How Do You Change A Tourist Visa To A Work Visa Without Leaving Japan?
You came to Japan on a tourist visa, and while you were here you happened to find a job. There are a lot of rumors out there saying you ‘have to leave Japan’ in order to change your temporary tourist 90 day visa into a work visa. Not so. You can change the visa rather easily at your local immigration office. You cannot do any of this until AFTER you have received the “Certificate of Eligibility” (COE) from the Japanese government. You will get this after your employer files the necessary paperwork on your behalf. First, find the nearest immigration office in your area. Before you go there, download and print the “Request for Permission to Change Status” application from the Immigration Website. (See resources below) Fill it out accurately and neatly. You will need to affix the appropriate sized passport photo to it. Go to the immigration office and take a number. When you are called to the window, submit the following: Application with Photo, Passport, Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
