In Japan, if your preparations to move to Specified Skilled Worker (i) (特定技能1号) will not be finished before your period of stay expires, there is a “Designated Activities (6 months, work permitted)” (特定活動（6月・就労可）) status that lets you prepare while working at the company you plan to work for. The Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁, ISA) presents it as the Designated Activities for “those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)'”, and it is commonly called “Designated Activities (Preparation for Transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i))” (特定活動（特定技能1号移行準備）). Conditions include having passed the skills test and the Japanese language test. The period of stay is 6 months, it can be extended only once and only when there are unavoidable circumstances, and the fee is 18,000 yen at the counter (15,000 yen online).
The contents were checked on October 15, 2026 against the pages and materials of the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).
What is Designated Activities (preparation for transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i))?
This Designated Activities is a temporary status of residence for people who want to change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) but cannot finish preparing their application before their period of stay expires. It lets you continue preparing while working at the company where you plan to work as Specified Skilled Worker (i).
The ISA explains it as follows.
- It is for people who wish to change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) and need time to prepare the transition, for example because they cannot gather the documents required for the application by the expiry date of their period of stay.
- The period of stay is 6 months. This applies to applications filed on or after January 9 of Reiwa 6; before that, it was 4 months. Older explanations that say “4 months” differ from the current handling.
- The period spent with this status of residence is counted in the total period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (maximum 5 years).
You can work only at the accepting organization named in the application. When permission is granted, you receive a “designation document” (指定書; a paper stating the name of the company you may work for, etc.) together with your residence card. The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines (入国・在留審査要領; immigration’s internal examination standards, disclosed through an information disclosure request) show a format in which the name and head office address of the accepting organization are written on the designation document. The work is limited to work similar to the work planned under Specified Skilled Worker (i).
Note that even if this Designated Activities is granted, it does not mean you have been found to meet the standards for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Note 3 of the explanatory statement). The examination for Specified Skilled Worker (i) is carried out separately later.
How the total period of stay is counted is explained in the following article.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)’)”, Q&A on the Specified Skilled Worker System (Q51), Explanatory statement (reference form), Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines, Part 12)
Checking whether you can use it: who is and is not eligible
Check whether you can use it with the following 4 questions. If the answer to even one of them is “No”, you cannot use this Designated Activities, or you need to consider a different option.
Sources: Created by the editorial team (based on Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker” (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/10_00025.html) and other sources)
Items 1 to 4 in the diagram are as follows.
- Have you passed the tests? You must have passed the skills test and the Japanese language test. This includes cases where the tests are waived, such as for people who have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii). The ISA warns that people who have not passed the tests do not meet the requirements.
- Is your total period of stay 4 years and 6 months or less? This Designated Activities assumes that you will change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) after permission. Therefore, people whose total period of stay as Specified Skilled Worker (i) exceeds 4 years and 6 months are not eligible. It is recommended that you have 8 months or more left of the total period of stay.
- Is it outside the food service industry field? In the food service industry field, changes to this Designated Activities are not permitted in principle. The exceptions are explained in a later section.
- Is there a reasonable reason why you cannot apply for Specified Skilled Worker (i) before your period of stay expires? The ISA has in mind cases such as being unable to gather the documents required for the application by the expiry date. The ISA, in the context of extensions, gives examples where an application to join a council (協議会; an industry organization for each field) or an application for approval of the “Construction Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan” (建設特定技能受入計画) in the construction field is taking time. If your documents are ready, apply directly for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i). Practical examples for people who have already left their previous company are explained in the section on changing jobs.
The 7 requirements
The ISA page lists 7 requirements.
| No. | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | There is a reasonable reason why it is difficult to apply for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) by the expiry date of the period of stay |
| 2 | The applicant plans to apply for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) in order to do Specified Skilled Worker (i) work at the accepting organization named in the application |
| 3 | The applicant will do work similar to the work planned under Specified Skilled Worker (i) |
| 4 | The pay is the same as the amount planned to be paid under Specified Skilled Worker (i), and is equal to or higher than what a Japanese person doing the same work would receive |
| 5 | The applicant has passed the required skills test and Japanese language test (including exemptions such as for those who satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii)) |
| 6 | The accepting organization, or the organization it plans to entrust support to, is expected to properly provide support for daily life, etc. |
| 7 | The accepting organization is expected to accept the applicant appropriately |
In the automobile transportation business field, a valid Japanese driver’s license is also required. Taxi drivers and bus drivers must also have completed the new driver training.
