What happens to my residence status if I become unemployed? How much time do I have to find a new job?

Okay, no problem. Losing your job is definitely stressful, especially when you're abroad. Don't worry, I'll break it down for you. Once it's clear, you'll know exactly what to do.

Don't Panic! Your Residence Status & Job Search Timeline After Unemployment in Japan - This Guide Has You Covered

Bro/Sis, first things first, don't panic. Losing your job in Japan does not mean your status of residence (what we commonly call a visa) is immediately invalidated, nor does it mean you have to pack up and leave the next day. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (commonly called "Immigration" or "Nyukan") gives us a grace period.

The Core Point: The Legendary "Three-Month Rule"

This is the most crucial part.

Simply put, if you are continuously inactive in the activities permitted by your current status of residence (e.g., if your visa is "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," the corresponding activity is "working") for three months or more after leaving your company, your status of residence may be revoked by Immigration.

"May" be revoked: Note, this isn't 100% absolute. If you can prove you're not just "lying flat" and slacking off, but are actively job hunting, Immigration will usually take that into consideration. But if you do nothing, it's very dangerous.
Start Date: This three-month period starts counting from the day after your last day of employment.

What You MUST Do After Losing Your Job (Very Important!)

Follow these steps, one by one. Don't lose your cool.

1. Report to Immigration Within 14 Days!

This is required by law and the most important step. Within 14 days of leaving your job, you must submit a document called the "Notification Regarding Contract Organization" (契約機関に関する届出) to Immigration, informing them that "I have left my previous company."

How to do it?
- Easiest: Do it online. Submit it directly through the "Immigration Services Agency of Japan Electronic Notification System" – it takes just a few minutes.
- Alternatively: Submit it in person at your local Immigration office window, or mail it in.
Why is it important?
- It's your legal obligation. Not doing it can have serious consequences.
- It also shows Immigration you "know the rules" and aren't trying to hide your situation.

2. Actively and Seriously Start Job Hunting

This is your main "task" during the three-month grace period. You need to demonstrate through action that you haven't given up on working in Japan.

Register at Hello Work (ハローワーク): This is Japan's Public Employment Security Office. Registering there not only gives you access to job listings but, more importantly, creates a valuable "official record" proving you are actively seeking employment.
Utilize various job sites and agencies: Such as LinkedIn, Indeed, doda, Rikunabi, etc. Cast a wide net with your applications.
Keep records of all job search activities: Save evidence like screenshots of application emails, interview notifications, communication records with recruiters, etc. If you ever need to explain your situation to Immigration later, these will be your "proof" and protection.

3. Report to Immigration Again After Finding a New Job

Congratulations! Once you find a new job, you also need to submit the "Notification Regarding Contract Organization" to Immigration again within 14 days, telling them "I've found a new employer!"

This secures your status of residence, and you can start your new job with peace of mind.

What If You Can't Find a Job Within Three Months?

This is everyone's biggest concern. If you're unlucky and haven't found a job after three months, is it game over?

Not necessarily!

As long as you can prove you have been actively and seriously looking for work (that's where your job search evidence comes in handy), Immigration usually won't immediately revoke your visa on day 91.

However, if your job search is likely to take longer, to be safe, you can consider applying to change your status of residence to "Designated Activities (Job Hunting)" (特定活動（就職活動）).

What is this? It's a visa specifically designed to allow you to "legally focus on job hunting."
How long is it valid? Usually 6 months.
Can it be renewed? Generally, it can be renewed once, giving you potentially up to 1 year total to find a job.
How to apply? Submit an application for change of status to Immigration before your current status expires, or sometime after leaving your job (e.g., around the 3-month mark). You'll need to submit documents like a letter of recommendation (usually from your graduated school or former company) and proof of your job hunting activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Does the new job have to be exactly the same as my previous one? A: No, it doesn't have to be identical, but it must fall within the scope of your current status of residence. For example, if you have an "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa and were previously an IT engineer, your new job could be a programmer, project manager, marketer, translator, etc., but it cannot be working as a chef or waiter in a restaurant.

Q2: My residence card is valid for several more years. Does the three-month rule still apply? A: Yes, it does! The validity period of your residence card (e.g., 3 or 5 years) and whether you are engaging in qualifying activities are two separate things. Even if your card has a long time before expiry, if you are continuously unemployed for 3 months (without a valid reason), your status of residence still risks being revoked.

Q3: Can I work part-time while unemployed? A: In principle, no. Your work visa is tied to your full-time professional job. If you want to do part-time work, you need to apply separately for "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (the same permit international students get). But crucially, even with this permit, part-time work does not count as engaging in the "activity permitted by your status of residence." Finding your main job is still the top priority.

To Summarize

Don't panic if unemployed – you have at least a 3-month grace period.
Within 14 days, immediately report your job loss online or at Immigration.
Take action immediately: Register at Hello Work, apply for jobs diligently, and keep all evidence.
Once you find a job, report your new employment to Immigration within 14 days.
If you can't find a job within the period, prove your active efforts and consider applying for the "Designated Activities (Job Hunting)" status at the appropriate time.

Losing your job is a hurdle, but it's also an opportunity to reassess your career path. Stay calm, handle the necessary procedures, and take proactive steps. Wishing you the best in finding your ideal job soon! Good luck!