【Must-Read for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services Holders!】Can You Switch to Specific Skills (Hotel Industry) After Resigning?
Can foreign nationals working under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services” (Gi-Jin-Koku) switch to the “Specific Skills (Hotel Industry)” visa after resigning? This article explains the characteristics of the Technical/Humanities/International Services Visa, the feasibility of switching jobs, and important points to note.
Characteristics of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services Visa
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services Visa is a work visa for foreign nationals who utilize advanced knowledge or skills to engage in specialized professional work.
It primarily covers jobs such as engineers, interpreters, administrative staff, marketers, designers, etc., and requires an employment contract with a company. Significant changes to the assigned department or job duties may be deemed non-compliant with visa requirements, making job content suitability crucial.
On the other hand, roles in the hotel industry such as “customer service, housekeeping, and restaurant operations” are often classified as general labor and generally cannot be performed under the Technical Intern Training Visa. Therefore, to work in the hotel industry, it is necessary to switch from the traditional Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services Visa to the “Specific Skills (Accommodation Field)” visa.
Can I switch to the Specified Skilled Worker (Hotel Industry) visa after resigning?
To answer directly, switching from a Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services visa to the Specified Skilled Worker (Hotel Industry) visa is possible. However, unlike the Technical Intern Training visa, the Specified Skilled Worker visa requires proof of “skills and knowledge enabling engagement in lodging services” within Japan.
Specifically, passing the “Lodging Industry Skills Assessment Test” and the “Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N4 or higher)” is required. This allows you to switch to the Specific Skills visa immediately after resigning from your current employer. Furthermore, as long as you are within your current visa period, you can apply for the visa change within Japan.
The Specific Skills visa permits a wide range of tasks, including guest services, housekeeping, restaurant work, and front desk duties. Therefore, it offers employment opportunities not only to those with prior hotel industry experience but also to inexperienced individuals who pass the required tests. For foreign nationals aiming to work in the hotel industry after resigning, it is a strong viable option.
Points to Note When Changing Jobs
When changing from a Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services visa to a Specified Skilled Worker visa to transition into the hotel industry, there are several important points to consider.
First, if you cannot secure employment immediately after resignation, the “job search period” allowed under your status of residence is approximately 3 months maximum. If you remain unemployed for an extended period, you risk being judged as “unfit for your status of residence.” Therefore, it is essential to begin job hunting as soon as possible.
Additionally, when changing to the Specified Skilled Worker visa, the hotel must have an acceptance plan and support system in place. Therefore, from the job search stage, confirm whether the hotel is Specified Skilled Worker compliant.
Furthermore, while the Specified Skilled Worker visa has no limit on the number of job changes, renewal may be denied if the employment situation or ongoing support is deemed inadequate. To ensure a successful job change, consulting with an administrative scrivener or support organization knowledgeable about the system is necessary.
Summary
Foreign nationals holding a Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services visa who resign must pass an examination and complete appropriate procedures to transition to the Specified Skilled Worker visa (hotel industry). However, numerous points require attention, such as post-resignation gaps in employment and the host company’s readiness. Understanding the system and securing job offers early are crucial.