The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines state that, regarding pay, if the company already employs Specified Skilled Workers, it is also checked whether the pay is not significantly lower than theirs. They also state that an accepting organization is recognized as a dispatching organization only in the agriculture and fishery fields, and only when it is an organization found appropriate under the system.
The judgment may differ depending on the company’s situation. If you are unsure, consult a specialist.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)’)”, Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines, Part 12)
Application process and required documents
You apply as an application for Permission to change status of residence (在留資格変更許可申請) at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (地方出入国在留管理官署) that has jurisdiction over the area where you live. You must apply before your period of stay expires.
- Sign an employment contract with the company where you plan to work as Specified Skilled Worker (i), and gather the documents
- Apply before your period of stay expires, and when permission is granted, receive your residence card and designation document
- Within the 6 months, gather the documents for Specified Skilled Worker (i) and apply for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i)
If you apply before your period of stay expires, you can stay in Japan with your current status of residence until the result is out (up to 2 months from the expiry date) (the special period, 特例期間).
Documents to submit
- Application for Permission to change status of residence, 1 photo, passport and residence card (to be presented)
- Explanatory statement prepared by the accepting organization (ISA reference form; how to fill it in is explained in the next section)
- Copies of the employment contract, employment conditions statement, etc.
- Documents proving that you passed (or were exempted from) the tests (the same as those submitted with an application for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i))
- In the automobile transportation business field, a copy of the driver’s license (for taxis and buses, also a document certifying completion of the new driver training)
How to fill in the employment contract and employment conditions statement is explained in the following article.
Points for filling in the application form
The key points of the ISA’s filled-in example are as follows.
- In “13 Desired status of residence”, write “Designated Activities” (特定活動), and write a period of stay of 6 months or less.
- In “14 Reason for change”, write “For preparation for transition to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)'” (「特定技能1号」への移行準備のため).
- In “17 Activities”, mark “⑪ Others”.
- In “Type of contract” in the part to be filled in by the affiliated organization, etc., select “Employment”. Employment is the only form allowed for this Designated Activities.
Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Application for Permission to change status of residence: filled-in example”
Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Application for Permission to change status of residence: filled-in example”
Who submits the application
Besides the applicant, the application can also be submitted by, for example, a staff member of the organization employing the applicant who has been approved as an application agent (申請等取次者), or by a gyoseishoshi lawyer or attorney who has filed the required notification.
Examination period
The examination period for this Designated Activities alone has not been published, but the examination is often completed within 1 month. However, the ISA has issued a caution that there are many applications for this Designated Activities and the examination period is getting longer.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)’)”, Filled-in example of the application for Permission to change status of residence, Application for Permission to change status of residence (procedure guide), Special period)
How to fill in the explanatory statement (reference form)
The explanatory statement is prepared by the accepting organization and answers each of the 7 requirements one by one. The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines state that the requirements are checked using each field of the explanatory statement, the employment contract, and other documents.
Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Explanatory statement (reference form)”
Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Explanatory statement (reference form)”
The numbers in the images are the same as the field numbers in the text.
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| 1 Circumstances preventing the application | Freely write the reason why you cannot apply for Specified Skilled Worker (i) before the period of stay expires |
| 2 Field and work category | Mark “Applicable” and write the name of the specified industrial field and the work category |
| 3 Similar work | Mark whether the work will be similar to the work planned under Specified Skilled Worker (i) |
| 4 Same pay | Mark whether the pay is the same as that planned under Specified Skilled Worker (i) and equal to or higher than that of a Japanese person |
| 5 Passing the tests | Mark “Applicable” and write the number from (1) test passer, (2) person who satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii), (3) graduate of a training institution for certified care workers, (4) EPA certified care worker candidate (who completed 4 years) |
| 6 Expected support | The fields to fill in depend on whether the company provides support itself or entrusts it to a registered support organization. If the company provides support itself, show that it falls under either (1) a record of accepting and managing foreign nationals in the past 2 years, or (2) appointing officers or employees with experience in life consultation as the person in charge and staff. If support is entrusted, mark (3) (for how to handle (1) and (2), see “Points to note when filling it in” below) |
| 7 Appropriate acceptance | Mark items such as compliance with labor, social insurance, and tax laws, and not falling under the grounds for disqualification |
Example of how to fill in field 1
The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines state that the “reasonable reason” is checked from what is written in field 1. Write specifically which procedure is involved, since when, and how far it has progressed. The following is an example written by the editorial team, using a procedure the ISA gives as an example in the context of extensions (an application to join a council) (the dates are placeholders).
