain a job-seeking certificate (求職証明書). This document will serve as evidence that you are actively seeking employment and can be used to extend your stay through a “Designated Activities” (特定活動) visa for job hunting.
What About Unemployment Benefits?
Foreign nationals can receive unemployment benefits (失業手当) just like Japanese citizens, provided they demonstrate a genuine intent to find new employment. This requires registering at Hello Work and providing all necessary documentation.
If you were enrolled in Japan’s employment insurance (雇用保険), you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, your eligibility depends on whether your departure from the company is classified as voluntary (自己都合) or involuntary (会社都合).
In some cases, disputes arise between employees and employers regarding whether a departure is voluntary or involuntary. This distinction matters because it affects your eligibility for unemployment benefits and other visa-related processes, such as applying for part-time work permission or changing your visa to job-hunting status. The final decision is based on the wording in your “Employment Insurance Separation Notice” (雇用保険被保険者離職票). Even if you were dismissed, if the form states “personal reasons” (一身上の都合), Immigration will classify it as voluntary resignation. In such cases, you may need to file a dispute with Hello Work or discuss the issue directly with your employer.
To claim unemployment benefits, you will need the separation notice, a photo, a personal seal, and a bank book. Remember that you must demonstrate a willingness to seek employment by registering as a job seeker at Hello Work, just like Japanese nationals. Additionally, if your visa expires during the unemployment period, you will need to change your status to a “Short-Term Stay” or “Designated Activities” visa to continue receiving benefits and job hunt in Japan.
Can You Work Part-Time After Losing Your Job?
You cannot work part-time under a work visa unless you obtain a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted” (資格外活動許可). However, this permission is typically only granted if you were laid off due to company reasons (会社都合) rather than voluntary resignation (自己都合). If your job loss was involuntary, you may be allowed to take on part-time work while searching for full-time employment.
In cases where you do not find a new job within three months, it’s possible to switch to a “Designated Activities” visa specifically for job hunting. During this period, you may also be eligible to apply for permission to work part-time.
What Happens If You Find a New Job?
Once you secure a new job, you must again notify Immigration within 14 days using the Contracting Organization Notification process. Additionally, it is recommended that you apply for a “Certificate of Authorized Employment” (就労資格証明書). This certificate confirms that your new employment complies with your visa status, helping to avoid complications during future visa renewals.
What If You Can’t Find a New Job? Alternative Visa Options
If you are unable to find a new job within the given time frame, you may consider applying for a different visa type:
- Designated Activities Visa (特定活動ビザ – Job Hunting Purpose) – If you need more time to find a new job, you may qualify for a job-seeking visa, which allows you to stay in Japan for up to 6 months while searching for employment.
- Spouse Visa (配偶者ビザ) – If you are married to a Japanese national or a permanent resident, you may be eligible.
- Student Visa (留学ビザ) – Enrolling in a Japanese language school or university can be an option.
- Business Manager Visa (経営管理ビザ) – If you plan to start your own business in Japan.
Each visa type has specific requirements. Contact an immigration lawyer to see if you qualify.
Additional Considerations for Job Loss
- Job Seeking Documentation: During the three-month grace period for job searching, obtaining proof of active job seeking (求職証明書) from Hello Work is crucial to protect your visa status.
- Part-Time Work: If you plan to take on part-time work during your unemployment, remember that the type of work must align with your visa. For instance, those holding an “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa cannot work in roles involving manual labor, such as convenience store jobs or factory work. If your departure was involuntary, you may apply for a work permit allowing you to engage in such activities.
- Visa Extension: If your visa expires during your job search, you will need to switch to a “Short-Term Stay” or “Designated Activities” visa to stay in Japan and continue seeking employment.
- Temporary Visitor Visa (短期滞在ビザ) If you are unable to secure a new job or switch to another visa, leaving Japan and re-entering under a Temporary Visitor Visa (短期滞在ビザ) may be an option. However, this visa is strictly for tourism, short-term business, or visiting family. You cannot work on this visa, and switching from a work visa to a Temporary Visitor Visa while staying in Japan is generally not allowed. If you are considering this option, plan ahead by securing necessary documents and consulting with an immigration specialist before departing Japan.
Need Help Navigating Job Loss and Visa Issues?
Losing your job while holding a work visa in Japan can be stressful. If you’re unsure about your options or need assistance with a visa change, we can help.
Tanabe Immigration Office offers expert support in English and Japanese, from visa extensions to status changes. Contact us for a free consultation!
