RResidents in Japan

Quitting with HSP permit; no new job – what are my options?

  • November 14, 2025

Hi everyone!

I changed industries and jobs in July and found myself in a black company that pays well but is sucking my life energy out. I have overtime every day, daily harassment, no work-life balance. My mental health is non-existent, and my physical health is degrading fast.

I am finishing my 4th month at that company this month, and I decided that I can no longer stay at the company. I am looking for jobs in the meantime, but I definitely won't have any offer by the end of the month.

I currently hold a highly skilled professional permit that is tied to my employer, so once I quit, I lose my residence permit. As far as I understand, I might have up to 3 months of stay on my current permit if I present a valid reason to immigration (6) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/torikeshi_00002.html

Options I am currently considering but not sure about yet since I haven't checked with immigration (line always busy):

A) Notifying immigration about the end of my contract and intention to find a new job within 3 months.

B) If I don't find a job within the next 3 months, apply for the change of residence status (dependent) and continue job-hunting while the application is processed. I hear that processing might take long if I have years left on my current permit (I have 5 years to go…)

Concerns I have regarding my options:

  1. Option A: Case not being considered as valid and losing my current permit immediately (dependent route is not my no. 1 preference).

  2. Option B: If I get an offer during the processing time, would I be able to withdraw my dependent application and apply for another work permit?

  3. Option B: I heard from a recruiter that going back to a work permit from a dependent permit takes forever, and employers would rather hire someone from abroad.

I’m curious to know if anyone can share their experience with a similar situation.

by Happy-Demand2607

4 comments

  1. It is worth noting that with the HSP status, your status is tied specifically to that employer, so when you quit, you’ll need to look at either reapplying for the HSP status with a new (hypothetical) employer (i.e., filing a change of status from HSP to HSP) or changing to a new status of residence entirely. Either way, you’ll need to file for the change of status application, and if you’re going through Shinagawa, it has been taking upwards of 3 months lately.

  2. Note that the 3 month rule is the minimum before immigration can begin deportation proceedings. If they think you’re abusing the period there’s nothing stopping them from denying future applications.

    If you’re eligible for a dependent status I don’t see why you wouldn’t apply for that immediately after quitting your job, as you’ll need to apply for a new status to start a new job anyway.

  4. don’t quit! go see a doctor. you need to take a rest. you need to become healthy before quitting. you can take a leave for Up to 18 months while keeping 66% of your salary

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