Our company applied on date, Reiwa ○ to join the council required for accepting Specified Skilled Worker (i), but the membership procedure is not expected to be completed by the expiry date of the period of stay (date, Reiwa ○). As soon as membership is completed, we will promptly apply for Permission to change status of residence to Specified Skilled Worker (i).
In the construction field, write the date of the application for approval of the Construction Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan and the fact that approval has not yet been granted.
Points to note when filling it in
- If you write anything untrue in the explanatory statement, the company may become unable to accept Specified Skilled Workers and others, as having committed a wrongful act related to the Immigration Control Act (Note 2 of the explanatory statement).
- Field 6 is designed so that it is enough to fall under any one of (1) to (3) (the opening text of field 6 on the form). (1) and (2) are the fields for when the accepting organization provides support itself, and (3) is the field for when support is entrusted to a registered support organization. If support is entrusted, mark (3) and write the name and registration number of the registered support organization. The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines state that, depending on what is written, it is also checked against the register of registered support organizations.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Explanatory statement (reference form)”, Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)’), Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines, Part 12)
Using it while changing jobs or after leaving your previous company (bridging from Specified Skilled Worker (i))
There are also situations where a person with Specified Skilled Worker (i) uses this Designated Activities when changing companies. This is when the Specified Skilled Worker (i) documents for the new company (such as joining a council) will not be ready before the period of stay expires.
First, as a premise, a person with Specified Skilled Worker (i) needs Permission to change status of residence to change jobs. The Operational Guidelines state that while the change application is pending, you cannot work at the company you plan to move to.
Sources: Created by the editorial team (based on Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker” (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/10_00025.html) and the Operational Guidelines (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001468647.pdf))
The flow of ① to ⑤ in the diagram is as follows.
- Work as Specified Skilled Worker (i) at the previous company.
- Leave the previous company. When the contract ends, you and the previous company must each notify immigration within 14 days. Periods without work are also counted in the total of 5 years. If you do not work for 3 months or more without a legitimate reason, your status of residence may be subject to revocation.
- Sign a contract with the new company and apply for a change to this Designated Activities. Apply before your period of stay expires. Plan things so that you do not start working at the new company until permission is granted and you receive a designation document stating the new company’s name.
- After permission, you can work only at the new company. Within the 6 months, gather the documents for Specified Skilled Worker (i).
- Apply for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i). If permitted, you can work at the new company as Specified Skilled Worker (i). A fee is charged for each of steps 4 and 5.
In the food service industry field, it is stated that applications filed by people with Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry in connection with a job change, etc. are examined as usual (see the later section “Handling in the food service industry”).
Cases where it was permitted even with time left before the period of stay expired (our office’s practice)
What the ISA has in mind for this Designated Activities is, in principle, cases where the application for Specified Skilled Worker (i) will not be ready before the period of stay expires.
However, in practice, this Designated Activities may be permitted even though there was still time left before the period of stay expired, when the person had already left the previous company, was suddenly hired by a new company, and preparing the new company’s documents (such as the council membership procedure) was taking time. This is not a use the ISA has officially explained; it was decided based on individual circumstances. Even in similar circumstances, permission is not guaranteed, so consult a specialist before applying.
Think of it as “a one-time means of securing a grace period”
- You cannot, in principle, change companies again. Changing companies while you hold this Designated Activities and applying for this Designated Activities again is not allowed in principle, except where there are unavoidable circumstances. Unavoidable circumstances are limited to cases where you can no longer work at the previous company for reasons that are not your responsibility. The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines give cases such as leaving due to the company’s circumstances as examples, and state that documents showing this are required.
- It can be extended only once. A second extension is not allowed.
If you can no longer work due to unavoidable circumstances such as the company’s bankruptcy, and you have not yet passed the test for the field you want to move to, check the “employment continuation support” Designated Activities in the next section.
The overall flow of changing jobs is summarized in the following article.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)’)”, Operational Guidelines on the Acceptance of Specified Skilled Workers, Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines, Part 12)
Differences from other Designated Activities (employment continuation support, preparation for the specified automobile transportation business, and preparation for (ii))
The ISA lists 4 Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker. The main differences are whether you have passed the tests, and what the period is for.
| Item | Transition preparation (i) | Employment continuation support | Preparation for the specified automobile transportation business | Preparation for (ii) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main target | People who have passed the tests for (i) (including exemptions) and cannot apply for (i) before the period of stay expires | People who can no longer work due to unavoidable circumstances and have not yet passed the tests for (i), etc. | People aiming for (i) in the automobile transportation business who have not yet obtained a Japanese driver’s license or completed the new driver training | People who have passed the tests for (ii), meet the practical experience requirement, and cannot apply for (ii) before the period of stay expires |
| Period of stay | 6 months | 1 year | Trucks 6 months, taxis and buses 1 year | 6 months |
| Extension | Once, when there are unavoidable circumstances | Up to 2 times in certain cases | Not possible | Once, when there are unavoidable circumstances |
| Permitted activities | Work similar to the work planned under (i) | Work at the planned place of employment after the transition | Related work such as procedures to obtain a license, taking training, and cleaning vehicles | Work similar to the work planned under (ii) |
The treatment of the total period of stay also differs. The period of transition preparation (i) is counted in the total period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (i), but the period of preparation for the specified automobile transportation business is not.
Employment continuation support also requires, among other things, that the accepting organization has “a record of accepting Specified Skilled Workers for a total of 1 year or more”. Check the detailed requirements on the ISA page.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker”, “Designated Activities” (employment continuation support), “Designated Activities” (preparation for the specified automobile transportation business), Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (ii)’))
Handling in the food service industry (operation of the acceptance cap)
Because the food service industry field was approaching its acceptance cap, the ISA announced its handling on March 27, 2026 (Reiwa 8). Applications to change to this Designated Activities in the food service industry field are not permitted in principle.
However, the following 3 are examined as usual.
- Applications from people staying as Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry field (applications in connection with a job change, etc.)
- Applications from people who completed Technical Intern Training (meal production work at medical and welfare facilities)
- Applications received before April 13, 2026 (Reiwa 8) for which an application to join the Food Industry Specified Skills Council was made by March 27, 2026 (Reiwa 8)
On the other hand, the ISA states that it may guide people whose period of stay is likely to expire before their turn comes for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) (food service industry field) to change to this Designated Activities (food service industry field), etc. According to the examination status posted on October 19, 2026, changes from this Designated Activities to Specified Skilled Worker (i) (food service industry field) are being permitted as soon as the examination is completed as usual for applications received up to September 30, 2026 (Reiwa 8). The examination status is updated, so check the ISA page before applying.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Operation of the acceptance cap in the Specified Skilled Worker ‘food service industry field'”, Examination status of residence applications for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (food service industry field))
Points to note on extensions, deadlines, and costs
Extension If your preparations for Specified Skilled Worker (i) are not finished within 6 months, you can apply for an extension of the period of stay. However, this is allowed only once, when unavoidable circumstances are recognized. If other procedures are taking time, such as joining a council or approval of the Construction Specified Skilled Worker Acceptance Plan, submit documents showing that the procedure is in progress (such as a copy of the screen showing the application number). The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines also state that, if documents showing a procedure in progress are submitted, the case may basically be treated as having unavoidable circumstances.
Deadline A second extension is not possible. Work backward to plan your preparation schedule so that you can submit the application for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) within the 6 months. If it looks like you will not make it in time, consult a specialist early.
Cost The fee for a change of status of residence depends on the permitted period of stay. This Designated Activities (6 months) falls under “more than 3 months and up to 6 months”, and for applications received on or after October 1, 2026, the fees are as follows.
| Permitted period of stay | Category | Counter | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | More than 3 months and up to 6 months | 18,000 yen | 15,000 yen |
When you later change to Specified Skilled Worker (i), a separate fee according to the permitted period of stay is also charged. In other words, you pay the fee twice. The fees as a whole are explained in the following article.
→ [From October 2026 Visa extension and change fees rise to up to 75,000 yen: the new fee table and how to pay](https://kisaragi-office.com/immigration_journal/en/archives/4367)
Notifications If you move while holding this status of residence, you must file a notification of your new place of residence. You also need to file a notification when details on your residence card other than your place of residence change.
(Sources: Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)’)”, Application for Permission to change status of residence (procedure guide), Revision of fees (on or after October 1, 2026), Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines, Part 12)
Frequently asked questions
Q1 Joining the council will not be finished before my Technical Intern Training ends. Can I use this?
A If you meet the requirements, you can also apply to change from Technical Intern Training to this Designated Activities. However, the ISA states that after completing Technical Intern Training you cannot work until you receive permission to change, and asks that applications to change from Technical Intern Training be filed at least 2 months before the planned start of work. First, prepare early for the change to Specified Skilled Worker (i).
Q2 Can international students use it?
A The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines describe the target as “people who plan to apply for Permission to change status of residence to Specified Skilled Worker (i)” and do not limit the current status of residence. Other requirements, such as passing the tests, also apply.
Q3 Can I get a second extension, or apply again with a different company?
A A second extension is not possible. Applying again after changing to a different company is not allowed in principle, except where you can no longer work at the previous company for reasons that are not your responsibility.
Q4 Can I bring my family?
A Under Specified Skilled Worker (i), bringing family members is not allowed in principle. The Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines state that the spouse and children of a person with this Designated Activities are also handled in line with the exceptional handling of family members of Specified Skilled Worker (i) (such as a child born in Japan to parents who both hold Specified Skilled Worker (i)).
(Sources: Q&A on the Specified Skilled Worker System, Examination status of residence applications for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (food service industry field), Operational Guidelines on the Acceptance of Specified Skilled Workers, Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines, Part 12)
Summary
- This Designated Activities is a “6-month bridge” used by people who have passed the tests when their preparations for Specified Skilled Worker (i) will not be ready before the period of stay expires. You can work only at the company named in the application.
- It can be extended only once, when there are unavoidable circumstances, and in principle you cannot change companies again. In the food service industry field, it is not permitted in principle.
- This period is also counted in the total of 5 years for Specified Skilled Worker (i). The ISA asks that, as far as possible, people apply directly for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (i).
Whether you can use it and the order of preparations depend on the situation of the company and the person. If you are unsure, consult a specialist.
Primary Sources Referenced in Article Creation
- Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (i)’)”
- Immigration Services Agency, “Explanatory statement (for ‘Designated Activities’ for those planning to apply for Specified Skilled Worker (i))” reference form
- Immigration Services Agency, “Application for Permission to change status of residence: filled-in example”
- Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker”
- Immigration Services Agency, “When it is difficult to continue activities due to unavoidable circumstances (‘Designated Activities’ (employment continuation support))”
- Immigration Services Agency, “‘Designated Activities’ (preparation for the specified automobile transportation business)”
- Immigration Services Agency, “Designated Activities related to Specified Skilled Worker (for those who wish to move to ‘Specified Skilled Worker (ii)’)”
- Immigration Services Agency, “Operation of the acceptance cap in the Specified Skilled Worker ‘food service industry field'” (March 27, 2026)
- Immigration Services Agency, “Examination status of residence applications for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (food service industry field)” (posted October 19, 2026)
- Immigration Services Agency, “Application for Permission to change status of residence”
- Immigration Services Agency, “Revision of fees”
- Immigration Services Agency, “Q&A on the Specified Skilled Worker System”
- Immigration Services Agency, “Operational Guidelines on the Acceptance of Specified Skilled Workers”
- Immigration and Residence Examination Guidelines, Part 12 “Status of Residence” (materials disclosed through an information disclosure request)
This article is a translation of the original Japanese version.
